West Fargo, North Dakota

West Fargo, North Dakota
Name	West Fargo
Settlement type	City
Nickname	The Pride of the Prairie
Pushpin label	West Fargo
Coordinates	46, 52, 18, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	North Dakota
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Cass
Established title	Founded
Established date	1926
Government type	Commission–Manager
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Bernie Dardis
Leader title1	City Commission
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total km2	39.50
Area total sq mi	15.25
Area land km2	39.50
Area land sq mi	15.25
Area water km2	0.00
Area water sq mi	0.00
Elevation m	273
Elevation ft	896
Population total	38626
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	CST
Utc offset	-6
Timezone DST	CDT
Utc offset DST	-5
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	58078
Area code	701
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	38-84700
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	1032691
Website	www.westfargond.gov

West Fargo, North Dakota. West Fargo is a rapidly growing city in Cass County, North Dakota, situated directly adjacent to its larger neighbor, Fargo, North Dakota. Incorporated in 1926, it has evolved from a small railroad town into a major suburban hub and one of the state's largest cities. The city is known for its strong community identity, robust economic development, and extensive park system along the Sheyenne River.

History

The area's development was spurred by the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in the late 19th century, with the community initially known as "Hoffman's Addition." It was formally incorporated under its current name in 1926 to avoid confusion with another North Dakota town. Significant growth began in the post-World War II era, accelerating dramatically after the Red River flood of 1997, which spurred residential and commercial expansion onto higher ground west of the Red River of the North. Key historical entities include the West Fargo Public Schools district and the former West Fargo Packers athletic teams. The city's expansion has been marked by numerous annexations, transforming it from a bedroom community into a major employment center.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.25 square miles, all land. It is located on the fertile plains of the Red River Valley, with the Sheyenne River flowing along its western and southern boundaries. The terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the valley formed by ancient Lake Agassiz. Major transportation corridors include Interstate 29 and U.S. Route 52, which run north-south, and North Dakota Highway 10, which provides an east-west route. The city's geography has directly influenced its development pattern, with significant commercial growth along these major highways.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 38,626, making it the fifth-largest city in North Dakota. The city has consistently been one of the fastest-growing in the state for decades, with its population more than doubling since the 2000 United States Census. Demographic data shows a relatively young population, with a median age below the state average. The racial makeup is predominantly White, with growing diversity including communities of Asian, Black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The United States Census Bureau designates the city as part of the Fargo, ND-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Economy

West Fargo has a diversified economy with major sectors in manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and technology. It is home to the West Fargo Industrial Park and the expansive Sheyenne 59 commercial corridor. Major employers include Microsoft, which operates a large data center campus, Aldevron, a biotechnology firm, and Dakota Clinic. The city also hosts the headquarters of Border States Electric and a significant manufacturing facility for Caterpillar Inc.. Retail is anchored by the West Acres Regional Shopping Center located near the border with Fargo, North Dakota. The North Dakota Department of Commerce has recognized the area for strong economic growth and low unemployment.

Government

West Fargo operates under a commission-manager form of government. The city's legislative authority is vested in a five-member City Commission, including the mayor, all elected at-large to four-year terms. The current mayor is Bernie Dardis. The commission appoints a professional City manager to oversee daily administrative operations. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including police through the West Fargo Police Department, fire protection, and public works. It is part of North Dakota's 1st congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives.

Education

Public education is administered by the West Fargo Public Schools district, one of the largest and fastest-growing in North Dakota. The district includes multiple high schools such as West Fargo High School and Sheyenne High School, several middle schools, and numerous elementary schools. The city is also served by several private and parochial institutions, including St. John Paul II Catholic Schools. For post-secondary education, residents have access to nearby institutions like North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota, and Minnesota State University Moorhead across the river in Moorhead, Minnesota. The West Fargo Public Library is part of the Lake Agassiz Regional Library system.

Culture and recreation

The city is known for its extensive park system, which includes over 40 parks and 30 miles of trails, many along the Sheyenne River. Major annual events are held at the West Fargo Sports Arena and include the Red River Valley Fair, one of the largest in the region. The city hosts the West Fargo Pioneer Days celebration and is home to the Bonanzaville, USA museum and village, which preserves the history of the Red River Valley. Athletic facilities are prominent, featuring the L.E. Berger Sports Complex and the Sheyenne Soccer Complex. Cultural offerings are enhanced by proximity to venues in Fargo, North Dakota, such as the Fargo Theatre and the Plains Art Museum.

Category:Cities in North Dakota Category:Cass County, North Dakota Category:Fargo–Moorhead