Fargo, North Dakota

{{Use American English|date=June 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}} {{Infobox settlement |official_name = Fargo |settlement_type = City |nickname = |motto = <!-- Images ---------------> |image_skyline = {{multiple image | border = infobox | total_width = 280 | image_style = border:1; | perrow = 1/2/2/2 | caption_align = center | image1 = Downtown Fargo Aerial - Facing Southeast (51009704407).jpg | caption1 = Downtown Fargo | image2 = Fargo Theatre - Fargo.jpg | caption2 = Fargo Theatre | image3 = Plains Art Museum (Fargo, North Dakota).jpg | caption3 = Plains Art Museum | image4 = DeLendrecie's Department Store building.jpg | caption4 = deLendrecie's Department Store | image5 = RDO Building; Fargo, North Dakota; May 8, 2024.jpg | caption5 = RDO Building | image6 = Veterans Memorial Bridge, Fargo ND.jpg | caption6 = Veterans Memorial Bridge | image7 = Cathedral of St. Mary - Fargo, North Dakota 03.jpg | caption7 = Cathedral of St. Mary }} |imagesize = |image_caption = |image_flag = |image_seal = |image_blank_emblem = CityOfFargoLogo.svg |blank_emblem_size = 150px <!-- Maps -----------------> |mapframe = yes |mapframe-zoom = 9 |mapframe-point = none |map_caption = Interactive map of Fargo |pushpin_map = North Dakota#USA |pushpin_relief = yes <!-- Location -------------> |subdivision_type = Country |subdivision_name = United States |subdivision_type1 = State |subdivision_name1 = North Dakota |subdivision_type2 = County |subdivision_name2 = Cass <!-- Government -----------> |government_type = City Commission |leader_title = Mayor |leader_name = Tim Mahoney (D-NPL) | leader_title1 = Commission | leader_name1 = {{Collapsible list | title = Members list | frame_style = border:none; padding: 0; | title_style = | list_style = text-align:left;display:none; | 1 = Denise Kolpack | 2 = Dave Piepkorn | 3 = John Strand | 4 = Michelle Turnberg }} |established_title = Founded |established_date = 1871 |established_title1 = Incorporated |established_date1 = 1874 |named_for = William Fargo <!-- Area -----------------> |unit_pref = Imperial |area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2023">{{cite web|title=2023 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2023_Gazetteer/2023_gaz_place_38.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=June 13, 2024}}</ref> |area_magnitude = |area_total_km2 = 131.662 |area_land_km2 = 131.659 |area_water_km2 = 0.003 |area_total_sq_mi = 50.835 |area_land_sq_mi = 50.834 |area_water_sq_mi = 0.001 <!-- Population -----------> |population_as_of = 2020 |population_est = 136285 |pop_est_as_of = 2024 |pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusQuickFacts">{{cite web |title=Milwaukee city, Wisconsin |work=QuickFacts |publisher=United States Census Bureau |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/fargocitynorthdakota/ |access-date=June 24, 2025 }}</ref> |population_footnotes = <ref name="2020 Census (City)"/> |population_total = 125990 |population_rank = US: 218th<br>ND: 1st |population_density_km2 = 1012 |population_density_sq_mi = 2620 |population_urban = 216214 (US: 178th)<ref name="urban area">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/geography/guidance/geo-areas/urban-rural.html|title=List of 2020 Census Urban Areas|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 7, 2023}}</ref> |population_density_urban_km2 = 1074.0 |population_density_urban_sq_mi = 2781.6 |population_metro = 262620 (US: 189th) |population_density_metro_km2 = 36.08 |population_density_metro_sq_mi = 93.4 |population_demonym = Fargoan |demographics_type2 = GDP |demographics2_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web|title=Total Gross Domestic Product for Fargo, ND-MN (MSA) |url=https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/NGMP22020|work=Federal Reserve Economic Data |publisher=Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis}}</ref> |demographics2_title1 = Metro |demographics2_info1 = $18.792 billion (2022) <!-- General information --> |timezone = Central (CST) |utc_offset = –6 |timezone_DST = CDT |utc_offset_DST = –5 |elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/> |elevation_m = 276 |elevation_ft = 906 |coordinates = {{coord|46|52|24|N|96|49|38|W|region:US-ND_type:city|display=inline,title}} |postal_code_type = ZIP Codes |postal_code = 58102–58109, 58121–58122, 58124–58126 |area_code = 701 |blank_name = FIPS code |blank_info = 38-25700 |blank1_name = GNIS feature ID |blank1_info = 1036030<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|1036030}}</ref> |blank2_name = Highways |blank2_info = I-29, I-94, US 10, US 52, US 81 |blank3_name = Sales tax |blank3_info = 7.5%<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.avalara.com/taxrates/en/state-rates/north-dakota/cities/fargo.html|title=West Fargo (ND) sales tax rate|access-date=June 13, 2024}}</ref> |website = {{URL|https://www.fargond.gov/|fargond.gov}} |footnotes = }}

'''Fargo''' is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Dakota. The population was 125,990 at the 2020 census and estimated at 136,285 in 2024.<ref name="2020 Census (City)">{{cite web|title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Fargo_city,_North_Dakota?g=160XX00US3825700 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=June 13, 2024}}</ref><ref name="USCensusQuickFacts"/> Fargo and its twin city of Moorhead, Minnesota, form the core of the Fargo–Moorhead metropolitan area, which had a population of 248,591 in 2020. It is the county seat of Cass County.

Fargo was founded in 1871 on the Red River of the North floodplain.<ref name="NYT4213">{{cite news|title=Sandbag Season Has Fargo Thinking of a Better Way|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/03/us/fargo-nd-seeks-flood-protection.html|access-date=April 3, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 2, 2013|author=John Eligon|quote="When you have a 100-year flood four years out of five, that's a great challenge," Gov. Jack Dalrymple said.}}</ref> It is a cultural, retail, health care, educational, and industrial center for southeastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. North Dakota State University is in the city.

==History== {{see also|Timeline of Fargo, North Dakota}}

===Early history=== Historically part of Sioux (Dakota) territory, the area that is present-day Fargo was an early stopping point for steamboats traversing the Red River during the 1870s and 1880s. The city was originally named "Centralia", but was later renamed "Fargo" after Northern Pacific Railway director and Wells Fargo Express Company founder William Fargo (1818–1881).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fargo is Founded {{!}} Fargo History |url=https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/fargo-founded |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112200153/https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/fargo-founded |archive-date=November 12, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=library.ndsu.edu}}</ref> During the initial settlement of Fargo, there developed two cities: one (unofficially) called "Fargo on the Prairie" and the other "Fargo in the Timber". "Fargo on the Prairie" was known for being well run by Northern Pacific engineers, while "Fargo in the Timber" remained mostly lawless and full of apparently "desperate and reckless characters", according to The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. Eventually, "Fargo in the Timber" would see its demise after a crackdown by federal authorities, and the modern Fargo would develop out of "Fargo on the Prairie".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crossing the Red River: Fargo Begins {{!}} Fargo History |url=https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/crossing-red-river-fargo-begins |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629020520/https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/crossing-red-river-fargo-begins |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=library.ndsu.edu |publisher=North Dakota State University}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kerzman |first=Kristopher |date=January 7, 2016 |title=Throwback Thursday: Fargo in the Timber home to the 'reckless,' 'lawless' |url=https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/throwback-thursday-fargo-in-the-timber-home-to-the-reckless-lawless |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=InForum |publisher=The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead |language=en}}</ref> The area started to flourish after the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad and the city became known as the "Gateway to the West."

