Argusville, North Dakota

Argusville, North Dakota
City
Former Argusville High School, demolished in 2023
Location of Argusville, North Dakota
Coordinates: 47°03′00″N 96°56′35″W
Country	United States
State	North Dakota
County	Cass
Founded	1881
Government
• Mayor	Darren Wetzel
Area
• Total	4.00 sq mi (10.37 km2)
• Land	4.00 sq mi (10.37 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation	886 ft (270 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	480
• Estimate  (2022)	476
• Density	119.94/sq mi (46.31/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	58005
Area code	701
FIPS code	38-03020
GNIS feature ID	1035914
Website	cityofargusville.com

Argusville is a city in Cass County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 480 at the 2020 census. Increasing from 147 two decades earlier due to a huge housing boom from 2004 to 2008. Argusville was founded in 1881.

History

Argusville was platted in 1881, when the railroad was extended to that point. The city most likely derived its name from a local newspaper, the Daily Argus. A post office was established at Argusville in 1881, and remained in operation until 1982.

In 1890, Argusville was the site of one of North Dakota's deadliest tornadoes (then called an "inland hurricane") which killed seven people. Some locals claim that the town has never emotionally recovered.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.01 square miles (10.39 km²), all land.

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1930	115		—
1940	145		26.1%
1950	126		−13.1%
1960	118		−6.3%
1970	118		0.0%
1980	147		24.6%
1990	161		9.5%
2000	147		−8.7%
2010	475		223.1%
2020	480		1.1%
2022 (est.)	476		−0.8%
U.S. Decennial Census 2020 Census

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 475 people, 151 households, and 128 families living in the city. The population density was 118.5 inhabitants per square mile (45.8/km²). There were 152 housing units at an average density of 37.9 units per square mile (14.6 units/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.9% White, 0.2% African American, 1.5% Native American, and 0.4% from two or more races.

There were 151 households, of which 58.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.8% were married couples living together, 4.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 15.2% were non-families. 11.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.15 and the average family size was 3.42.

The median age in the city was 31.7 years. 38.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 38.1% were from 25 to 44; 15.1% were from 45 to 64; and 4.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.3% male and 46.7% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 147 people, 62 households, and 45 families living in the city, though the town had a housing boom from 2004 to 2009. The population density was 36.8 inhabitants per square mile (14.2/km²). There were 65 housing units at an average density of 16.3 units per square mile (6.3 units/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.68% of the population.

There were 62 households, out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.0% were married couples living together, 1.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.4% were non-families. 21.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 1.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.76.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.1% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 32.0% from 25 to 44, 32.0% from 45 to 64, and 9.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $44,750, and the median income for a family was $53,750. Males had a median income of $31,786 versus $26,071 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,984. None of the population and none of the families were below the poverty line.

Transportation

Amtrak’s Empire Builder, which operates between Seattle/Portland and Chicago, passes through the town on BNSF tracks, but makes no stop. The nearest station is located in Fargo, 16 miles (26 km) to the south.