Is Horace Safe, Pros and cons of living in Horace

Horace, North Dakota, offers a blend of small-town charm and growing suburban appeal, making it an attractive place for families and individuals alike. Nestled in Cass County, this community provides a seemingly tranquil environment while being a suburb of the larger Fargo metropolitan area. Its rapid growth in recent years indicates a dynamic community that is evolving to meet the needs of its expanding population.

The city’s development trajectory suggests a forward-looking approach to urban planning and community building. As Horace continues to grow, it aims to retain its friendly atmosphere while enhancing its amenities and infrastructure. This balance is key to understanding the overall appeal and livability of Horace for its residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Horace?

Horace boasts an exceptionally low crime rate, significantly below both national and state averages. The overall crime rate is 86% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This statistic is further supported by reports indicating that violent crimes are 89% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

The likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in Horace is remarkably low, with residents having a 1 in 330 chance of experiencing a crime (as reported by AreaVibes). This high level of safety is reflected in its ranking, as Horace is considered safer than 89% of cities across the United States (as reported by AreaVibes). Year-over-year crime in Horace has also seen a decrease of 12% (as reported by AreaVibes).

Demographics and Community

Horace is home to a population of approximately 4,588 residents, with projections indicating continued growth (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review). The community is predominantly White, with White non-Hispanic residents making up a significant majority (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Horace is around 33.9 years, with a slightly higher male to female ratio (as reported by World Population Review).

The population is largely composed of U.S. citizens, with a very small percentage of residents born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). A notable aspect of Horace’s demographics is its relatively low poverty rate, which stands at 4.32% of the population for whom poverty status is determined (as reported by Data USA). This suggests a community with a strong economic foundation for many of its residents.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Horace, North Dakota, is generally considered to be around 2% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). However, specific expense categories show variation. Housing expenses in Horace are approximately 0% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale), while utility prices are 9% lower (as reported by Payscale).

Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are also slightly lower than the national average, by about 3% (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are marginally higher, by approximately 1% compared to the national average (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare costs in Horace are about 12% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Housing Market

Horace’s housing market features a median home value of $414,500 as of 2024, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). This figure represents a decrease of 6.77% from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Horace is quite high, at 94.4%, which is considerably higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).

Rental prices in Horace are competitive, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment being around $1,106 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). This is 33% lower than the national average rent, making renting in Horace more affordable than in many other U.S. cities (as reported by Apartments.com). For homeowners, the market shows a median listing price of $364.8K, with prices rising 1.40% year-over-year (as reported by Home.LLC).

Job Market and Economy

The employment landscape in Horace has seen significant growth, with a 23.3% increase in employment from the previous year, leading to approximately 2,570 employees (as reported by Data USA). The most common sectors for employment among Horace residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Construction, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). Management occupations represent the largest job group within the city (as reported by Data USA).

The median household income in Horace is $138,578 (as reported by World Population Review). This figure is substantially higher than the national average, indicating a strong earning potential for residents. The unemployment rate in Horace has remained consistently low, reported at 0.6% in 2023 (as reported by Census). This low unemployment rate suggests a robust job market and a high level of workforce participation.

Climate and Weather

Horace experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from -2°F in January to 82°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives an average annual precipitation of 25 inches, with a significant portion of this falling as snow, averaging 46 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summers in Horace are generally long and warm, with daily high temperatures often between 65°F and 86°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are freezing, snowy, and can be windy (as reported by Weather Spark). The humidity levels remain comfortable during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment for outdoor activities (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

The public schools serving Horace are generally regarded as above average (as reported by Niche). Horace High School has an enrollment of 676 students in grades 9-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 (as reported by Niche). Math proficiency at Horace High School is around 39-44%, and reading proficiency is around 59% (as reported by Public School Review).

Horace Elementary School serves 443 students in kindergarten through 5th grade and is ranked within the top 20% of all public schools in North Dakota (as reported by Niche). Math proficiency at the elementary level is between 50-54%, and reading proficiency is also between 50-54% (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio at Horace Elementary is 13:1 (as reported by Niche).

Major Employers and Industries

Horace benefits from a diverse employment base, with key industries including Health Care & Social Assistance, Construction, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). Sanford Health is a significant employer in the broader region, with various roles available in Horace and nearby Fargo (as reported by Sanford Health). Other notable companies in the vicinity include Red River Commodities and Interstate Engineering (as reported by Indeed).

The city’s proximity to Fargo also provides residents with access to a wider range of employment opportunities. The economic development of North Dakota has been bolstered by sectors such as oil and gas, though Horace’s local economy leans more towards services and construction (as reported by Wikipedia). The growth in employment within Horace itself indicates a healthy and expanding local job market.