Prepare to be surprised, because Fargo, North Dakota, the city famous for its namesake movie, is about to become a major player on the American population map. A new analysis by Realtor.com forecasts that Fargo will more than triple in size by 2100, leaping from approximately 126,000 residents in 2020 to a staggering 429,000. That’s a whopping 238% increase, a growth rate that dwarfs many other cities across the country.
This projected boom isn’t just a statistical anomaly. Local officials are already witnessing the early signs of this population surge. “More and more young people and families are choosing to call Fargo home,” says Jayci Altenbernd, digital marketing manager, reflecting the city’s growing appeal.
What’s driving this dramatic growth? Several factors come into play. North Dakota ranks as the sixth most affordable state in the nation, according to Realtor.com data. This affordability extends to Fargo’s housing market, where the median home price in August 2023 was $389,900, significantly lower than the national average.
Fargo’s job market is equally attractive. Tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon have established a strong presence, with Microsoft boasting a downtown campus and Amazon operating a 1.2-million-square-foot distribution center. The city’s Innovation Hub further fuels growth by providing a supportive environment for startups and entrepreneurs.
Fargo isn’t the only city set for a population boom. Texas is leading the charge, claiming half of the top 10 fastest-growing cities by 2100. Denton, Texas, tops the list with a projected 201.6% population increase, followed by College Station at 177.8%. Sugar Land, Frisco, and Round Rock, Texas, also make the top 10, highlighting the state’s strong economic and demographic growth.
These dramatic growth projections are a reflection of broader demographic shifts across the United States. While the nation’s overall population growth has slowed to historical lows, certain regions, particularly the South, are experiencing rapid expansion. Nonprofit data aggregator Pew Charitable Trusts reports that South Carolina, Florida, and Texas led state population growth in 2023, each growing at a rate four times faster than the national average.
Smaller cities are also poised for significant change. Williston, North Dakota, though not large enough to make the top 10 list, is projected to grow by a staggering 640% – from 29,160 residents to 217,148 by the end of the century.
As the United States evolves, cities like Fargo are emerging as unexpected growth hubs. Their affordability, thriving job markets, and commitment to innovation are attracting new residents and shaping the future of American cities.
