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West Fargo, North Dakota

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West Fargo is a city in Cass County, North Dakota, United States. It is, as of the 2020 census, the fifth most populous city in the state of North Dakota with a population of 38,626,[5] and it is one of the state's fastest growing cities.[8] The city is part of the Fargo-Moorhead, ND-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

West Fargo, North Dakota
City
Downtown West Fargo
Young Field
Bonanzaville, USA
MIDCO Stage at the Essentia Health Plaza
Official logo of West Fargo, North Dakota
Motto: 
"A City on the Grow"
Location of West Fargo, North Dakota
Location of West Fargo, North Dakota
Coordinates: 46°51′25.88″N 96°54′20.57″W / 46.8571889°N 96.9057139°W / 46.8571889; -96.9057139
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Dakota
CountyCass
Founded1871
Incorporated1930[1]
Government
 • TypeCity Commission
 • PresidentBernie Dardis
 • Commission
Members list
Area
[2]
 • City
16.417 sq mi (42.520 km2)
 • Land16.175 sq mi (41.893 km2)
 • Water0.242 sq mi (0.627 km2)
Elevation
[4]
899 ft (274 m)
Population
 (2020)[5]
 • City
38,626
 • Estimate 
(2023)[6]
40,400
 • RankUS: 994th
ND: 5th
 • Density2,498.0/sq mi (964.4/km2)
 • Urban
216,214 (US: 178th)[3]
 • Urban density2,781.6/sq mi (1,074.0/km2)
 • Metro
262,620 (US: 189th)
 • Metro density93.4/sq mi (36.08/km2)
DemonymWest Fargoan
Time zoneUTC–6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC–5 (CDT)
ZIP Code
58078
Area code701
FIPS code38-84780
GNIS feature ID1036321[4]
HighwaysI-94, US 10
Sales tax8.0%[7]
Websitewestfargond.gov

History

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West Fargo began as a whistle stop called "Sheyenne Crossing" on the Northern Pacific Railway, named for the nearby Sheyenne River.[9][10][11]

A post office operated from 1874 to 1885.[9]

The settlement was renamed "Haggartville", and then "Haggart", after the owner of the land, John E. Haggart, a businessman who served as postmaster, U.S. marshall, and first sheriff of Cass County.[9][12] Settlers began arriving in the area, and in 1876 the first school was built, School District No. 6.[12]

Equity Co-op Packing Company was formed by a group of farmer, and the Equity Packing Plant—a meat processing plant—was erected in the settlement in 1919.[12] Twenty-four homes were built, as well as a hotel, restaurant, and general store.[12][13] The Equity company fell into bankruptcy in 1922, and was sold to Armour and Company in 1925, when the settlement's name was changed to "Village of West Fargo".[12] The settlement was a major agricultural processor during the 1930s, and most of the residents were meat packinghouse workers; teams at West Fargo High School continue to be called the "packers".[14] The plant utilized an assembly line to process meat, and its motto stated it used "every part of the animal except the squeal."[13] The plant also produced fertilizer, adhesives, and soap.[13] The meat packing era ended in West Fargo when the Armour plant closed in 1960.[13]

In 1989, the cities of West Fargo and Riverside merged.[12]

Geography

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According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.417 square miles (42.52 km2), of which 16.175 square miles (41.89 km2) is land and 0.242 square miles (0.63 km2) is water.[2]

Climate

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This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, West Fargo has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.[15]

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1940707—
19501,632130.8%
19603,328103.9%
19705,16155.1%
198010,09995.7%
199012,28721.7%
200014,94021.6%
201025,83072.9%
202038,62649.5%
2023 (est.)40,400[6]4.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[16]
2020 Census[5]

2020 census

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West Fargo, North Dakota – racial and ethnic composition
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.
Race / ethnicity (NH = non-Hispanic) Pop. 2000[17] Pop. 2010[18] Pop. 2020[19] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 14,312 23,840 32,687 95.80% 92.30% 84.62%
Black or African American alone (NH) 59 503 1,779 0.39% 1.95% 4.61%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 151 232 415 1.01% 0.90% 1.07%
Asian alone (NH) 41 359 850 0.27% 1.39% 2.20%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 3 6 5 0.02% 0.02% 0.01%
Other race alone (NH) 7 26 79 0.05% 0.10% 0.20%
Mixed race or multiracial (NH) 156 391 1,616 1.04% 1.51% 4.18%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 211 473 1,195 1.41% 1.83% 3.09%
Total 14,940 25,830 38,626 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

