Fargo
RANK #422 / 996 NAT · POP 186,328
1YR FORECAST: +1.9%
5YR OUTLOOK: +25%
Cass County, North Dakota, is defined by its connection to the Red River, which forms its eastern border with Minnesota and offers opportunities for kayaking and riverside walks. As the most populous county in North Dakota, with Fargo as its largest city and county seat, it serves as a regional hub. The county's landscape features low rolling hills and agricultural plains. Commutes within the county are generally short, with an average travel time of 17.1 minutes. Public transportation options, including express van services to Fargo, are available for residents in rural areas. The community offers a blend of urban amenities in Fargo and smaller town atmospheres throughout the county.
Life in Cass County often involves families and young professionals, with a majority of residents owning their homes. The public school districts in Cass County are highly rated. The economy is experiencing growth, driven by investments in sectors like agriculture, with a significant soybean processing plant recently breaking ground in Casselton. The region also sees development in technology, including medical and agricultural technology. These economic developments contribute to job creation and aim to diversify the local economy.
Above national median
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Prices detached from rents
Housing looks undervalued at 3.4x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Applied Digital AI Factory (Polaris Forge 2)
Applied Digital
|
$3,000M | Under Construction |
|
North Dakota Soybean Processing Plant
North Dakota Soybean Processors (CGB Enterprises, Inc. and Minnesota Soybean Processors)
|
$400M | Operating |
|
Harmony Solar Project
Geronimo Energy (National Grid Renewables)
|
$320M | Planned |
|
Buffalo 115 kV Wind Project
Undisclosed
|
$200M | Planned |
|
BISON Battery Project
Undisclosed
|
$200M | Planned |
|
Amazon Fulfillment Center (FAR1)
Amazon
|
$100M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Cass County scores 57/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#422). Median household income is $73,249 and job growth is running at +1.5%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Cass County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $270,300 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $909/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Cass County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.8% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.5% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +3.7% over the past 12 months.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.45% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Cass County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.