During the 1880s, Fargo became the "divorce capital" of the Midwest because of lenient divorce laws.<ref>Riley, G (1991). Divorce: An American Tradition. Oxford University Press</ref> A major fire struck the city on June 7, 1893, destroying 31 blocks of downtown Fargo, but the city was immediately rebuilt with new buildings made of brick, new streets, and a water system. More than 246 new buildings were built within one year. There were several rumors concerning the cause of the fire.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/fire-1893|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705072024/http://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content%2Ffire-1893|title=Fire of 1893 &#124; Fargo History|archive-date=July 5, 2015|website=library.ndsu.edu}}</ref>

The North Dakota Agricultural College was founded in 1890 as North Dakota's land-grant university, becoming first accredited by the North Central Association in 1915. In 1960, NDAC became known as North Dakota State University.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History and Traditions {{!}} North Dakota State University |url=https://www.ndsu.edu/history_traditions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320041104/https://www.ndsu.edu/history_traditions |archive-date=March 20, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=www.ndsu.edu}}</ref>

===20th century=== [[File:1957 Fargo tornado.jpg|thumb|left|F5 tornado as it approaches Hector International Airport, 1957]]

Early in the century, the automobile industry flourished, and in 1905, Fargo became home to the Pence Automobile Company, a company that at one time distributed 29% of all Buicks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Halgrimson |first=Andrea |date=September 12, 2010 |title=Halgrimson: Pence building in Fargo has had many tenants |url=https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/arts-entertainment/halgrimson-pence-building-in-fargo-has-had-many-tenants |access-date=August 13, 2023 |website=InForum |publisher=The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead |language=en}}</ref> In addition, Fargo also hosted a regional Ford assembly plant, which by 1917 was assembling some 70 cars per day. The plant would remain in operation until 1956.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Section 2: Manufacturers {{!}} 8th Grade North Dakota Studies |url=https://www.ndstudies.gov/gr8/content/unit-iii-waves-development-1861-1920/lesson-2-making-living/topic-11-age-automobiles/section-2-manufacturers |access-date=August 13, 2023 |website=North Dakota Studies |publisher=State Historical Society of North Dakota |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ford Building {{!}} Fargo History |url=https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/ford-building |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403210056/https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/ford-building |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |website=library.ndsu.edu |publisher=NDSU}}</ref>

On Labor Day in 1910, Theodore Roosevelt visited Fargo to lay the cornerstone of the college's new library.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Almanac of North Dakota mysteries & oddities, 2009–2010|last=Jackson|first=William|date=2008|publisher=Valley Star Books|isbn=978-0967734989|pages=14|oclc=259419005}}</ref> To a crowd of 30,000, Roosevelt spoke about his first visit to Fargo 27 years earlier, and credited his experience homesteading in North Dakota for his eventual rise to the presidency.<ref name=":0" />

Fargo-Moorhead boomed after World War II, and the city grew rapidly. In 1957, it experienced the 1957 Fargo tornado that destroyed a large part of the north end of the city.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jackson |first=William |title=North Dakota Tornadoes Twisters & Cyclones |publisher=Valley Star Publications |year=2024 |isbn=979-8-89480-378-4 |location=Dickinson, ND |pages=46 |language=English}}</ref> Ted Fujita, famous for his Fujita tornado scale, analyzed pictures of the Fargo tornado, helping him develop his ideas for "wall cloud" and "tail cloud." These were the first major scientific descriptive terms associated with tornadoes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=US Department of Commerce |first=NOAA |title=Fargo 1957 F5 Tornado |url=https://www.weather.gov/fgf/fargo57tornado |access-date=August 13, 2023 |website=www.weather.gov |language=EN-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fujita |first=Tetsuya Theodore |date=1959 |title="Detailed Analysis of the Fargo Tornadoes of June 20, 1957," by Fujita, Tetsuya, University of Chicago, Department of Meteorology, Severe Local Storms Project, Technical Report Number 5 to U.S. Weather Bureau, 1959. |url=https://swco-ir.tdl.org/handle/10605/262088 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |website=swco-ir.tdl.org |publisher=Texas Tech University Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library |language=en-US}}</ref> The construction of two interstates (I-29 and I-94) revolutionized travel in the region and pushed growth of Fargo to the south and west of the city limits. In 1972, the West Acres Shopping Center, the largest shopping mall in North Dakota, was constructed near the intersection of the two Interstates. This mall became a catalyst for retail growth in the area.<ref>{{Cite web |title=West Acres {{!}} Fargo History |url=https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/west-acres |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601025036/https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/west-acres |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |website=library.ndsu.edu |publisher=NDSU}}</ref>

===Recent history===

Fargo has continued to expand rapidly but steadily. Since the mid-1980s, the bulk of new residential growth has occurred in the south and southwest zones of the area (for example in West Fargo) due to geographic constraints on the north side.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The City of Fargo - Find Your Neighborhood |url=https://fargond.gov/live/know-your-neighborhood/find-your-neighborhood |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202021553/https://www.fargond.gov/live/know-your-neighborhood/find-your-neighborhood |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |website=fargond.gov}}</ref> The city's major retail districts on the southwest side have likewise seen rapid development.

Downtown Fargo has been gentrified due in part to investments by the city and private developers in the Renaissance Zone.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Downtown gentrification: the good, the bad, and the unaffordable |url=https://hpr1.com/index.php/arts-entertainment/arts/downtown-gentrification-the-good-the-bad-and-the-unaffordable |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=High Plains Reader, Fargo ND |language=en}}</ref> Most older neighborhoods, such as Horace Mann, have either avoided decline or been revitalized through housing rehabilitation promoted by planning agencies to strengthen the city's core.

NDSU has grown rapidly into a major research university and forms a major component of the city's identity and economy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Study: NDSU has major impact on region's economy {{!}} North Dakota State University |url=https://www.ndsu.edu/news/view/detail/29367 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |website=www.ndsu.edu}}</ref> Most students live off-campus in the surrounding Roosevelt neighborhood. The university has established a presence downtown through both academic buildings and apartment housing. In addition, NDSU Bison Football has gained a significant following among many area residents. In recent years, Fargo has also become a regional technology and healthcare hub, as a result of Microsoft and Sanford Health both building regional campuses in the city center.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 9, 2019 |title=What's behind Fargo-Moorhead's boom? |url=https://www.minnpost.com/economy/2019/07/whats-behind-fargo-moorheads-boom/ |access-date=August 13, 2023 |publisher=MinnPost |language=en-US}}</ref>

Since the late 1990s, the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Statistical Area has consistently had one of the lowest unemployment rates among MSAs in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fargo, ND-MN Economy at a Glance |url=https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.nd_fargo_msa.htm |access-date=August 19, 2023 |website=Bureau of Labor Statistics |language=en}}</ref>

On July 14, 2023, 37-year-old Mohamad Barakat opened fire on a group of police officers in the city who were responding to an unrelated traffic accident. One officer was killed and two others were injured before Barakat was killed by one of the officers at the scene.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Dramatic video footage shows shooting ambush in Fargo that killed an officer last month |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/officials-discuss-video-evidence-fargo-shooting-ambush-102342098 |access-date=August 26, 2023 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref>

==Geography== thumb|left|Spring flooding in Riverview area of Fargo, 2009

Fargo is a core city of the Fargo-Moorhead, ND–MN Combined Statistical Area, which also includes Moorhead, West Fargo, and Dilworth and outlying communities.

