Firstly why West-Fargo, Montana?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: West-Fargo
- State: Montana
- Population: 38,675 people
- West-Fargo’s quick summary would be celebrated for its thriving economy and extensive park system this city encourages a balanced lifestyle filled with outdoor pursuits.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 1,200 annually
- While this many move-out: 425 annually
- Net Migration: 775 more people in (net) annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 720
- Number of Homeless people: 18
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers suburban living and growth opportunities attracting families
Perk #1: West-Fargo Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 28%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 81%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $89,751
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in West-Fargo is $87,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-2751 in negative cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & West-Fargo’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 92 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,200
- Property Tax %: 1.09%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,600
- Rent for an average house: $2,100
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: West Fargo
- Top 5 Growing Areas: West-Fargo, Horace, and probably could include Dilworth
- Avg. Age of Homes in West-Fargo: 18 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.3%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & West-Fargo’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in West-Fargo are Manufacturing, Retail, and Agriculture
- West-Fargo Job Scene: steady job market focused on retail and services
- The General Tech Scene: growing tech scene emphasizing digital technology and local business solutions , ,
- West-Fargo Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in West-Fargo: 5%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 160 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 6
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in West-Fargo
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $93 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-29 offers critical access through West Fargo
- Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: evening slowdowns on Main Avenue
- Transportation Score: 20 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in West-Fargo: 40,000
- Cars registered per Person: 1
- No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
- DMV Website for West-Fargo: dojmt.gov/motor-vehicle/
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 45 of 100
- Local Airport: Hector International
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: West-Fargo’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flood
- General Weather in West-Fargo is best described as has cold winters and warm summers with moderate annual precipitation
- Winter Weather in West-Fargo i’d describe as very cold with snow
- Spring Weather in West-Fargo can be described as cool with rain possible
- Summer’s in West-Fargo are mostly warm and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in West-Fargo is usually chilly with dry weather
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 4 days in summer
- Days in a row in West-Fargo below Freezing: 65
- Average Annual Rainfall: 15 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely maintained by local measures
- West-Fargo Winter Air generally good air quality with minimal pollution
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: West-Fargo Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in West-Fargo 2
- While the number of trade schools inside West-Fargos’s city limits are 2
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the West Fargo Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & West-Fargo Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 11 minutes
- Registered Full-Time West-Fargo only Doctors is about 70
- Local Hospitals here is 2
- Full-time West-Fargo only Police Officers is about 75
- Crime Rate Index: 22/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- West-Fargo’s Monthly utility bill average is $180
- West-Fargo’s Monthly Gym Membership: $36
- West-Fargo’s Water Quality Score: 74
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in West-Fargo
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 2 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: suburban area known for family-friendly activities
- You might enjoy local performances at the West Fargo Public Library
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), West-Fargo offers friendly local bars and dining spots that create a warm atmosphere for social outings
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of West-Fargo
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes diverse dining options and local eateries
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 70 scattered around West-Fargo
- The Popular Sports Team is West Fargo Packers
- Top Level Political Climate in West-Fargo can be described as politically mixed suburb with a focus on local governance
- West-Fargo’s Longer standing religious establishment is West Fargo First Baptist Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: West-Fargo Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know West-Fargo has 4 Parks?
- West Fargo Parks is West-Fargo’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is West Fargo Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and picnicking
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: West-Fargo Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in West-Fargo can be described as steady suburban pace with a focus on family and community events
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in West-Fargo exploring parks attending local events picnicking
- The Cities people commute to from West-Fargo are Council-Bluffs 6 miles away Bellevue 9 miles away Papillion 10 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about West-Fargo or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: evening slowdowns on Main Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
West-Fargo’s Flood risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If West Fargo is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby West-Fargo are Council-Bluffs 6 miles away Bellevue 9 miles away Papillion 10 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 22 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
West-Fargo has 65 days in a row below freezing and 4 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in West-Fargo people have an average (positive or negative) $-2751 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
18 homeless people living in West-Fargo. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general politically mixed suburb with a focus on local governance could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to West-Fargo.
Retiree & Senior Life in West-Fargo
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might enjoy tax incentives focused on supporting
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Meadows
- West Fargo Senior Center hosts various recreational activities community resources and social events
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to West-Fargo, Montana?
If West-Fargo, Montana ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around West-Fargo, Montana, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!