Fargo, ND
Population 129,064 · North Dakota
About Fargo, ND
Fargo is a major city located in North Dakota with a population of 129,064 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,029 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fargo features a median home value of $269,800, which is 10% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Fargo in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $916, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 63,177 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (25,884 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (32,745 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fargo shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fargo have an average one-way commute time of 15.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
43.2% of Fargo residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.2% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 9.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fargo Ranks in North Dakota
Cost of Living in Fargo, ND
Compared to national averages, Fargo has a median household income of $66,029 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $269,800, which is 10% above the national median. Monthly rent at $916 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Dakota, Fargo's income is 9% below the state average of $72,691, and home values are 93% above the state median of $139,496.
Why Live in Fargo, ND?
Fargo offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $916/month, and a well-educated community where 43.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,029) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Fargo provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Fargo has a population of 129,064 with a median age of 32.2 years. Compare Fargo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Fargo
Cities in North Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck | 74,146 | $77,608 | $291,400 | Compare |
| Grand Forks | 58,882 | $63,838 | $243,300 | Compare |
| Minot | 47,922 | $77,431 | $254,400 | Compare |
| West Fargo | 39,325 | $96,877 | $302,200 | Compare |
| Williston | 27,964 | $84,309 | $262,700 | Compare |
| Dickinson | 25,216 | $76,964 | $252,400 | Compare |
| Mandan | 24,293 | $75,966 | $246,300 | Compare |
| Jamestown | 15,774 | $54,809 | $192,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fargo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fargo
What is the population of Fargo, ND?
The population of Fargo, ND is 129,064 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in North Dakota.
What is the median household income in Fargo?
The median household income in Fargo, ND is $66,029 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fargo?
The median home value in Fargo, ND is $269,800, which is 10% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fargo?
The median monthly rent in Fargo, ND is $916, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fargo?
The unemployment rate in Fargo, ND is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fargo, ND a good place to live?
Fargo offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 129,064 and a median age of 32.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fargo, ND?
43.2% of residents in Fargo aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Fargo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fargo, ND: median home value is $269,800 (10% above national), median rent is $916/month, and median household income is $66,029. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fargo?
The poverty rate in Fargo, ND is 12.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Fargo, ND?
Fargo's population is 2.2% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 8.3% two or more races. 9.7% of residents are foreign-born.