Fargo sits on the western bank of the Red River of the North in a flat geographic region known as the Red River Valley. The Red River Valley resulted from the withdrawal of glacial Lake Agassiz, which drained away about 9,300 years ago. The lake sediments deposited from Lake Agassiz made the land around Fargo some of the richest in the world for agricultural uses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Handy |first=Barbara |title=Lessons from Lake Agassiz {{!}} State Historical Society of North Dakota Blog |url=https://blog.statemuseum.nd.gov/blog/lake-agassiz |access-date=August 19, 2023 |website=State Historical Society of North Dakota}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bluemle |first=John P. |title=Glacial Lake Agassiz |url=https://www.dmr.nd.gov/ndgs/ndnotes/agassiz/ |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201133951/https://www.dmr.nd.gov/ndgs/ndnotes/agassiz/ |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |access-date=August 19, 2023 |website=North Dakota Geological Survey}}</ref>

Seasonal floods due to the rising water of the Red River, which flows from the United States into Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, have presented challenges. The Red flows northward, which means melting snow and river ice, as well as runoff from its tributaries, often create ice dams causing the river to overflow. Fargo's surrounding Red River Valley terrain is essentially flat, leading to overland flooding. Since the potentially devastating 2009 Red River flood, both Fargo and Moorhead have taken great strides in flood protection; only a near-record flood would cause concern today. Work on the FM Diversion has begun and upon completion, it will permanently floodproof the metro for 500-year floods.

Its location makes the city vulnerable to flooding during seasons with above-average precipitation. The Red River's minor flood stage in Fargo begins at a level of 18 feet, with major flooding categorized at 30 feet and above. Many major downtown roadways and access to Moorhead are closed off at this level. Record snowfalls late in 1996 led to flooding in 1997, causing the Red to rise to a record crest of 39.5 feet, nearly overtaking city defenses. In 2008–2009, significant fall precipitation coupled with rapid snowmelt in March 2009 caused the Red to rise to a new record level of 40.84 feet, but again Fargo remained safe, in large part due to flood mitigation efforts instituted after the 1997 event and sandbagging efforts by the city residents. Further upgrades were made to city infrastructure and additional resources brought to bear following the 2009 flood, which caused no issues for the city in 2010 despite another rapid melt that caused the Red to rise to 37 feet (which ranks among the top-ten highest levels ever recorded). The estimated $1.5 billion FM diversion project is under construction and will channel the Red's water away from the city. As of 2012, Fargo has bought 700 houses in flood-prone areas.<ref>[http://www.wday.com/event/article/id/71153/ Fargo lifts the ban on building permits in flood-prone areas | WDAY | Fargo, ND] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130217004320/http://www.wday.com/event/article/id/71153/ |date=February 17, 2013}}. WDAY (November 8, 2012). Retrieved on August 25, 2013.</ref>

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|50.835|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|50.834|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.001|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="CenPopGazetteer2023"/>

===Climate=== Because of its location in the Great Plains and its distance from both mountains and oceans, Fargo has an extreme humid continental climate (Köppen ''Dfb'', bordering on ''Dwb''), featuring long, bitterly cold winters and warm to hot, humid summers. It lies in USDA Plant hardiness zone 4a.<ref>{{cite web|title=USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map|url=https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/|publisher=United States Department of Agriculture|access-date=April 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227032333/http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/|archive-date=February 27, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The city features winters among the coldest in the contiguous United States; the coldest month of January has a normal mean temperature of {{convert|9.2|°F|1}}. There is an annual average of 43 days with a minimum of {{convert|0|°F|0}} or lower.<ref name=NOAA-F/> Snowfall averages {{convert|51.4|in|cm|0}} per season.<ref name=NOAA-F /> Spring and autumn are short and highly variable seasons. Summers have frequent thunderstorms, and the warmest month, July, has a normal mean temperature of {{convert|70.7|°F|1}}; highs reach {{convert|90|°F|0}} on an average of 12.7 days each year.<ref name=NOAA-F /> Annual precipitation of {{convert|24.0|in|mm|0}} is concentrated in the warmer months. Record temperatures have ranged from {{convert|−48|°F|0}} on January 8, 1887, to {{convert|114|°F|0}} on July 6, 1936; the record coldest daily maximum is {{convert|−29|°F|0}} on January 22, 1936, while, conversely, the record warmest daily minimum was {{convert|82|°F|0}}, set four days after the all-time record high.<ref name = ThreadEx/> On average, the first and last dates to see a minimum at or below the freezing mark are September 30 and May 8, respectively, allowing a growing season of 144 days.<ref name=NOAA-F />

