Is Fargo Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fargo

Fargo, North Dakota, offers a blend of Midwestern charm and growing urban amenities, making it an attractive place for many. Situated in the Red River Valley, the city is known for its strong economy, affordable cost of living, and a vibrant community spirit. Its location serves as a regional hub for education, commerce, and healthcare, contributing to its steady growth and development.

The city boasts a dynamic job market with opportunities spanning various sectors, including biosciences, technology, and agriculture. Fargo also provides a family-friendly environment with well-regarded schools and a commitment to community well-being. This combination of factors makes Fargo a compelling choice for individuals and families seeking a balanced lifestyle with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Is it Safe to Live in Fargo?

Fargo’s crime rate presents a complex picture, with statistics indicating areas of concern alongside positive aspects of law enforcement efforts. The city’s overall crime rate is noted as being higher than the national average when compared to communities of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, violent crime rates in Fargo are significantly above the national average, with an annual rate of 216.7 per 100,000 residents (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). Property crime rates also exceed national averages, standing at 358.2 per 100,000 residents (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).

Despite these statistics, Fargo’s law enforcement is noted for keeping pace with the national average of solved cases (as reported by Proven Justice). However, a substantial portion of crimes in Fargo remain unsolved, with 69% of cases not being resolved (as reported by Proven Justice). The FBI’s Uniform Crime Report indicates a trend of rising unsolved cases, a challenge that affects both Fargo and the nation (as reported by Proven Justice).

Cost of Living and Housing

Fargo presents a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an appealing option for many. The overall cost of living in Fargo is approximately 3.6% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Housing costs are a significant factor in this affordability, with general housing expenses in Fargo being about 16.3% less than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

The median home value in Fargo was approximately $305,000 in a recent month (as reported by Redfin). Rental prices in Fargo are also relatively affordable, with the average rent standing at $925 as of a recent report (as reported by Zillow). This figure represents a slight increase, with rents rising by $30 over the past year (as reported by Zillow). For those considering buying, the median property value in Fargo was around $281,900 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).

Job Market and Economy

Fargo’s economy is robust and diversified, offering a solid job market for its residents. The average hourly wage in the Fargo metropolitan area was $25.52 in May 2021, which was 9% below the nationwide average of $28.01 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, recent data indicates an upward trend, with the average hourly wage reaching $29.89 in May 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

The unemployment rate in the Fargo, ND-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area was 4.90% in a recent report, showing an increase from the previous month and year (as reported by YCharts). Major employers in the Fargo area contribute significantly to its economic stability, with key industries including manufacturing, AgTech, and bioscience (as reported by the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corp.). These sectors, along with a growing tech and startup scene, provide a wide range of career opportunities.

Climate and Weather

Fargo experiences a humid continental climate characterized by distinct seasons. Winters are notably cold, with the average January temperature around 9.2°F (-12.7°C) (as reported by Wikipedia). Residents can expect an average of 43 days per year with temperatures at or below 0°F (-18°C) (as reported by Wikipedia).

Summers in Fargo are warm to hot and humid, with July having a normal mean temperature of 70.7°F (21.5°C) (as reported by Wikipedia). High temperatures can reach 90°F (32°C) on about 12.7 days each year (as reported by Wikipedia). The city receives an average annual precipitation of 24.0 inches, with most of it concentrated in the warmer months (as reported by Wikipedia).

Education and Schools

Fargo offers a well-regarded public school system that serves its growing student population. Fargo Public Schools receives an overall Niche grade of B+, indicating an above-average performance (as reported by Niche). The district has approximately 11,484 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 (as reported by Niche).

State test scores show that 40% of students are proficient in math and 46% in reading (as reported by Niche). Within the public school system, North High School and South High School both hold B+ ratings, with North High School showing particularly strong performance in math proficiency at 55% (as reported by Niche). The district is also recognized for its diversity and college preparatory programs.

Demographics and Diversity

Fargo is a growing city with a diverse population, serving as the central city in a metropolitan area that spans two states. The estimated population of Fargo is 131,627, showing an increase from the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots). The racial composition is predominantly White, making up 78.6% of the population, followed by Black residents at 8.6% (as reported by Census Dots).

Other significant demographic groups include Asian residents at 4.0%, Hispanic residents at 3.6%, and Multiracial individuals at 3.6% (as reported by Census Dots). Fargo’s population is notably young, with a median age of 31.8 years (as reported by Data USA), which is younger than the national median age. The city’s diversity is higher than that of North Dakota as a whole (as reported by Census Dots).