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Fargo, ND


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Fargo, North Dakota

Introduction to Fargo, North Dakota

Fargo is situated in the Red River Valley in Cass County. The Red River Valley had been a portion of the glacial Lake Agassiz which was drained approximately 9,300 years ago. The sediments from the lake created fertile farm land in the Fargo area. Fargo is recognized as the major economic area of the eastern portion of North Dakota. Fargo is the center of retail, healthcare, manufacturing as well as education for the region. The city of Fargo was founded in 1871.

History

During the 1870's and the 1880's the area now known as Fargo served as a stopping place for steamboats traveling in the Red River. The area was originally called Centralia but later took the name Fargo in tribute to William Fargo who was the director of the Northern Pacific Railway and established the Wells Fargo Express Company. The city began to thrive due to the railroad entering Fargo.

A large fire destroyed hundreds of houses and businesses in 1893. Fargo became the location of Pence Automobile Company in 1905. Fargo experienced significant growth after World War II was over. Travel in the area was improved by the opening of interstates I-29 and I-94. The West Acres Shopping Mall was built in 1972 in the vicinity of the intersection of the two interstates and significantly increased retail business in the area.

Entertainment

The universities in the area provide theatre entertainment and other events for the citizens and visitors of Fargo. The city is also home to several private theatre companies. The Fargo Theatre is a restored building that was built in 1926 that offers movies and hosts community events. The Fargodome provides Broadway musicals, sporting events and other activities. Fargo is home to the Plains Art Museum which is recognized as the largest museum of art in North Dakota.

Transportation

The Hector International Airport provides air transportation for the area. The BNSF Railway serves the city of Fargo. Amtrack services the community with the Empire Builder train. The city is provided with bus transportation by the Metro Area Transit.

Attractions

  • Reineke Arts Center
  • Fargo Civic Center
  • John E. Carlson Coliseum
  • Urban Plains Center
  • Bonanzaville, USA
  • Fargo Air Museum
  • Hjemkomst Center

College

North Dakota State University is located in Fargo. The city is home to Aakers Business College and is the location of a campus for the University of Mary. Masters Baptist College is also located in Fargo.

High Points

Fargo strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in North Dakota):

CategoryTrophy
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)
Top 1%trophyFargo College Educated Adults
Low Violent Crime
(vs. Peers)
Top 3%trophyFargo Low Violent Crime
Short Commute Times
(vs. Peers)
Top 3%trophyFargo Short Commute Times
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)
Top 4%trophyFargo Well-Paid Single Women
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 5%trophyFargo Racial Diversity
Well-Paid Single Men
(vs. State)
Top 9%Fargo Well-Paid Single Men
Median Family Income
(vs. State)
Top 10%Fargo Median Family Income
Affordability of Rents
(vs. Peers)
Top 13%Fargo Affordability of Rents
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)
Top 14%Fargo Public Transportation Use
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. Peers)
Top 16%Fargo Walking and Biking to Work

Comparative Profile of Fargo, ND

Comparing Fargo to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in North Dakota (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Male Share of the Population99
Well-Paid Single Men610
Well-Paid Single Women610
Children Under 5 Years Old48
Senior Citizens42
Age of the Population21
Female Share of the Population22
Racial Diversity110

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married31
Average Household Size15

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults810
Median Family Income510
People in Middle Class or Better57
People Above Poverty54

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Short Commute Times105
Walking and Biking to Work97
Working at Home75
Public Transportation Use29

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
People Living Alone105
Affordability of Rents91
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals910
Housing Recently Built810
Seasonal and Vacation Housing73
Affordability of Property Taxes41

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime107
Low Property Crime85

Detailed pages on related topics: Fargo collegesFargo travelFargo mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

Fargo CareersFargo Careers
Fargo career and employment information.
Fargo CollegesFargo Colleges
Fargo colleges and trade schools.
Fargo Hotels & TravelFargo Hotels & Travel
Fargo hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
Fargo MortgageFargo Mortgage
Fargo property, mortgage, and real estate.

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