{{Weather box |location = Fargo, North Dakota (Hector Int'l), 1991–2020 normals,{{efn|Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the highest and lowest temperature readings during an entire month or year) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.}} extremes 1881–present{{efn|Official records for Fargo were kept at the Weather Bureau Office in Moorhead, Minnesota from January 1881 to January 1942, and at Hector Int'l since February 1942. For more information, see [http://threadex.rcc-acis.org/ ThreadEx]}} |collapsed = Y |single line = Y |Jan record high F = 55 |Feb record high F = 66 |Mar record high F = 80 |Apr record high F = 100 |May record high F = 104 |Jun record high F = 104 |Jul record high F = 114 |Aug record high F = 106 |Sep record high F = 102 |Oct record high F = 97 |Nov record high F = 74 |Dec record high F = 65 |year record high F = 114 |Jan avg record high F = 39.8 |Feb avg record high F = 42.0 |Mar avg record high F = 57.5 |Apr avg record high F = 78.3 |May avg record high F = 88.9 |Jun avg record high F = 92.4 |Jul avg record high F = 92.9 |Aug avg record high F = 92.2 |Sep avg record high F = 89.7 |Oct avg record high F = 79.5 |Nov avg record high F = 59.4 |Dec avg record high F = 42.6 |year avg record high F = 95.8 |Jan high F = 18.2 |Feb high F = 22.7 |Mar high F = 36.3 |Apr high F = 54.1 |May high F = 68.7 |Jun high F = 78.1 |Jul high F = 82.1 |Aug high F = 80.7 |Sep high F = 72.0 |Oct high F = 55.8 |Nov high F = 38.1 |Dec high F = 24.0 |year high F = 52.6 |Jan mean F = 8.6 |Feb mean F = 13.4 |Mar mean F = 27.2 |Apr mean F = 43.0 |May mean F = 56.6 |Jun mean F = 66.8 |Jul mean F = 70.7 |Aug mean F = 68.8 |Sep mean F = 60.0 |Oct mean F = 45.5 |Nov mean F = 29.5 |Dec mean F = 15.7 |year mean F = 42.2 |Jan low F = 1.2 |Feb low F = 4.1 |Mar low F = 18.1 |Apr low F = 31.9 |May low F = 44.4 |Jun low F = 55.6 |Jul low F = 59.4 |Aug low F = 56.8 |Sep low F = 48.1 |Oct low F = 35.2 |Nov low F = 20.9 |Dec low F = 7.5 |year low F = 31.8 |Jan avg record low F = −23.4 |Feb avg record low F = -21.2 |Mar avg record low F = -7.4 |Apr avg record low F = 15.9 |May avg record low F = 29.1 |Jun avg record low F = 42.4 |Jul avg record low F = 47.3 |Aug avg record low F = 44.4 |Sep avg record low F = 31.7 |Oct avg record low F = 19.6 |Nov avg record low F = 1.3 |Dec avg record low F = -17.0 |year avg record low F = -25.0 |Jan record low F = −48 |Feb record low F = −45 |Mar record low F = −34 |Apr record low F = -13 |May record low F = 14 |Jun record low F = 28 |Jul record low F = 36 |Aug record low F = 32 |Sep record low F = 17 |Oct record low F = -4 |Nov record low F = −27 |Dec record low F = −36 |year record low F = -48 |precipitation colour = green |Jan precipitation inch = 0.71 |Feb precipitation inch = 0.69 |Mar precipitation inch = 1.25 |Apr precipitation inch = 1.54 |May precipitation inch = 3.09 |Jun precipitation inch = 4.29 |Jul precipitation inch = 3.07 |Aug precipitation inch = 2.60 |Sep precipitation inch = 2.68 |Oct precipitation inch = 2.17 |Nov precipitation inch = 0.97 |Dec precipitation inch = 0.89 |year precipitation inch = 23.95 |Jan snow inch = 10.3 |Feb snow inch = 8.1 |Mar snow inch = 9.2 |Apr snow inch = 4.1 |May snow inch = 0.0 |Jun snow inch = 0.0 |Jul snow inch = 0.0 |Aug snow inch = 0.0 |Sep snow inch = 0.0 |Oct snow inch = 1.2 |Nov snow inch = 6.8 |Dec snow inch = 11.7 |year snow inch = 51.4 |unit precipitation days = 0.01 in |Jan precipitation days = 8.9 |Feb precipitation days = 7.5 |Mar precipitation days = 7.7 |Apr precipitation days = 8.2 |May precipitation days = 11.4 |Jun precipitation days = 11.8 |Jul precipitation days = 9.7 |Aug precipitation days = 8.6 |Sep precipitation days = 8.7 |Oct precipitation days = 8.5 |Nov precipitation days = 7.6 |Dec precipitation days = 10.0 |year precipitation days = 108.6 |unit snow days = 0.1 in |Jan snow days = 9.5 |Feb snow days = 7.6 |Mar snow days = 5.5 |Apr snow days = 2.3 |May snow days = 0.1 |Jun snow days = 0.0 |Jul snow days = 0.0 |Aug snow days = 0.0 |Sep snow days = 0.0 |Oct snow days = 1.2 |Nov snow days = 5.4 |Dec snow days = 10.2 |year snow days = 41.8 |Jan humidity = 73.1 |Feb humidity = 74.7 |Mar humidity = 76.0 |Apr humidity = 65.6 |May humidity = 60.0 |Jun humidity = 66.1 |Jul humidity = 66.9 |Aug humidity = 66.5 |Sep humidity = 69.2 |Oct humidity = 68.8 |Nov humidity = 75.7 |Dec humidity = 76.1 |year humidity = 69.9 |Jan sun = 140.9 |Feb sun = 153.9 |Mar sun = 212.3 |Apr sun = 241.6 |May sun = 283.2 |Jun sun = 303.2 |Jul sun = 350.2 |Aug sun = 313.2 |Sep sun = 231.2 |Oct sun = 178.9 |Nov sun = 113.1 |Dec sun = 107.4 |year sun = 2629.1 |Jan percentsun = 51 |Feb percentsun = 53 |Mar percentsun = 58 |Apr percentsun = 59 |May percentsun = 61 |Jun percentsun = 64 |Jul percentsun = 73 |Aug percentsun = 71 |Sep percentsun = 61 |Oct percentsun = 53 |Nov percentsun = 40 |Dec percentsun = 40 |year percentsun = 59 |Jan uv = 1 |Feb uv = 2 |Mar uv = 3 |Apr uv = 5 |May uv = 6 |Jun uv = 8 |Jul uv = 8 |Aug uv = 7 |Sep uv = 5 |Oct uv = 3 |Nov uv = 1 |Dec uv = 1 |source 1 = NOAA (relative humidity and sun 1961–1990)<ref name=NOAA-F> {{cite web | url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=fgf | title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data | publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | access-date = June 19, 2021}}</ref><ref name= ThreadEx> {{cite web | url = http://threadex.rcc-acis.org/ | title = Thread Stations Extremes | access-date = September 13, 2011 | publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USW00014914&format=pdf | publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | title = Station: Fargo Hector INTL AP, ND | work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020) | access-date = June 19, 2021}}</ref><ref> {{cite web | url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_IV/US/GROUP4/72753.TXT | title = WMO Climate Normals for FARGO/WSO AP ND 1961–1990 | publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200723134704/ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_IV/US/GROUP4/72753.TXT | archive-date = 2020-07-23 | url-status = dead |access-date = June 19, 2021}}</ref> |source 2= Weather Atlas (UV)<ref name="Weather Atlas"> {{cite web | url = https://www.weather-us.com/en/north-dakota-usa/fargo-climate | title = Fargo, North Dakota, USA – Monthly weather forecast and Climate data | publisher = Weather Atlas | access-date = July 4, 2019}}</ref> }}

==Demographics== As of the 2022 American Community Survey, there are 56,890 estimated households in Fargo with an average of 2.14 persons per household. The city has a median household income of $64,432. Approximately 13.3% of the city's population lives at or below the poverty line. Fargo has an estimated 74.5% employment rate, with 42.4% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 95.0% holding a high school diploma.<ref>{{Cite web|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Fargo city, North Dakota|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/fargocitynorthdakota/PST045223|access-date=October 25, 2024|website=www.census.gov|language=en}}</ref>

The top nine reported ancestries (people were allowed to report up to two ancestries, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were German (33.2%), Norwegian (22.6%), Irish (8.5%), English (5.1%), Subsaharan African (5.1%), French (except Basque) (3.5%), Italian (1.9%), Polish (1.8%), and Scottish (0.9%).

The median age in the city was 31.5 years. {{historical populations |type=US |align=none|cols=3 |graph-pos=bottom |1880|2693 |1890|5664 |1900|9589 |1910|14331 |1920|21961 |1930|28619 |1940|32580 |1950|38256 |1960|46662 |1970|53365 |1980|61383 |1990|74111 |2000|90599 |2010|105549 |2020|125990 |2023|133188 |2024 (est.)|136285 | source=Data from U.S. Census Bureau<br>U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref><br>2020 Census<ref name="2020 Census (City)"/> }}

