Living in Fargo, ND
Fargo is the 215th-largest city in the US, home to about 136,000 people in 2025. It is growing fast: up 8.2% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (90.9 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 136,275+8.2% since 2020
- Median home value
- $281,9004.2 years of median income
- Median rent
- $946/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $66,998median, per year
- Price level
- 90.9US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 18° / 82°lows 0° / 59°
- Average commute
- 16 min10% work from home
- State income tax
- 2.5%top rate, graduated
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County: Cass County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 906 ft
Metro area: Fargo, ND-MN
Cost of living in Fargo
The median home in Fargo is worth $281,900 and the median household earns $66,998 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.2 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $946 a month, about 17% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Fargo, ND-MN metro area at 90.9, with housing at 81.1 and goods at 95.7 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $68,200 here. North Dakota taxes wages at a top rate of 2.5%. The average combined state and local sales tax in North Dakota is 7.09%.
What would my salary be worth in Fargo?
Fargo weather
Average highs run from 18°F in January to 82°F in July, and January nights average 0°F. It gets 24 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 51 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 172 times a year. The most comfortable months are May to September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Fargo
People and work
The median resident is 31.8 years old, and 43% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 44% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 16 minutes; 10% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 31.853rd youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 43%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 44%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,64751.5 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%4% walk, 0.4% bike
- Unemployment
- 3.8%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 12.9%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1991median year
Who moves to Fargo, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Bismarck (Burleigh County), Minneapolis (Hennepin County) and Ward County, ND. People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Minneapolis (Hennepin County), Phoenix (Maricopa County) and Bismarck (Burleigh County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Cass County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, strong wind, ice storm, hail.
Home prices
+4.2% in a year
Up 36% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Fargo, ND-MN area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
76% good days
11 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Fargo, ND-MN area (361 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Pros and cons of living in Fargo
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 9% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Commutes are short: 16 minutes each way on average.
- Data The city is growing fast (+8.2% since 2020), a sign of jobs and new housing.
Cons
- Data Winters are snowy: about 51 inches a year.
Fargo report card from locals
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Cities near Fargo
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND | 189 mi | 77,963 | $300,300 | 91.0 | Compare |
| Plymouth, MN | 205 mi | 78,942 | $491,200 | 104.8 | Compare |
| Brooklyn Park, MN | 205 mi | 83,543 | $336,200 | 104.8 | Compare |
| Blaine, MN | 208 mi | 76,603 | $352,400 | 104.8 | Compare |
| Minneapolis, MN | 214 mi | 430,324 | $362,200 | 104.8 | Compare |
| Bloomington, MN | 219 mi | 89,034 | $361,700 | 104.8 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Fargo with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Fargo a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, a growing population, short commutes; the trade-offs are heavy snow. Compare Fargo side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Fargo?
The Census Bureau estimates Fargo had 136,275 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 125,951 in April 2020 (+8.2%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Fargo?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $68,200 in the Fargo area. The median household here earns $66,998.
When is the best time to visit Fargo?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to September are the most comfortable months. July averages 82°F and January 18°F for daytime highs.
What county is Fargo in?
Fargo is in Cass County, North Dakota. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Fargo in?
Fargo is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Fargo?
About 906 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does North Dakota have a state income tax?
Yes. North Dakota has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 2.5% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Fargo. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Fargo, ND-MN metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Fargo Hector Intl. Airport, ND station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.