Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Fargo

Affordability

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024), the median gross rent in Fargo is $946 per month and the median household income is $66,998 annually. With 56% of residents renting, demand for affordable options is significant -- Lease Lantern tracks 15 HUD-assisted or income-based properties totaling 619 units across the city.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Fargo Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 505 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting methods and local definitions.

Getting Around Fargo

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Fargo scores 46 (Car-Dependent) for walkability, 26 (Some Transit) for public transit, and 56 for bikeability.

Most errands will require a car, but some bus service is available and Fargo's relatively flat terrain makes cycling a practical option for some trips.

Schools

Fargo is served by 31 public schools across 2 districts -- including 22 elementary, 4 middle, and 5 high schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

Cost of Renting in Fargo, ND

The median household income in Fargo is $66,998 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The median market rent is $946 per month, also per Census ACS 5-Year data.

Income-based housing programs tie rent to a percentage of your household income, which can make assisted units significantly more affordable than market-rate options -- especially for households earning well below the local median.

• Median household income: $66,998/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $946/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Renter households: 56% of occupied housing units (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Assisted units available: 619 across 15 HUD-assisted properties in Fargo

Environment and Flood Risk

Of the 15 HUD-assisted properties mapped for flood exposure in Fargo, 3 are in high-risk flood zones. Fargo sits in the Red River Valley, a historically flood-prone area, so renters at those 3 properties may want to ask about flood insurance requirements and building-level protections before signing a lease.