Why Are People Moving to Fargo, ND?

With a population of just over 70,000, you’d think that Fargo, North Dakota, would be teeming with activity. You’d be wrong. Although the city has seen a modest 0.9% increase in population since 2011, newly released figures reveal that the area is actually attracting few new residents.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, between October 2018 and September 2019, there were 1,600 new people moving to the city, but only 1,400 residents left. In other words, the city’s population remained relatively stable.

As a result, the city is now only home to about 70,100 people, making it the least populous city in the state. Even Minot, with a population of around 75,000, has far more residents.

Health-Related Reasons

The vast majority of new residents who move to Fargo are there for health-related reasons. Indeed, between October 2018 and September 2019 alone, there were 7,200 new people moving to the city, but only 3,600 were left. This indicates that more people are moving to Fargo for health-related reasons than any other single motivation.

This is likely because the nearby hospitals have some of the most esteemed medical professionals in the world. While the city is home to only one hospital, the Sanford Health System, it is regarded as one of the best in the area. The closest hospital to the city is the Driscoll Children’s Hospital, which is part of the statewide Texas Children’s Hospital network. The hospital specializes in complex pediatric cases and is considered one of the state’s best children’s hospitals.

Additionally, research conducted at the University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine found that residents of Fargo are significantly more likely to seek medical treatment than those living in other cities. This could potentially be attributed to the city’s reputation, as well as its close proximity to the school’s main campus in Fargo.

Economic Reasons

Also topping the list of reasons for moving to Fargo are economic. Between October 2018 and September 2019, there were 4,800 new residents moving to the city, but only 2,900 people left. This indicates that more people are moving to Fargo for jobs or for the opportunity to pursue career opportunities. Additionally, around 40% of new residents moving to the city were there for job-related reasons.

According to census data, between 2016 and 2018, the cost of living in the city increased by 14.5%, while prices for essential goods and services soared by 19%. This has likely driven more people to seek out jobs, as well as move to the city. Between 2011 and 2016, the city’s median household income grew by 10%, but with only 2.7% of the population having a bachelor’s degree or higher, that growth doesn’t appear to be trickling down to the average resident.

Migration Patterns

It’s not just new residents who are moving to Fargo. According to the most recent figures, the city’s population is also growing due to existing residents moving to the area or moving from other states (or countries).

Between October 2018 and September 2019, there were 1,200 existing residents moving to the city, but only 320 people left. In other words, the city’s population is now about 70,400 people, which is about 7.5% greater than the previous year. This is likely because existing residents have more opportunities to meet and interact with people.

The most recent figures also show that about 40% of Fargo’s population was born outside of North Dakota. This is significantly higher than the national average of 32%. Additionally, about 16% of the city’s residents were either born in another country or state or hold naturalized American citizenship.

It is interesting to note that although more people are moving to Fargo, new figures also show that its birth rate is declining. In particular, the city’s birth rate fell by 12% between July 2018 and June 2019. This is likely because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has limited people’s travel and caused many to hunker down at home. As a result, fewer people are having children, and the ones who are are keeping them closer to home due to safety concerns.

Why Is the Cost of Living in Fargo So High?

One of the things that make Fargo so appealing is the low cost of living. Indeed, as a result of the above factors – limited employment opportunities, poor education rates, and high birth rates – the city has one of the lowest costs of living in the country. In fact, it’s even possible to live very generously in Fargo, considering the area’s low cost of living and relatively high incomes. However, if you’re looking to move there, make sure you’re prepared to spend more than you would in a comparable area in another state.