As of the 2020 census, there were 38,626 people, 15,271 households, and 9,905 families residing in the city.[20] The population density was 2,404.7 inhabitants per square mile (928.5/km2). There were 16,058 housing units at an average density of 999.8 per square mile (386.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 85.60% White, 4.72% African American, 1.20% Native American, 2.22% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.98% from some other races and 5.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3.09% of the population.[21] 27.4% of residents were under the age of 18, 8.2% were under 5 years of age, and 10.5% were 65 and older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.9% female.

2010 census

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As of the 2010 census, there were 25,830 people, 10,348 households and 6,823 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,789.0 inhabitants per square mile (690.7/km2). There were 10,760 housing units at an average density of 745.2 per square mile (287.7/km2). The racial makeup was 93.5% White, 2.0% African American, 1.0% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.83% of the population.

According to the 2008–2012 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, the ancestry is as follows:

There were 10,348 households, of which 36.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.1% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.04.

The median age was 32.6 years. 26.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 32.9% were from 25 to 44; 23.2% were from 45 to 64; and 7.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.6% male and 50.4% female.

2000 census

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As of the 2000 census, there were 14,940 people, 5,771 households and 4,091 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,049.2 inhabitants per square mile (791.2/km2). There were 5,968 housing units at an average density of 818.6 per square mile (316.1/km2). The racial makeup was 96.40% White, 0.42% African American, 1.04% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.67% from other races, and 1.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.41% of the population.

The top six ancestry groups in the city are German (47.9%), Norwegian (39.7%), Irish (8.3%), Swedish (7.2%), French (5.2%), English (4.8%).

There were 5,771 households, of which 40.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.3% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.09.

29.2% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 34.0% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 6.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.4 males.

The median household income was $44,542 and the median family income was $51,765. Males had a median income of $32,105 and females $22,148. The per capita income was $19,368. About 4.7% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.8% of those under age 18 and 14.8% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

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Businesses

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Technology companies with West Fargo locations include:

  • Applied Industrial Technologies[23]
  • BNG Technologies[24]
  • Data Technologies Inc.[25]
  • High Point Networks[26]
  • Network Center Communications[27]
  • Norse Technologies[28]
  • Razor Tracking[29]
  • Red Chair Solutions[30]
  • TrueIT[31]
  • Digital Famous Media[32]

Arts and culture

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West Fest Parade
 
West Fargo Public Library

Museums

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Annual events

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  • Big Iron Farm Show, an annual event located at the West Fargo Fairgrounds, features farm equipment and over 900 exhibit booths. Over 87,000 attendees took part in the three-day Big Iron in 2013.[33]
  • Bonanzaville Pioneer Days includes a parade, food, demonstrations and tours.[34]
  • Hamfest, an annual event located at the West Fargo Fairgrounds, features presentations and equipment for sale.[35]
  • Nite to Unite, hosted by the West Fargo Police Department, is an annual community summer event. Past activities have included police, fire, ambulance and military demonstrations.[36]
  • Red River Valley Fair includes entertainment, arts and crafts shows, livestock, fireworks and a petting zoo.[34][37]
  • West Fest, held in September, includes a softball tournament, pancake feed, parade, and firefighter's ball.[38]

Public library

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The West Fargo Public Library is located in the Clayton A. Lodoen Center. The library moved into this facility in 2005.[39]

Park and recreation

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The West Fargo Park District maintains 30 parks, bike paths, and facilities that include Scheels Soccer Complex, Veterans Memorial Arena, Rustad Recreation Center and Veterans Memorial Pool.[40]

Government

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West Fargo City Hall

The City of West Fargo is governed by a Board of City Commissioners, which consists of the President of the Board (Mayor) and four City Commissioners. The current mayor of West Fargo as of 2018 is Bernie Dardis.[41]

Fargo City Hall opened in May 1975.[42] The building includes a public library, city offices, and police parking.[43][44]

Education

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West Fargo Sports Arena, part of West Fargo Public Schools.

