What to know when moving to West Fargo, ND
TL;DR: West Fargo at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 35.6% of residents rent and 45.4% hold a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $97,206, providing a comfortable living standard.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.5% of commuters use public transit, indicating a car-dependent lifestyle.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,073/month in rent to secure a place here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
West Fargo is characterized by a population of about 39,946, with a strong emphasis on education, as 45.4% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher. The median household income of $97,206 suggests a relatively affluent community. However, with only 0.5% of the population using public transit, residents should be prepared for a car-centric lifestyle. The area experiences a low poverty rate of 6.0%, indicating economic stability.
Probably not your spot if: You prefer a walkable environment or rely heavily on public transport.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,073, while the median home value is $303,200, making it a relatively affordable option compared to many urban areas.
- With a poverty rate of 6.0%, the community shows a solid economic base.
- Only 0.5% of the population commutes via public transit, suggesting a need for personal transportation.
- The renter vs. owner split shows that 35.6% of residents are renters, indicating a balanced housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In North Dakota, the overall crime rates reflect a relatively safe environment compared to national averages. Property crime in the state stands at an annual rate of 1,507.5 per 100,000 people, which is 2.5% lower than the national rate. Violent crime is at 236.7 per 100,000, significantly below the national average by 27.2%.
- Violent crime: 236.7 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3
- Property crime: 1,507.5 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546.9
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 59.8% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for North Dakota).
Schools & Higher Ed
West Fargo has access to a total of 8 postsecondary institutions in the nearby area, providing a range of educational opportunities.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 8
- Nearby notable options: North Dakota State University-Main Campus, Concordia College at Moorhead, and Rasmussen University-North Dakota.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
West Fargo offers a variety of parks and outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy. Nearby options include:
- Lindenwood Park - Rating: 4.6 (1,864 reviews)
- Fargo Air Museum - Rating: 4.6 (776 reviews)
- Oak Grove Park - Rating: 4.5 (515 reviews)
- Trollwood Park - Rating: 4.5 (445 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.