===2020 census=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |+'''Fargo, North Dakota – racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small> ! Race / ethnicity <small>(''NH = non-Hispanic'')</small> ! Pop. 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Fargo city, North Dakota|url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALSF12000.P004?g=160XX00US3825700|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=October 25, 2024}}</ref> ! Pop. 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Fargo city, North Dakota|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US3825700&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=October 25, 2024}}</ref> ! {{partial|Pop. 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Fargo city, North Dakota|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US3825700&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=October 25, 2024}}</ref> ! % 2000 ! % 2010 ! {{partial|% 2020}} |- | White alone (NH) | 84,660 | 93,889 | style='background: #ffffe6; |98,062 | 93.44% | 88.95% | style='background: #ffffe6; |77.83% |- | Black or African American alone (NH) | 908 | 2,809 | style='background: #ffffe6; |10,882 | 1.00% | 2.66% | style='background: #ffffe6; |8.64% |- | Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 1,077 | 1,326 | style='background: #ffffe6; |1,827 | 1.19% | 1.26% | style='background: #ffffe6; |1.45% |- | Asian alone (NH) | 1,475 | 3,132 | style='background: #ffffe6; |5,150 | 1.63% | 2.97% | style='background: #ffffe6; |4.09% |- | Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 39 | 41 | style='background: #ffffe6; |72 | 0.04% | 0.04% | style='background: #ffffe6; |0.06% |- | Other race alone (NH) | 83 | 110 | style='background: #ffffe6; |330 | 0.09% | 0.10% | style='background: #ffffe6; |0.26% |- | Mixed race or multiracial (NH) | 1,190 | 1,934 | style='background: #ffffe6; |4,997 | 1.31% | 1.83% | style='background: #ffffe6; |3.97% |- | Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1,167 | 2,308 | style='background: #ffffe6; |4,670 | 1.29% | 2.19% | style='background: #ffffe6; |3.71% |- |'''Total''' |'''90,599''' |'''105,549''' |style='background: #ffffe6; |'''125,990''' |'''100.00%''' |'''100.00%''' |style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%''' |} As of the 2020 census, there were 125,990 people, 56,116 households, and 27,239 families residing in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Fargo%20city,%20North%20Dakota%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|2529.7|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 61,541 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1235.7|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 78.93% White, 8.76% African American, 1.60% Native American, 4.11% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.20% from some other races and 5.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3.71% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How many people live in Fargo city, North Dakota |url=https://data.usatoday.com/census/total-population/total-population-change/fargo-city-north-dakota/160-3825700/ |access-date=June 13, 2024 |publisher=USA Today}}</ref> 19.4% of residents were under the age of 18, 5.9% were under 5 years of age, and 13.2% were 65 and older.

===2010 census=== As of the 2010 census, there were 105,549 people, 46,791 households, and 23,075 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|2162.0|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 49,956 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1023.3|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 90.20% White, 2.70% African American, 1.38% Native American, 2.97% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.62% from some other races and 2.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.19% of the population.

There were 46,791 households, of which 24.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.8% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 50.7% were non-families. 36.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.87.

The median age in the city was 30.2 years. 19.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 19.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29% were from 25 to 44; 21.7% were from 45 to 64, and 10.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.4% male and 49.6% female.

The median household income was $44,304, and the median income for a family was $69,401, with the mean family income being $89,110. The per capita income for Fargo was $29,187. About 16.0% of the population and 7.7% of families were below the poverty line.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fargo, ND Income and Careers|url=http://www.usa.com/fargo-nd-income-and-careers.htm#Poverty-Level|website=USA.com}}</ref>

===2000 census=== As of the 2000 census, there were 90,599 people, 39,268 households, and 20,724 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|2388.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 41,200 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1086.0|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 94.17% White, 1.02% African American, 1.24% Native American, 1.64% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.44% from some other races and 1.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.29% of the population.

The top seven ancestry groups in the city are German (40.6%), Norwegian (35.8%), Irish (8.6%), Swedish (6.5%), English (5.2%), French (4.7%), and Italian (3.6%).

There were 39,268 households, of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living in them, 41.8% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.2% were non-families. 34.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, 21.1% of the population was under the age of 18, 19.2% was from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 18.5% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.3 males.

As of the 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $35,510, and the median income for a family was $50,486. Males had a median income of $31,968 versus $22,264 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,101. About 6.6% of families and 11.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.8% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

==Economy== The economy of the Fargo area has historically been dependent on agriculture. That dominance has decreased substantially in recent decades. Today the city of Fargo has a growing economy based on food processing, manufacturing, technology, retail trade, higher education, and healthcare.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

===Top employers=== According to the city's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://download.fargond.gov/0/city_of_fargo_2022_acfr.pdf |title=City of Fargo 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report|page=194|date=June 13, 2024}}</ref> the largest employers in the city are:

{| class="wikitable" |- ! # ! Employer ! Type of Business ! # of Employees ! Percentage |- | 1 | Sanford Health | Medical/Health Care | 9,229 | 12.31% |- | 2 | North Dakota State University | Higher Education | 2,267 | 3.02% |- | 3 | Fargo Public Schools | Education | 2,153 | 2.87% |- | 4 | West Fargo Public Schools in West Fargo | Education | 2,031 | 2.71% |- | 5 | Essentia Health | Medical/Health Care | 1,946 | 2.60% |- | 6 | Marvin&nbsp;Windows | Manufacturer | 1,800 | 2.40% |- | 7 | VA Health Care System | Medical/Health Care | 1,440 | 1.92%

|- | 8 | Coborns Inc. (Hornbacher's & Cash Wise Foods) | Retail Grocery | 1,215 | 1.62% |- | 9 | City of Fargo | Government | 1,021 | 1.36% |- | 10 | Wex&nbsp;Health in West Fargo | Business/Productivity Software | 863 | 1.15% |- |— |'''Total employers''' |— |'''23,965''' |'''31.98%''' |}

==Arts and culture== The Winter Carnival in Fargo is a tradition that began in 1928. The annual [https://fargond.gov/how-do-i/visiting-or-moving-to-fargo/street-fair Downtown Fargo Street Fair], a vibrant celebration that brings together an array of arts, crafts, and culinary experiences, contributes significantly to the city's cultural richness. This event is North Dakota's largest free outdoor gathering.

The North Dakota Horse Park offers live horse racing and betting opportunities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ndracingcommission.com:80/providers-operators-licenses.htm|title=North Dakota Racing Commission|website=www.ndracingcommission.com}}</ref> The Red River Zoo, covering {{convert|30|acre|ha|adj=on}} houses 80 species of animals and also features a restored 1928 carousel.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Dakotas Off the Beaten Path|edition=7th|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SHRdhiX77k4C&pg=PA183|author=Robin McMacken|date=June 2008|isbn=978-0762747726|page=183|publisher=Globe Pequot Press }}</ref> West Acres Shopping Center is a large retail complex with over 120 stores, spanning approximately 950,000 square feet.

===Museums=== [[File:Fargo Air Museum.jpg|thumb|Fargo Air Museum]]

The Fargo area is home to a range of museums and theaters that reflect the region's history and cultural interests. The Fargo Air Museum showcases aircraft from World War II and later periods, and it also hosts traveling exhibits.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Wing to Honor Museum Founders Killed in Crashes |url=http://www.jamestownsun.com/news/new-wing-to-honor-museum-founders-killed-in-crashes |work=Jamestown Sun |date=August 12, 2013 |access-date=February 15, 2025 }}</ref> The Plains Art Museum, located in a historic downtown building, offers a variety of regional and national art exhibitions.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.ndsuspectrum.com/ae/07spring/05_may/5_08_07_ae_plains.html |title=Plains Art Museum offers great fun |work=The Spectrum |date=May 8, 2007 |author=Anderson, Jessica R. Anderson |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704040815/http://www.ndsuspectrum.com/ae/07spring/05_may/5_08_07_ae_plains.html |archivedate=July 4, 2007 }}</ref> The Roger Maris Museum, situated within the West Acres Shopping Center, is dedicated to Roger Maris, the New York Yankees player who spent part of his life in Fargo. The museum features memorabilia related to Maris and includes a video presentation of his career.