West Fargo Public Schools serves the city of West Fargo, much of southwestern Fargo, the suburb of Reile's Acres, and the communities of Horace and Harwood.[45]

The school district operates two early childhood schools (Clayton A. Lodoen Kindergarten Center and Osgood Kindergarten Center), ten elementary schools (Aurora Elementary, Eastwood Elementary, Freedom Elementary, Harwood Elementary, Horace Elementary, Independence Elementary, L.E. Berger Elementary, Liberty 5th Grade, South Elementary, and Westside Elementary), two middle schools (Cheney Middle and Liberty Middle) and three high schools (West Fargo High School, Sheyenne High, and Community High).[46]

In 2016, the school district began construction of an $18.5 million competitive pool facility at the L.E. Berger Elementary School.[47]

In 2016, West Fargo High School teacher Michelle Strand earned the Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.[48]

Media

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Newspapers and magazines

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West Fargo news is covered in several newspapers and magazines including:

  • Area Woman Magazine[49]
  • Fargo Forum[50]
  • Fargo Monthly[51]
  • Prairie Business[52]
  • West Fargo Pioneer mailed free to every West Fargo resident[53]

Infrastructure

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West Fargo Fire Department, Main Station

Transportation

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West Fargo works with North Dakota Department of Transportation,[54] Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments (Metro COG),[55] and Fargo Moorhead Metro Area Transit[56] to meet the transportation needs of West Fargo citizens.

West Fargo Municipal Airport is 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of Fargo.[57]

Police

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The Police Department has grown from three officers in 1968, to 78 sworn officers as of 2023.[58]

Public works

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Public Works Department oversees streets, sewer and water, sanitation and forestry for the city.[59] "There are eight (8) existing wells within the City. The total pumping capacity of all wells together is 3,500 gallons per minute (5 million gallons per day)."[60]

Fire Department

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West Fargo Fire and Rescue has 23 career and 45 part-time positions. The department has two stations and provides "all hazard" services including fire suppression, community risk reduction, basic life support EMS, hazmat, and technical rescue specialties such as water/ice rescue, high angle rope rescue and tactical EMS.[citation needed]

