RANK #883 / 1001 NAT · POP 193,400
1YR FORECAST: +1.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +20%
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.
Cass County is one of 110 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +3.6% runs above the profile's typical +2.4%.
See all 110 Educated Suburban Growth counties →Below national median (11.3x)
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Prices detached from rents
Housing is fairly valued at 6.5x 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
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 1001 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Cass County scores just 11/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #883 of 1001 counties. Job growth at +0.5% and median household income of $75,555 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in Cass County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $298,000 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.25, with rents averaging $958/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Cass County's population is growing — up +2.2% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.5%). Home values shifted +3.6% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
Not particularly — 1.86% of Cass County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.