Five Largest Cities in North Dakota

One of the emptiest corners of the Midwest holds more city life than you might expect. Standing tall despite low numbers, these hubs are where work, art, and daily living take root. Five main places shape much of what goes on. Bismarck wears two hats as it is both the capital and heartbeat of North Dakota. Nearby, another town grows fast without chasing attention. Farther north, a college vibe pulses through streets shaped by seasons. A smaller hub up west stays steady, linked by history and rail. Then there is Fargo, loud with movement, tucked near the border, full of motion but never still.

Fargo, ND

1. Fargo, North Dakota

Population: 136,000

Median Household Income: 66,000

Median Property Value: 269,800

Average Commute: 16 Minutes

Nearest Towns: West Fargo,  Moorhead, MN, and Horace

Fargo holds the highest rank among cities in North Dakota. Sitting in Cass County, it powers the economy and culture of the state's east side while anchoring a metro zone that stretches into Minnesota. Born in 1871 along the Red River of the North, its growth has surged in recent decades thanks to varied industries like health care, tech, schools, and factories. At its heart lies North Dakota State University, fueling innovation and shaping skilled graduates. A lively downtown pulses with art scenes, music spots, yearly celebrations, places to eat, and shops scattered throughout. Though small in size, its impact ripples far beyond city limits

2. Bismarck, North Dakota

Population: 73,000

Median Household Income: 67,600

Median Home Price: 358,700

Average Commute: 15 to 20 Minutes

Nearest Towns: Mandan, Lincoln, and Wilton

Bismarck runs North Dakota's government operations, its heartbeat pulses beside the Missouri River’s eastern edge. Though politics shape much of its identity, health care keeps pace, pulling even with banking and consulting work. From Capitol Hallways to clinic corridors, jobs shift slowly toward service fields that weren’t dominant years ago. The river curves west, quiet beneath bridges where trucks roll day and night.

Fringes of green along the water draw people in. Old buildings tell stories from long ago, pulling visitors into layers of time. One museum stands out, holding pieces of what shaped this part of the country. Just beyond the river sits another town, nearly touching but its own place entirely. Homes spread further because of it, and choices grow wider. Shops appear where they wouldn’t otherwise. Trails connecting spots most forget exist. Together, these parts form something bigger than any single piece.

3. Grand Forks, North Dakota

Around sixty thousand people live here. This place ranks third in size among towns across the state

Median Household Income: 63,800

Median Home Value: 243,300

Average Commute: 15 Minutes

Nearest Towns: East Grand Forks MN, Thompson, and Emerado

By the Red River of the North sits Grand Forks, a place shaped by learning and service. Home to the University of North Dakota - often called UND, it stands out in the region for its work in flight studies, medical training, and building systems. Just outside town lies an Air Force base that helps guard the nation while adding jobs and stability locally. Old homes line quiet streets, yet just around the corner, people gather downtown for shows, sounds, and seasonal events. Life heremoves between tradition and fresh energy without skipping a beat.

4. Minot, North Dakota

Fourth Largest City With a Population of Approximately 48,000

Median Household Income: 77,400

Median Property Value: 254,400

Average Commute: 19 Minutes

Nearest Towns: Burlington, Surrey, Velva

Home to fast beginnings, Minot earned the nickname Magic City long ago. Sitting beside the winding Souris River, it connects people across northwest North Dakota. Roads like US 2 and rail routes pass through, making movement easier here than in many nearby towns. A large air base shapes much of daily life, bringing jobs plus steady rhythms to the area. Farms, oil work, stores, and factories also keep the regionalive, building balance beyond defense roles. Every summer, crowds pour into town for the state fair, a week full of animals, music, and hands-on crafts. People come not just to watch but to belong.

5. West Fargo, North Dakota

Median Household Income: 96,877

Median Property Value: 302,200

Average Commute: 18 Minutes

Nearest Towns: Fargo, Horace, Harwood

Some forty thousand people live here. This place ranks as the fifth biggest city around

West Fargo grows fast, pulled forward by fresh housing projects while companies shift here, drawn by what is possible now. Suburbs stretch out alongside stores opening, factories humming, and offices filling up across town. People move in because life feels different lately in eastern North Dakota. Jobs aren’t just in one place anymore; they spread wider than before. Green spaces appear, pathways link neighborhoods, and gatherings happen more often near schools and open fields. What you see now started years back when choices changed, slowly at first, then faster every season.

Concluding Perspective

Fargo stands out with its strong economy, shaping much of what happens nearby. Government work defines Bismarck, giving it a steady rhythm different from others. At Grand Forks, universities shift how people think, bringing fresh ideas into daily life. Minot holds military bases plus rail lines that keep goods moving through the region. Growth spreads fast in West Fargo, where neighborhoods stretch further each year. Together, they form a pattern of change across North Dakota’s townscape.