Notable people

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References

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  1. ^ "History of West Fargo". www.westfargond.gov. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "2024 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  3. ^ "2020 Census Qualifying Urban Areas and Final Criteria Clarifications". Federal Register. United States Census Bureau. December 29, 2022.
  4. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: West Fargo, North Dakota
  5. ^ a b c "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
  6. ^ a b "City and Town Population Totals: 2020–2023". United States Census Bureau. June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  7. ^ "West Fargo (ND) sales tax rate". Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  8. ^ "West Fargo, ND | Official Website". www.westfargond.gov.
  9. ^ a b c Hoheisel, Nielsen; Tim, Andrew R. (2007). Cass County. Arcadia. p. 82.
  10. ^ Teigen, Danielle (2017). Hidden History of Fargo. History Press.
  11. ^ "How West Fargo Came To Be". Cass County. February 23, 2024.
  12. ^ a b c d e f Leith, Petra. "West Fargo: A Brief History". West Fargo Historical Center. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  13. ^ a b c d "The Equity Packing Plant". Prairie Public Broadcasting. July 3, 2020.
  14. ^ Danbom, David B.; Strom, Claire; Grosz, Jennifer; Hallberg, John R. (2002). Fargo, North Dakota 1870-1940. Arcadia. p. 46.
  15. ^ "West Fargo, North Dakota Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)". Weatherbase.
  16. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  17. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – West Fargo city, North Dakota". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  18. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – West Fargo city, North Dakota". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  19. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – West Fargo city, North Dakota". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  20. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  21. ^ "How many people live in West Fargo city, North Dakota". USA Today. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  22. ^ "Census.gov". Census.gov.
  23. ^ "Applied | Homepage".
  24. ^ "BNG Payments". BNG Payments.
  25. ^ "ABT Data Technologies, Inc". www.abtdti.com.
  26. ^ "High Point Networks | Business IT Solutions". highpointnetworks.com.
  27. ^ "IT Services & Support in Fargo". NetCenter Technologies.
  28. ^ "Norse Technologies". www.norsetechnologies.com.
  29. ^ "Razor Tracking - Award-Winning Fleet Tracking & Operations Management". Razor Tracking.
  30. ^ Red Chair Solutions website
  31. ^ "Home - True IT". June 23, 2021.
  32. ^ Digital Famous Media website
  33. ^ "Big Iron Farm Show - West Fargo, North Dakota". Big Iron Farm Show.
  34. ^ a b "West Fargo Event Listings - A Complete List of Events in West Fargo, North Dakota".
    - "Bonanzaville Pioneer Village and Cass County Museum - Bonanzaville".
  35. ^ "Red River Radio Amateurs". rrra.org.
    - "American Radio Relay League - Ham Radio Association and Resources". www.arrl.org.
  36. ^ "City of West Fargo > Home > Departments".
  37. ^ "Contact Us". www.redrivervalleyfair.com.
  38. ^ "West Fest". City of West Fargo.
  39. ^ "West Fargo news (West Fargo Pioneer)".
  40. ^ "Parks & Facilities - West Fargo Park District".
  41. ^ "City of West Fargo > Home > Government > City Commission".
  42. ^ "This Week in History". Retrieved June 27, 2016.
  43. ^ "Expansion blueprint proceeding for city hall, police department..." Retrieved June 27, 2016.
  44. ^ "Grand opening of West Fargo City Hall, Police Department". Retrieved June 27, 2016.
  45. ^ "West Fargo Public Schools - West Fargo, North Dakota".
  46. ^ "West Fargo Public Schools - West Fargo, North Dakota".
  47. ^ "Local swim group purchases Olympic Trials competition pool for..." January 6, 2016.
    - "Pool naming rights given to longtime swim family".
  48. ^ "West Fargo teacher wins Award of Excellence". West Fargo Pioneer.
  49. ^ "Welcome". areawomanmagazine.
  50. ^ "InForum | The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead". InForum.
  51. ^ "Fargo Monthly". fargomonthly.com.
  52. ^ "Prairie Business magazine".
  53. ^ "West Fargo Pioneer to be delivered every Wednesday Free to West..."
    - "West Fargo Pioneer".
    - "Former West Fargo Pioneer publisher Witham dies at age 95". West Fargo Pioneer. May 12, 2015.
    - "Don Witham Obituary". Tributes.com.
  54. ^ Transportation, North Dakota Department of. "DOT Home Page".
  55. ^ "Home :: Fargo-Moorhead Metro COG". www.fmmetrocog.org.
  56. ^ "MATBUS - Homepage". matbus.com.
  57. ^ "City of West Fargo > Home > Government > Airport Authority".
  58. ^ "West Fargo Police Department Annual Report 2023". West Fargo Police Department.
  59. ^ "City of West Fargo > Home > Departments > Public Works".
  60. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 11, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

Further reading

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  • Bicentennial West Fargo-Riverside History Book Committee. (1977). Thru the years to '76. West Fargo, N.D.: J & M Printing.
  • Cushing, N. (2003). West Fargo: A work in progress. Moorhead, Minn.: Dept. of Mass Communications, Minnesota State University Moorhead.
  • Dodge, R. (2009). Prairie murders: The true story of three murders and the loss of innocence in a small North Dakota town (1st ed.). St. Cloud, Minn.: North Star Press of St. Cloud.
  • Forness, P. (1994). Seasons : Pleasant pastures on the All-Muddy River (1st. ed.). Fargo, N.D.: Prairie House.
  • Heritage Publications (Hendrum, Minn.). (2003). A Century of the Red River Valley Fair. Hendrum, MN: Heritage Publications.
  • Witham, D. (2003). Sharing a legacy: The life & times of Donovan C. Witham. West Fargo, ND?: S.n.
  • Witham, D. (2011). Always with'em: A life to remember, musings on publishing, politics, and life in a small town. West Fargo, N.D.: Donovan C. Witham.
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