RANK #361 / 996 · POP 186,328 · ND
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.3%
Cass County, North Dakota, is defined by its connection to the Red River, which forms its eastern border with Minnesota and offers opportunities for kayaking and riverside walks. As the most populous county in North Dakota, with Fargo as its largest city and county seat, it serves as a regional hub. The county's landscape features low rolling hills and agricultural plains. Commutes within the county are generally short, with an average travel time of 17.1 minutes. Public transportation options, including express van services to Fargo, are available for residents in rural areas. The community offers a blend of urban amenities in Fargo and smaller town atmospheres throughout the county.
Life in Cass County often involves families and young professionals, with a majority of residents owning their homes. The public school districts in Cass County are highly rated. The economy is experiencing growth, driven by investments in sectors like agriculture, with a significant soybean processing plant recently breaking ground in Casselton. The region also sees development in technology, including medical and agricultural technology. These economic developments contribute to job creation and aim to diversify the local economy.
Above national median
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Prices detached from rents
Housing looks undervalued at 3.4x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Applied Digital AI Factory (Polaris Forge 2)
Applied Digital
|
$3,000M | Under Construction |
|
North Dakota Soybean Processing Plant
North Dakota Soybean Processors (CGB Enterprises, Inc. and Minnesota Soybean Processors)
|
$400M | Operating |
|
Harmony Solar Project
Geronimo Energy (National Grid Renewables)
|
$320M | Planned |
|
Buffalo 115 kV Wind Project
Undisclosed
|
$200M | Planned |
|
BISON Battery Project
Undisclosed
|
$200M | Planned |
|
Amazon Fulfillment Center (FAR1)
Amazon
|
$100M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Cass County has a Boom Town Index score of 64/100, ranking #361 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.5% and a median household income of $73,249, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Cass County is $270,300 with median rent at $909/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.271, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.8% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.5%. Home values changed +3.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.45% of Cass County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.