City Profile
Horace, North Dakota
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Horace, North Dakota is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, located just south of Fargo in Cass County. Originally established as an agricultural community along the Sheyenne River, it has evolved into a vibrant and rapidly expanding residential suburb. Residents are largely drawn to Horace for its peaceful small-town atmosphere, excellent community safety, and close proximity to the economic and cultural hubs of the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area.
North Dakota, located in the Upper Midwest, is characterized by its vast prairies, badlands, and a predominantly rural landscape, though its larger cities like Fargo and Bismarck are experiencing growth. The state's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with approximately 90% of its land dedicated to farmland, producing crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans, alongside significant contributions from the energy sector, particularly oil and gas extraction from the Bakken oil shale fields. Living in North Dakota generally offers a lower cost of living, with housing costs and overall expenses typically below the national average. The climate features hot, short summers and long, cold, snowy winters, and the lifestyle is often described as slower-paced with a strong sense of community and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
How this 78/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 88 / 100 | 88.0 | 30% | 26.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 98.0 | 46.3 | 25% | 11.6 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $115,000 Income needed to live here: $58,000 Unemployment rate: 2.5% | 96.9 | 20% | 19.4 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 8.5% Job growth rate: 2.8% | 88.0 | 15% | 13.2 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 10% | 7.0 |
| Overall score | 77.5 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
15 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Horace is generally aligned with the broader North Dakota average, remaining slightly below the national average across the United States. Housing and property development drive much of the local economic activity, offering competitive real estate options compared to larger coastal metros. While everyday goods and utilities are reasonably priced, regional factors like winter heating demands can slightly elevate monthly utility expenses during the colder months.
Income
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While Horace functions primarily as a residential community, its economy benefits immensely from its immediate adjacency to Fargo's robust job market. Major regional employment sectors include healthcare, higher education, manufacturing, technology, and finance. Many residents commute just a few minutes north for work, while a strong local entrepreneurial spirit supports small businesses, construction, and local services within Horace itself.
The average salary in Horace is $78,000 per year. You would need approximately $58,000 to live comfortably.
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Horace is a predominantly car-dependent community where most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily commuting and errands. The city benefits from well-maintained roadways and rapid access to Interstate 29 and major regional thoroughfares via nearby Fargo. Active transportation is supported by local neighborhood trail networks, though regional public transit options are concentrated in the core metro area.
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