Cass County, nestled along the Minnesota border in eastern North Dakota, is home to more than 149,000 people, with almost 10 percent of those residents being seniors in the 65 and older age group. Some of those seniors could be part of the 14,000 North Dakota residents who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, a number that’s expected to grow by more than 14% before 2025. To care for this growing demographic, the county has four memory care facilities available, all of which are located in Fargo and West Fargo.
In Cass County, and in North Dakota as a whole, memory care facilities go by two different names, depending on whether they’re required to provide meals. Assisted living facilities are governed by the Department of Human Services, and basic care facilities are governed by the Department of Health.
- The cost of living in Cass County is 101.6, slightly higher than the national average of 100, with housing being the biggest factor. Seniors can expect to pay less for groceries, healthcare and transportation. However, housing costs at 120.8 may make facilities in the area more expensive due to operating costs.
- Cass County’s low crime rates could make the area more attractive to seniors and their families. The county’s violent crime rate is 13.5 and the property crime rate is 26.7, both lower than the national averages of 22.7 and 35.4, respectively.
- On a 100-point scale where 100 represents the areas with the highest air quality, Cass County has a rank of 72, almost 20 points higher than the national average of 58. Living in this county could be beneficial to seniors with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
- Cass County has comfortable summers with highs of 83 degrees, and chilly winters with temperatures dropping down to below freezing. Seniors who don’t like extreme heat might enjoy living in the county, however, those who dislike the cold may prefer to look for facilities in other areas of the state or nation.
Note: Data reported on this page was updated in 2019 and based on the latest 2018 figures.