Fargo

The City in Brief

Founded: 1871 (incorporated, 1875)

Head Official: Mayor Bruce Furness (D) (since 1994)

City Population

1980: 61,383

1990: 74,084

2000: 90,599

2003 estimate: 91,484

Percent change, 1990–2000: 22.3%

U.S. rank in 1980: 329th

U.S. rank in 1990: 297th

U.S. rank in 2000: 302nd

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 137,574

1990: 153,296

2000: 174,367

Percent change, 1990–2000: 13.7%

U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 179th

Area: 38 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 900 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 41° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 19.6 inches of rain; 35 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: Wholesale and retail trade, services, government

Unemployment Rate: 3.8% (February 2005)

Per Capita Income: $21,101 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 3,266

Major Colleges and Universities: North Dakota State University

Daily Newspaper: The Forum