City of West Fargo Stats
40,000 residents 15,000+ households +10% projected growth by 2028 65% family households Economic Strength & Workforce 6.2% population growth since 2020 One of the fastest growing cities in ND Served by several utility providers Electricity, Natural gas, Water and Sewer 18.2 min Commute Time 1% Unemployment Rate Labor Force Participation Quality of Life Growing school
Meet Fargo AIBETAAI-generated
AI-assisted summary reviewed by a Fargo Monthly editor before publishing. Send corrections to editor@fargomonthly.com.
Quick summary
West Fargo is pitching itself as a fast-growing, business-friendly city, with 40,000 residents, low unemployment, expanding growth areas and major regional assets tied to transportation, education and flood protection.
- 40,000 residents and 15,000+ households
- 18.2-minute commute time
- 1% unemployment rate and 4.31% corporate income tax
- Crossing of two interstates and service from four railroads
Did you know
- The Diversion is expected to bring more than 6,500 acres of land out of the floodplain.Article body
- West Fargo's projected flood protection will help prevent flooding for nearly 260,000 people.Article body
- West Fargo is served by four railroads and sits at the crossing of two interstates.Article body
- 40,000 residents
- 15,000+ households
- +10% projected growth by 2028
- 65% family households
Economic Strength & Workforce
- 6.2% population growth since 2020
- One of the fastest growing cities in ND
- Served by several utility providers
Electricity, Natural gas, Water and Sewer
- 18.2 min Commute Time
- 1% Unemployment Rate
- Labor Force Participation
Quality of Life
- Growing school district (#2 in the state)
- Parks, trails, community events
- Safe, family-oriented neighborhoods
- Healthcore and higher education access
Major Industry Mix
- Manufacturing
- Distribution and Logistics
- Retail
- Educational and Professional Business Services
Taxes & Business Climate
- Corporate income tac: 4.31%
- $1,600 Primary Residence Property Tax Credit
- Business-friendly regulatory environment
- City 2.5%
- State 5%
- Sales Tax 8%
- County 0.5%
#1 US State of Tax Competitiveness
Regional Advantage
- Nationally recognized healthcare centers (Level 1 Trauma Center)
- Crossing of two interstates (129 & 194)
- Served by four railroads
- 20,000+collage students
- Hector International Airport
- One of the fastest growing metros in the upper Midwest
- Water diversion project (2030)
- Regional convention center (to be constructed)
- Regional public safety dispatch center
Growth in Action
The Diversion
Major permanent flood protection project that will remove most of the City’s future growth area from the existing floodplain.
- Functionally completed in 2027
- Bring over 6,500 acres of land out of the floodplain
- Prevent flooding for nearly 260,000 people
- FEMA will remap floodplains in 2030
Growth Area Master Plan
Establish a strategic framework to guide decisions regarding growth and development in West Fargo’s growth areas.
Aspects of Growth Management
- Land-use and the urban form
- Annexation and municipal service extension
- TransportationRoadways, trails, transit
- Parks and open space
- Economic development – fiscal impacts and sustainability
- Capital and infrastructure improvements planning
Interested In Developing? Let’s Connect!
Casey Sanders-Berglund Director of Economic Development casey.sanders@westfargond.gov
Published April 28, 2026