The Children's Museum at Yunker Farm closed in 2021 after being open for 30 years, but the rest of the property is still open to the public and is in the process of being revitalized.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.valleynewslive.com/2021/08/17/yunker-farm-permanently-closes-after-30-years/ |title=Yunker Farm Permanently Closed After 30 Years|date=August 17, 2021|access-date=June 1, 2024 |website=Valley New Live|last=Van Dyke |first=Stacie}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kvrr.com/2023/06/14/yunker-farm-to-become-destination-location-in-fargo/|title=Yunker Farm To Become "Destination" Location in Fargo|date=June 14, 2023|access-date=June 1, 2024|website=KVRR}}</ref>

===Performing arts=== The Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre offers a variety of productions, including comedies, dramas, youth shows, and musicals, staged at a venue in Island Park, south of downtown Fargo. The Fargo Theatre is a restored 1926 Art Deco movie house that features first-run movies, film festivals, and other community events. The Fargodome routinely hosts concerts, Broadway musicals, dance performances, sporting events, as well as fairs and other gatherings. The Fargo-Moorhead Opera presents two to three productions each year. Other music organizations in the area include the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra and the Fargo-Moorhead Youth Symphony. Fargo also has a dance company in the Fargo-Moorhead Ballet.

===Libraries=== thumb|Current Main Fargo Public Library

The Fargo Public Library was established in 1900 and for many years was housed in a Carnegie-funded building. In 1968, the library moved into a new facility as part of urban renewal efforts in the downtown area. The original 1968 building was demolished and replaced with a new library which opened in 2009. In addition, Fargo Public Library operates the Dr. James Carlson Library in south Fargo, and the Northport branch in north Fargo. In 2002 and 2006, the Southpointe and Northport Branches were opened serving the city's south and north sides. The Dr. James Carlson Library, which replaced the earlier Southpointe Branch, opened to the public on November 16, 2007. A new downtown Main Library opened April 25, 2009. The Fargo Public Library is headquartered in downtown Fargo.

In 2014, over 1 million items were checked out from Fargo Public Library. Books and magazines made up nearly half of the total and digital media and other non-print items made up more than a third. The rest were inter-library loans and renewals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/fargo-library-breaks-record|title=Fargo Library breaks record|date=January 14, 2015|website=Inforum.com|access-date=February 2, 2022}}</ref>

===Tallest buildings=== The tallest buildings in Fargo include: # RDO Building (height: 234&nbsp;ft; 71 m built 2018–2020, 18 floors)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/developer-downtown-fargos-block-9-tower-financing-almost-done-groundbreaking-this-summer|title=Developer: Downtown Fargo's Block 9 tower financing almost done, groundbreaking this summer|date=April 23, 2018|website=Inforum.com|access-date=February 2, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kfgo.com/news/articles/2016/feb/01/partnership-announces-downtown-development-plan/|title=Partnership announces downtown development plan|publisher=Midwest Communications, Inc.|website=KFGO-790|access-date=February 1, 2016|archive-date=February 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203091649/http://kfgo.com/news/articles/2016/feb/01/partnership-announces-downtown-development-plan/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/fargo-skyscraper-project-has-hotel-office-partners-city-help-still-in-works|title=Fargo skyscraper project has hotel, office partners; city help still in works|date=January 10, 2016|website=Inforum.com|access-date=February 2, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inforum.com/news/traffic-and-construction/4499962-high-winds-fireproofing-water-pressure-require-special|title=High winds, fireproofing, water pressure require special attention for 234-foot, 25,000-ton Block 9 tower|first=Tu-Uyen|last=Tran|website=Inforum|access-date=September 20, 2018|archive-date=September 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920195917/http://www.inforum.com/news/traffic-and-construction/4499962-high-winds-fireproofing-water-pressure-require-special|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Formally known as the Block 9 Tower. As of 2019 it is the second tallest building in North Dakota.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inforum.com/news/local/block-9-hits-top-height-as-north-dakotas-second-tallest-building|title=Block 9 hits top height as North Dakota's second-tallest building|date=November 14, 2019|website=Inforum|access-date=September 18, 2023}}</ref>'' # Radisson Hotel (height: 206&nbsp;ft 8 in; 63 m, built 1985, 18 floors) # Sanford Medical Center (built 2012–2017, 11 floors)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.sanfordhealth.org/news/sanford-medical-center-fargo-stats/#:~:text=Fun%20facts%20on%20the%20facility%3A&text=274%20feet%20in%20height%20(Just,foot%20North%20Dakota%20State%20Capitol) | title=By the numbers: SMCF celebrates a successful first year | date=July 25, 2018 }}</ref> # Cathedral of St. Mary (height: 170&nbsp;ft 3 in; 52 m, built 1899) # First Lutheran Church (height: 167&nbsp;ft 4 in; 51 m, built 1920) # Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church (height: 130&nbsp;ft, built 1995–2010) # Fargodome (height: 125&nbsp;ft; 38 m, built 1992)<ref name="tall">{{cite web |url=http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/?id=101481 |title=Fargo: Buildings of the City |publisher=Emporis |access-date=February 28, 2011 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224002049/http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/?id=101481 |archive-date=February 24, 2007 }}</ref> # Bell Bank Tower (height: 122&nbsp;ft, built 1973, 10 stories),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.inforum.com/business/bell-bank-to-acquire-12-story-building-in-downtown-fargo|title=Bell Bank to acquire 12-story building in downtown Fargo|date=June 28, 2021|website=Inforum.com|access-date=February 2, 2022}}</ref> formerly the Bank of the West Tower, purchased by Bell Bank in 2021. # Black Building (height: 108&nbsp;ft 0 in; built 1931) ''Tallest building in North Dakota from 1931 to 1934 when the new ND Capitol building was completed at 241 feet high, which as of April 2021, remains the tallest building in the state today.'' Fargo is not particularly known for having large structures, primarily due to the rich but structurally-weak soil. This soil is the result of the Red River Valley being the home of glacial Lake Agassiz.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-01 |title=Fargo-Moorhead's placement on weak soils a 'geological mistake' that bedevils construction |url=https://www.inforum.com/news/fargo/fargo-moorheads-placement-on-weak-soils-a-geological-mistake-that-bedevils-construction |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=InForum |language=en}}</ref>

==Sports== * North Dakota State Bison, an NCAA Division I university with 14 varsity sports and club sports. North Dakota State's football team won five consecutive FCS National Championships between 2011 and 2015, and three more in 2017, 2018, and 2019 and hosted ESPN's College GameDay (in downtown Fargo) in 2013 and 2014. NDSU Bison play at the Fargodome. * Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks Independent Baseball Organization started in 1996 and is a 5 Time Northern League Champion and current member of the American Association. They play at the Newman Outdoor Field in North Fargo. * Fargo Post#2 of the North Dakota American Legion baseball league, which is held at the Jack Williams Stadium in North Fargo. * Fargo Marathon is an annual road running marathon, which started in 2005. Most years, it starts and ends at the Fargodome in North Fargo. * Fargo Force, a tier 1 USHL hockey team that plays at the Scheels Arena in South Fargo. * Fargo Moorhead Derby Girls (FMDG) women's roller derby league was founded in May 2009 and plays at the Skate City in South Fargo. Every game in their 2009–2010 season was sold out.

