West Fargo, North Dakota facts for kids

Quick facts for kids West Fargo, North Dakota
City
Downtown West Fargo Young Field Bonanzaville, USA MIDCO Stage at the Essentia Health Plaza
Motto(s):  "A City on the Grow"
Location of West Fargo, North Dakota
Country	United States
State	North Dakota
County	Cass
Founded	1871
Incorporated	1930
Government
• Type	City Commission
Area
• City	16.417 sq mi (42.520 km2)
• Land	16.175 sq mi (41.893 km2)
• Water	0.093 sq mi (0.242 km2)
Elevation	899 ft (274 m)
Population  (2020)
• City	38,626
• Estimate  (2023)	40,400
• Rank	US: 994th ND: 5th
• Density	2,498.0/sq mi (964.4/km2)
• Urban	216,214 (US: 178th)
• Urban density	2,781.6/sq mi (1,074.0/km2)
• Metro	262,620 (US: 189th)
• Metro density	93.4/sq mi (36.08/km2)
Demonym(s)	West Fargoan
Time zone	UTC–6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC–5 (CDT)
ZIP Code	58078
Area code(s)	701
FIPS code	38-84780
GNIS feature ID	1036321
Highways	I-94, US 10
Sales tax	8.0%

West Fargo is a city in Cass County, North Dakota, United States. It is the fifth largest city in North Dakota. As of the 2020 census, about 38,626 people lived there. West Fargo is also one of the fastest growing cities in the state. It is part of the larger Fargo-Moorhead area.

History of West Fargo

West Fargo started as a small train stop called "Sheyenne Crossing." It was named after the nearby Sheyenne River. A post office was open there from 1874 to 1885.

The area was later called "Haggartville" and then "Haggart." This name came from John E. Haggart, who owned the land. He was a businessman and the first sheriff of Cass County.

In 1876, the first school, School District No. 6, was built. More people began to settle in the area.

The Meat Packing Era

In 1919, a company called Equity Co-op Packing Company built a large meat processing plant. They also built 24 homes, a hotel, a restaurant, and a store.

The Equity company went out of business in 1922. It was sold to Armour and Company in 1925. At this time, the settlement's name changed to "Village of West Fargo."

During the 1930s, West Fargo was a major center for farming products. Most people living there worked at the meat packing plant. The plant used an assembly line to process meat. It also made other products like fertilizer and soap.

The meat packing plant closed in 1960. Even today, the sports teams at West Fargo High School are still called the "Packers."

In 1989, the cities of West Fargo and Riverside joined together.

Geography and Climate

West Fargo covers about 16.4 square miles (42.5 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.

West Fargo's Climate

West Fargo has a climate with big changes in temperature. Summers are warm and often humid. Winters are cold, and sometimes very cold. This type of weather is called a humid continental climate.

Population and People

West Fargo has grown a lot over the years.

Population in 2020

In 2020, there were 38,626 people living in West Fargo. There were about 15,271 households.

Most people in West Fargo are White (about 85.6%). Other groups include African American (4.72%), Native American (1.20%), and Asian (2.22%). About 3.09% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

About 27.4% of residents were under 18 years old. About 10.5% were 65 or older. The city's population is almost evenly split between males (49.9%) and females (50.1%).

Population in 2010

In 2010, West Fargo had 25,830 people. The city had 10,348 households.

Most people were White (93.5%). Other groups included African American (2.0%), Native American (1.0%), and Asian (1.4%). About 1.83% of people were Hispanic or Latino.

Many people in West Fargo have German (46.2%) or Norwegian (35.4%) backgrounds.

The average age in West Fargo was 32.6 years. About 26.9% of residents were under 18.

Economy and Businesses

West Fargo is home to many different companies.

Local Businesses

Many technology companies have offices in West Fargo, such as:

• Applied Industrial Technologies
• BNG Technologies
• Data Technologies Inc.
• High Point Networks
• Network Center Communications
• Norse Technologies
• Razor Tracking
• Red Chair Solutions
• TrueIT
• Digital Famous Media

Manufacturing companies also have locations here:

• Doosan Bobcat (North America Headquarters)
• Caterpillar Remanufacturing
• Marvin Windows

Arts and Culture

West Fargo has places to visit and fun events throughout the year.

West Fest Parade

West Fargo Public Library

Museums to Explore

• Bonanzaville, USA – This is a village with many old buildings from the area. You can see a church, a school, and log cabins. It's named after the large historic farms called bonanza farms.

Annual Events and Festivals

• Big Iron Farm Show: This yearly event at the West Fargo Fairgrounds shows off farm equipment. It has over 900 booths.
• Bonanzaville Pioneer Days: This event includes a parade, food, and tours of the historic village.
• Hamfest: Held at the West Fargo Fairgrounds, this event features presentations and equipment for sale.
• Nite to Unite: The West Fargo Police Department hosts this summer event. It often includes demonstrations from police, fire, and ambulance teams.
• Red River Valley Fair: This fair offers entertainment, arts and crafts, livestock shows, and fireworks.
• West Fest: Held in September, this festival has a softball tournament, a pancake breakfast, a parade, and a firefighter's ball.

West Fargo Public Library

The West Fargo Public Library is located in the Clayton A. Lodoen Center. It moved into this building in 2005.

Parks and Recreation

The West Fargo Park District takes care of 30 parks and many bike paths. They also manage places like the Scheels Soccer Complex, Veterans Memorial Arena, Rustad Recreation Center, and Veterans Memorial Pool.

Education in West Fargo

West Fargo Sports Arena, part of West Fargo Public Schools.

West Fargo Public Schools serves West Fargo and nearby communities.

The school district has:

• Two early childhood schools
• Ten elementary schools
• Two middle schools (Cheney Middle and Liberty Middle)
• Three high schools (West Fargo High School, Sheyenne High, and Community High)

In 2016, the school district built a new competitive swimming pool. Also in 2016, a West Fargo High School teacher, Michelle Strand, won a special award for teaching math and science.

Media and News

You can find news about West Fargo in several newspapers and magazines:

• Area Woman Magazine
• Fargo Forum
• Fargo Monthly
• Prairie Business
• West Fargo Pioneer (delivered free to residents)

City Infrastructure

West Fargo Fire Department, Main Station

Transportation in West Fargo

West Fargo works with state and local groups to help people get around. The Fargo Moorhead Metro Area Transit helps with public transportation. The West Fargo Municipal Airport is about 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of Fargo.

Police Department

The West Fargo Police Department has grown a lot. In 1968, there were only three officers. By 2023, there were 78 police officers.

Public Works

The Public Works Department manages city streets, water, sewer, and sanitation services. They also take care of city trees. The city has eight wells that can pump a lot of water for residents.

Fire Department

The West Fargo Fire and Rescue Department has 23 full-time and 45 part-time firefighters. They have two fire stations. They help with fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials, and special rescues like water or ice rescues.

Notable People from West Fargo

• Anthony W. England: A NASA astronaut.
• Bryce Haugeberg: A racing driver.
• Jan Maxwell: A Broadway actress who was nominated for the Tony Award five times.
• Tyler Roehl: A former professional football player for the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings.
• Matt Strahm: A Major League Baseball pitcher.
• Alon Wieland: A businessman and state legislator in North Dakota.

See also

• In Spanish: West Fargo (Dakota del Norte) para niños