West Fargo, Cass County, ND demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
40,094
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,665/yr
-6.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,560
2.0% year-over-year change

West Fargo population

How many people live in West Fargo

West Fargo is home to 40,094 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.9% of West Fargo locals are male, and 49.1% are female.

Total population
40,094
2.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.9%
20,424
Female
49.1%
19,670
Value Percent YoY change
Male 20,424 50.9% 3.8%
Female 19,670 49.1% 0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in West Fargo is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.3% are children under 15, then 15% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.8% of the population, while another 18.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.3%
15 to 24
15%
25 to 44
31.8%
45 to 64
18.6%
Over 65
12.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,928 22.3% -2.1%
15 to 24 6,013 15% 10.1%
25 to 44 12,737 31.8% -3.0%
45 to 64 7,453 18.6% 3.2%
Over 65 4,963 12.4% 13.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In West Fargo, 94.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 85.2% of locals are Caucasian, 5.2% are African American and 2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 37,874 94.5% 1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,123 2.8% 15.2%
Non-citizens 1,097 2.7% 10.0%
Racial breakdown
White
85.2%
Black or African American
5.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.6%
Other
0.7%
Value Percent
White 34,146 85.2%
Black or African American 2,074 5.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 532 1.3%
Asian 810 2%
Two or more races 2,257 5.6%
Other 275 0.7%

Households in West Fargo

A peek inside West Fargo households

West Fargo has 15,841 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 61.3% are families, while the remaining 38.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,841
1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
6,128
Family households
9,713
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,128 38.7% 8.9%
Family households 9,713 61.3% -2.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in West Fargo

The housing landscape of West Fargo

West Fargo's housing consists of 16,560 units, with 52.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 14.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
16,560
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,662 52.3%
1 unit, attached 2,455 14.8%
2 units 337 2%
3 or 4 units 653 3.9%
5 to 9 units 418 2.5%
10 to 19 units 924 5.6%
20 to 49 units 1,843 11.1%
50 or more units 842 5.1%
Mobile home 422 2.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0%
Homes built since 2020
916
54.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Fargo

In West Fargo, the median construction year is 2004. About 1.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 26.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 28.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 254 1.5% 8.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 112 0.7% 33.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 571 3.4% 4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 448 2.7% -24.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,820 11% -3.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,484 9% 20.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,829 11% -11.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,454 26.9% 3.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,672 28.2% 0.1%
Built in 2020 or later 916 5.5% 54.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

West Fargo occupancy rates

Out of the 15,841 occupied housing units in West Fargo, 64.4% are owner-occupied, while 35.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,841
1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,636
Owner occupied
10,205
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,636 35.6% 1.2%
Owner occupied 10,205 64.4% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
4.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

West Fargo housing costs

Housing costs in West Fargo come to a median of $1,407 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,111.

Median housing costs per month
$1,407/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in West Fargo
$1,111/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in West Fargo

West Fargo education at a glance

About 21.1% of the population in West Fargo went to high school, while 24.8% pursued college studies. Another 13.4% earned an associate degree and 26.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 421 1.4% 65.1%
High school diploma 6,260 21.1% 9.0%
College diploma 7,342 24.8% 7.2%
Associate degree 3,963 13.4% 3.1%
Bachelor's degree 7,874 26.6% -3.5%
Graduate degree 3,794 12.8% -3.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in West Fargo

How much people earn in West Fargo

The average annual household income in West Fargo was $121,452 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $90,665, reflecting a -6.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Fargo
$121,452/year
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Fargo
$90,665/year
-6.4% year-over-year change

West Fargo income by age

In West Fargo, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $105,951. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $107,708 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $57,824, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $66,681 in earnings. Overall, 91.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $57,824 4.7%
25 - 44 $105,951 -4.1%
45 - 64 $107,708 -8.6%
Over 65 $66,681 -9.0%
Above poverty level
35,763
Below poverty level
3,496
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 35,763 91.1% -1.4%
Below poverty level 3,496 8.9% 47.3%

Average renter income in West Fargo

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in West Fargo, their median household income was $52,313 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$52,313
Rent-to-income ratio
25.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in West Fargo

Workforce and job types in West Fargo

The job market in West Fargo is powered by 23,314 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 67.2% are employed by private companies, and 12.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
23,314
-0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
19,293
Blue collar
4,021
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 19,293 82.8% -0.4%
Blue collar 4,021 17.2% -2.4%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
67.2%
Governmental workers
12.1%
Not for profit companies
13.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,649 7.1% 4.7%
Private companies 15,674 67.2% -0.5%
Governmental workers 2,814 12.1% 3.6%
Not for profit companies 3,177 13.6% -7.8%
Unemployment rate
1.1%
6.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in West Fargo stands at 1.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in West Fargo

How people get around in West Fargo

Commuting methods vary: 88% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 20,465 88% -1.4%
Bus or trolleybus 70 0.3% -31.4%
Motorcycle 75 0.3% -7.4%
Walk 137 0.6% 48.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in West Fargo by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
58078 40,631 16,067 $91,040 $121,770

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FAQs about West Fargo demographics 

What is the total population of West Fargo?

West Fargo has a total population of 40,094 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West Fargo?

The gender ratio in West Fargo is as follows:
  • 50.9% males (20,424 residents)
  • 49.1% females (19,670 residents)

What is the median age in West Fargo?

The median age in West Fargo is 33.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in West Fargo?

The age distribution in West Fargo is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.3% (8,928 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15% (6,013 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.8% (12,737 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.6% (7,453 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.4% (4,963 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Fargo?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Fargo is as follows:
  • White: 85.2% (34,146 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.2% (2,074 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (532 residents)
  • Asian: 2% (810 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.6% (2,257 residents)
  • Other: 0.7% (275 residents)

What percentage of the population in West Fargo are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.5% of the population in West Fargo.

How many housing units are there in West Fargo?

There are 16,560 housing units in West Fargo, reflecting a +2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in West Fargo and what is the average household size?

West Fargo has a total of 15,841 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Fargo?

West Fargo has a median household income of $90,665, representing a -6.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for West Fargo?

The employment rate is 98.9% in West Fargo, with a workforce of 23,314 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.8% (19,293 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.2% (4,021 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (1,649 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.2% (15,674 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.1% (2,814 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.6% (3,177 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025