==Parks and recreation== thumb|Island Park The Fargo Park District operates many neighborhood parks throughout the city. The Fargo area contains the following golf courses: Edgewood Golf Course (18-hole), Fargo Country Club (18-hole) Rose Creek Golf Course (18-hole), El Zagal (9-hole), Prairiewood Golf Course (9-hole), and the new Osgood Golf Course (9-hole). In the winter Edgewood serves as a warming house and also provides cross country skis. Rose Creek and Osgood golf courses offer golfing lessons in the summer months. Fargo also has a skate park near dike west and Island park. Fargo and sister city Moorhead also hold ferry rides during the summer, on the historic Red River, to promote education of the fertile soil of the Red River Valley.

===Arenas and auditoriums=== [[File:Fargodome.jpg|thumb|The Fargodome at a North Dakota State Bison game]]

The Fargodome is an indoor arena on the North Dakota State University campus. Owned by the city, it plays host to all NDSU home football games and is also used for concerts and trade shows. The facility also hosts the high school wrestling national freestyle and Greco-Roman championships take place every year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=USA Wrestling Events |url=https://usawrestlingevents.com/event/2300009102 |access-date=May 23, 2023 |website=usawrestlingevents.com}}</ref> Newman Outdoor Field hosts the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks and NDSU Bison baseball on the NDSU campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fargomoorhead.org/sport/newman-outdoor-field/ |title=Newman Outdoor Field |website=Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau |access-date=February 1, 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://rleco.com/ |title=Architects at R.L. Engebretson |website=R.L. Engebretson |access-date=February 1, 2020 }}</ref> Reineke Fine Arts Center on the NDSU campus is used for concerts, theatrical presentations, and other events.

The Fargo Civic Center is an indoor arena used to host trade shows, sporting events, meetings, community events, concerts, and disaster relief.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fargomoorhead.org/meeting-space/fargo-civic-center/ |title=Fargo Civic Center |website=Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau |access-date=February 1, 2020 }}</ref>

John E. Carlson Coliseum, opened in 1969, is the home of the North Dakota State University ice hockey club team of the American Collegiate Hockey Association.<ref name="arenas">{{cite web |url=http://wccha.pointstreaksites.com/view/wccha/league-information-17/arena-directory |title=Arena Directory |publisher=Western Collegiate Club Hockey Association |accessdate=December 26, 2016}}</ref> It was the former home to the Fargo-Moorhead Jets, the Fargo North Spartans, and the Fargo South Bruins ice hockey teams.<ref name="fargo">{{cite web|url=http://www.bisonpuck.com/teams/default.asp?u=NDSUHOCKEY&t=c&s=hockey&p=custom&pagename=John+E%2E+Carlson+Coliseum |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723215846/http://www.bisonpuck.com/teams/default.asp?u=NDSUHOCKEY&t=c&s=hockey&p=custom&pagename=John+E.+Carlson+Coliseum |archivedate=July 23, 2012 |title=John E. Carlton Coliseum |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2007, Fargo held a groundbreaking for the $25 million Scheels Arena.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/0136/6645/Facility_Guide_2017.pdf|title=Facility Guide 2017|publisher=Scheels Arena|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428180734/https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/0136/6645/Facility_Guide_2017.pdf|archive-date=April 28, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Its main tenant is the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League, in addition to Fargo high school hockey and other concerts and special events.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.inforum.com/sports/4033773-added-ice-sheet-scheels-arena-open-june|title=Added ice sheet to Scheels Arena to open in June|work=INFORUM|access-date=April 27, 2018|language=en|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428093939/http://www.inforum.com/sports/4033773-added-ice-sheet-scheels-arena-open-june|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Government== {{further|List of mayors of Fargo, North Dakota}} thumb|Fargo City Hall

Fargo uses the city commission style of local government. Four commissioners and a mayor are elected via approval voting. Fargo became the first city in the U.S. to use approval voting for elections in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kfgo.com/news/articles/2018/nov/07/fargo-to-become-first-city-in-us-to-use-approval-voting/ |title=Fargo to become first city in U.S. to use approval voting |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111093247/https://kfgo.com/news/articles/2018/nov/07/fargo-to-become-first-city-in-us-to-use-approval-voting/ |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Fargo City Commission meets every two weeks in its chambers above the Fargo Civic Center. The meetings are broadcast on a Government-access television (GATV) cable channel.

In 2017, there was an attempt to recall City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn by a group who argued his constant expressing of concern over refugee resettlement in the city was a xenophobic dog-whistle meant to rile up anti-refugee sentiment in the community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.inforum.com/news/4232812-group-trying-recall-fargo-commissioner-piepkorn-over-his-refugee-stance-submits|title=Group trying to recall Fargo Commissioner Piepkorn over his refugee stance submits petition for state review|first=Archie |last=Ingersoll|website=INFORUM|date=March 11, 2017}}</ref> While the group says it did reach the required number of signatures, it ultimately chose not to submit them because they did not know how many signatures would be eliminated in the review process, and Commissioner Piepkorn threatened to obtain the list of signers via FOIA request, which was interpreted as a political threat by the group.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/832f3c527e7a477bb33d2003e9ad10bb|title=Refugee backers drop effort to recall Fargo commissioner|date=May 12, 2017|website=AP NEWS}}</ref>

Fargo was historically a Republican-leaning area. As recently as the 2004 presidential election, George W. Bush carried Fargo as well as the rest of Cass County with nearly 60 percent of the vote in both areas. Fargo has become more politically diverse and competitive.

==Education==

===Primary and secondary schools=== thumb|Fargo North High School

The Fargo Public Schools system serves most of the city, operating fifteen elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools: Fargo North High School, Fargo South High School, Davies High School, and an Dakota High School (an alternative high school). The original high school in the city was Central High School.

The West Fargo Public Schools system serves the southwestern part of the city, in addition to West Fargo itself and the surrounding communities of Horace and Harwood.

In addition to public schools, a number of private schools also operate in the city. The John Paul II Catholic Schools Network operates Holy Spirit Elementary, Nativity Elementary, Trinity Elementary in West Fargo, North Dakota, Sacred Heart Middle School, and Shanley High School. Additionally, the Oak Grove Lutheran School and Park Christian School (which is in Moorhead, Minnesota) serve grades Pre-K through 12, while Grace Lutheran School serves grades Pre-K through 8.

===Higher education=== [[File:North Dakota State University Old Main; May 16, 2024.png|thumb|Old Main on the campus of North Dakota State University]]

Fargo is home to North Dakota State University (NDSU), which has over 14,500 students. NDSU was founded in 1890 as the state land grant university focusing on agriculture, engineering and science, but has since branched out to cover many other fields of study. NDSU, along with Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia College in Moorhead, form the Tri-College University system of Fargo-Moorhead. Students can take classes at any of the three institutions. These three colleges also form a vibrant student-youth community of over 25,000. NDSCS-Fargo is a campus of North Dakota State College of Science. Located in the Skills and Technology Training Center on 19th Avenue North in Fargo, NDSCS-Fargo serves as the home to academic programming and non-credit training.

Fargo is also home to several private collegiate institutions, including Rasmussen University, a branch location of the University of Mary, and Master's Baptist College operated by Fargo Baptist Church. The University of Jamestown's Doctor of Physical Therapy program is based in Fargo.

