History of West Fargo
West Fargo, North Dakota has an estimated population of 24,184. West Fargo has a warm, friendly, small town atmosphere, complimented by metropolitan area advantages.

In 1917, Equity Cooperative Packing Company began construction of its plant in what was called West Fargo. In 1925, Armour and Company bought out the plant and housing for employees, which had been built north of the highway. Residents living there were asked to move from their homes, with many relocating south of the highway to form their own village.

As West Fargo industry grew rapidly on the north side of the highway, so did the population on the south side of the highway. In 1937, the area south of the highway was incorporated into the village of Southwest Fargo. At that time it was the largest village in Cass County, with a population of 538. There were 138 houses, 2 grocery stores, 10 other businesses and a doctor. Bakery and laundry wagons from Fargo made regular calls in the two municipalities. The Village of West Fargo became a city in 1947. The area continued to grow and now included a large farm distribution center, large feed mills, a pelleting plant, manufacturers, retail, meat processing and distribution plants along with Union Stockyards.

In 1967, at a special election, the residents agreed to change the names of their two cities. West Fargo, on the north side of the highway, became West Fargo Industrial Park with Southwest Fargo, on the south side of the highway becoming the City of West Fargo.

The population of West Fargo in the 1970 census was 5,161, an increase of 55% over 1960. This growth made West Fargo the fastest growing city in North Dakota and the 13th largest. In 1974, the West Fargo Industrial Park became the city of Riverside, with a population of around 500. In 1989, the City of West Fargo and the City of Riverside consolidated to form one city, keeping the name West Fargo. The consolidation of the two cities was the first of its kind in North Dakota.

The future of West Fargo is positive, as businesses expand and residential areas grow. West Fargo is currently the 5th largest city in North Dakota. We continue to be the fastest growing city in the State of North Dakota. Since the 2000 census, in which West Fargo counted 14,490 residents, the city has grown to over 24,000.  West Fargo encompasses approximately 9400 acres of land which doubled the size of the city since 2000.

Weather
Our area enjoys the variety of four seasons. The warmest month being July with the average summer temperatures being 70-82 degrees. Average rainfall equals 20.9 inches. The coldest month is January, with the average temperatures being 4-13 degrees; average precipitation equals 39 inches.

Schools
All grades K-12 in the West Fargo School District are accredited by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction and the North Central Association (N.C.A.) of Colleges and Schools. Enrollment for the 2007-2008 school year totals 6190 students. The West Fargo School District employs 896 employees. West Fargo residents have the opportunity to further any educational interest with four universities located in the metropolitan area as well as several vocational schools and business colleges.

City Government
West Fargo is served by a Commission Home Rule Charter. The City of West Fargo employs 104 people. West Fargo is served by a combination Fire Department consisting of 41 volunteers, a paid Fire Chief and two paid Fire Inspectors. The Police Department employs 31 sworn officers plus a 13 member support staff.

Media
Media coverage includes a weekly, community newspaper, the West Fargo Pioneer, a weekly shopping guide, the Valley Midweek Marketplace, and a monthly events magazine, the Fargo Moorhead Magazine. Cable One and Midcontinent Communications provides cable services to West Fargo residents. West Fargo is also served by a daily newspaper, The Forum, five television networks and many radio stations.

Quality of Living
West Fargo has wide choice of medical, dental and chiropractic facilities. There is accessibility to two area hospitals and a children's hospital.  There is a Veteran's Affairs Medical Center and a VA Regional Office in the area.  Fourteen churches are located in West Fargo with many choices of financial institutions. Public transportation is available including specialized & senior transportation.  Low crime rates, an excellent school system, personal, as well as community pride offer a quality of living that ranks West Fargo with the best.

Utilities
West Fargo's utilities are provided by Cass County Electric and Xcel Energy. There are a number of choices for telephone service including "landline", cellular and cable phone service. Water, sewer and garbage are provided by the city.

Housing
In 2006 West Fargo had an estimated 9684 dwelling units, with new development appearing all over the city. An average cost of a new home $178,000. Apartments vary, according to size and amenities, between $350 to $800 .  There are retirement and assisted living facilities within the city limits. 

Taxes
Both industry and residents benefit from the 1% city tax and 5% state tax.