==Media== {{main|Media in Fargo–Moorhead}}

''The Forum of Fargo–Moorhead'' is the city's major newspaper. The ''High Plains Reader'', an independent weekly newspaper, also operates in the community. North Dakota State University's student paper, ''The Spectrum'', is printed twice weekly during the academic year. The city is also served by other publications such as ''Area Woman'', ''From House To Home'', ''Bison Illustrated'', ''OPEN Magazine'', ''Fargo Monthly'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fargomonthly.com/|title=Fargo Monthly &#124; Fargo, North Dakota's Magazine for Events, Dining, Shopping and more.|website=Fargomonthly.com|access-date=February 2, 2022}}</ref> ''Design & Living'', and ''Valley Faith''.

Fargo is also home to several radio and television stations. Gray Television owns NBC affiliate KVLY-TV and CBS affiliate KXJB-LD, and Coastal Television Broadcasting Company owns Fox affiliate KVRR. Forum Communications, which also owns ''The Forum'', owns ABC affiliate WDAY-TV. Major Market Broadcasting owns MyNetworkTV affiliate KRDK-TV, which was formerly CBS affiliate KXJB. Prairie Public Broadcasting operates KFME-TV, a PBS station, and also operates NPR affiliate KDSU-FM (however, KDSU is owned by North Dakota State University). Midwest Communications operating under Midwest Radio of Fargo-Moorhead, owns KFGO-AM/FM, KVOX-FM, KOYY, KRWK and KNFL. Conservative talk host Scott Hennen owns WZFG and WDAY radio, and Great Plains Integrated Marketing owns KQLX, KQLX-FM and KEGK. Local resident James Ingstad operates eight radio stations under RFM Media, including KBVB, KPFX, KLTA, KQWB-FM, KQWB-AM, KBMW-FM, and K233CY.

KNDS 96.3 FM is an FCC approved radio station, owned with a license held by the independent Alliance for the Arts, operating on the 96.3 frequency in Fargo, North Dakota and the surrounding area. KNDS strives to provide the area with independent music not heard elsewhere in the FM radio community, while maintaining an emphasis on community/area partnership. North Dakota State University's ThunderRadio club operates the station <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kndsradio.org/about|title=About|website=Kndsradio.org|access-date=February 2, 2022|archive-date=February 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202232704/https://www.kndsradio.org/about|url-status=dead}}</ref>

KRFF-LP is a local, non-profit, listener-supported independent radio station serving the Fargo-Moorhead area. Radio Free Fargo previously worked to run KNDS.

==Transportation== {{further|List of major roads in Fargo, North Dakota}}

[[File:ONE LAST PHOTOGRAPH BEFORE PASSENGERS BOARD THE EMPIRE BUILDER AT FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, ENROUTE FROM CHICAGO TO EAST... - NARA - 556091.jpg|thumb|right|Passengers pose for a photo before boarding the ''Empire Builder'' in 1974. Amtrak trains traveling toward Chicago and Seattle stop daily between 1 and 4 am.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/BlobServer?blobcol=urldata&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobkey=id&blobwhere=1249216212973&blobheader=application%2Fpdf&blobheadername1=Content-disposition&blobheadervalue1=attachment;filename=Amtrak_P07.pdf |title=Empire Builder |publisher=amtrak.com |access-date=October 28, 2014}}</ref> Photo by Charles O'Rear.]]

Fargo is a major transportation hub for the surrounding region. It sits at the crossroads of two major interstate highways, two transcontinental railroads and is the home of an airport.

Fargo is served by Hector International Airport (named after Martin Hector), which has the longest public runway in the state. An Air National Guard unit and the Fixed-Base Operation Fargo Jet Center and Vic's Aircraft Sales are also at Hector.

The Fargo-Moorhead area is served by a bus service known as MATBUS. The bus service operates routes Monday-Saturday, many of which specifically cater to the area's college student population, who comprise half of its ridership.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fmmetrocog.org/new/assets/documents/Transit/TDP%202016%20-%202020/2016-2020%20TDP%20Report.pdf|title=2016–2020 Transit Development Plan|date=December 2016|website=Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623232527/http://www.fmmetrocog.org/new/assets/documents/Transit/TDP%202016%20-%202020/2016-2020%20TDP%20Report.pdf|archive-date=June 23, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Greyhound Lines, Jefferson Lines and Rimrock Stages Trailways bus services additionally link Fargo to other communities.

The BNSF Railway runs through the metropolitan area as successor to the Great Northern Railway and Northern Pacific Railroad. Amtrak service is provided via the ''Empire Builder'' passenger train at the Fargo Amtrak station.

The city sits at the intersection of Interstate 29 and Interstate 94. U.S. Highway 81, U.S. Highway 10, and U.S. Highway 52 also run through the community.

The street system of Fargo is structured in the classic grid pattern. Routes that run from north to south are called ''streets'', and routes that run from east to west are called ''avenues''.

The major north–south roads (from west to east) include: * 45th Street * 42nd Street * Interstate 29 * 25th Street * University Drive (one-way southbound from 19th Avenue North until 13th Avenue South) * 10th Street (Carries northbound University Drive traffic from 13th Avenue South until 19th Avenue North)

The major east–west roads (from north to south) include: * 40th Avenue Northwest * 19th Avenue North * 12th Avenue North (Also known as North Dakota Highway 294; ND 294 is unsigned) * Main Avenue * 13th Avenue South and 13th Avenue Southwest * Interstate 94 * 32nd Avenue South * 52nd Avenue South * 64th Avenue South

==Notable people== {{Main|List of people from Fargo, North Dakota}}

==In popular culture== ''Fargo'' is an Academy Award-winning 1996 black comedy film directed by the Coen brothers, which takes place primarily throughout Minnesota.{{Citation needed|date=December 2025}} Fargo is only seen briefly at the film's opening scene set in a bar and mentioned only twice in the film. None of ''Fargo'' was shot on location in or near Fargo.{{Citation needed|date=December 2025}} A television series based on the film debuted in 2014, and occasionally featured the city in episodes.{{Citation needed|date=December 2025}}

The fictional town of Ludendorff, North Yankton in the 2013 video game ''Grand Theft Auto V'' is inspired by Fargo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/grand-theft-auto-locations-based-on-real-life/|title=These Real Locations Look Just As Cool As They Do In GTA|first=Asad|last=Mubeen|date=May 14, 2025|work=TheGamer}}</ref>

==Sister cities== Fargo has two sister cities: *Moorhead, Minnesota *West Fargo, North Dakota

==See also== * Fargo-Moorhead Toll Bridge * Hector International Airport * National Register of Historic Places listings in Cass County, North Dakota – with more than 20 Fargo properties * Roman Catholic Diocese of Fargo * USS ''Fargo'', two ships

==Notes== {{Notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==Bibliography== {{See also|Timeline of Fargo, North Dakota#Bibliography|l1=Bibliography of the history of Fargo, North Dakota}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} {{Wikivoyage|Fargo|Fargo, North Dakota}} {{EB1911 poster|Fargo}} * {{Official website|https://www.fargond.gov/}} * [https://www.fargomoorhead.org/ Fargo Visitors Bureau] – exists to promote Fargo, North Dakota as a destination for visitors * [https://digitalhorizonsonline.org/ Historic images of Fargo]

{{Navboxes |title=Articles relating to Fargo, North Dakota |list= {{Cass County, North Dakota}} {{North Dakota}} {{Fargo-Moorhead}} {{Midwestern United States}} {{North Dakota county seats}} }} {{Authority control}}

Category:Fargo, North Dakota Category:Cities in North Dakota Category:Cities in Cass County, North Dakota Category:County seats in North Dakota Category:Populated places in the United States established in 1871 Category:1871 establishments in Dakota Territory