Cities and Towns in Clay County, Minnesota

Founded in 1862, Clay County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Clay County was formed from Pembina County. The city of Moorhead is the county seat. With FIPS code of 27, Clay County has a population of 65,574 and area of 1,045.24 square miles (2,707 km²).

List of all cities in Clay County, MN alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Averill, MN	56547	218
Baker, MN	56580	218
Barnesville, MN	56514	218
Comstock, MN	56525	218
Concordia College, MN	56562	218
Dale, MN	56549	218
Dilworth, MN	56529	218
Downer, MN	56514	218
Felton, MN	56536	218
Georgetown, MN	56546	218
Glyndon, MN	56547	218
Hawley, MN	56549	218
Hitterdal, MN	56552	218
Kragnes, MN	56560	218
Moorhead, MN	56560	218
	56561	218
	56562	218
	56563	218
Moorhead State University, MN	56563	218
Rollag, MN	56549	218
Sabin, MN	56580	218
Ulen, MN	56585	218

Major Cities and Towns in Clay County, Minnesota

1. Fargo

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 49.7 square miles
• Population: 125,000 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 58102, 58103, 58104, 58105, 58107, 58108
• Latitude: 46.8772° N
• Longitude: 96.7898° W

City Location and History

Fargo is located in the southeastern corner of Clay County, Minnesota, and is the largest city in North Dakota and the core city of the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area. It lies on the western edge of the Red River of the North, which forms the boundary between North Dakota and Minnesota. Fargo was founded in the 1870s, primarily as a trading post and transportation hub, and became a key stop on the Northern Pacific Railway. It was named after William Fargo, the co-founder of Wells Fargo & Co. Due to its strategic location on the Red River, Fargo grew rapidly during the late 19th century, with industries such as milling, agriculture, and transportation driving its economy.

Fargo’s development continued throughout the 20th century, especially as it became a center for higher education, with institutions such as North Dakota State University (NDSU) contributing to the city’s cultural and intellectual growth. The city also became a regional leader in healthcare, finance, and technology. Today, Fargo is a bustling metropolitan area known for its vibrant arts scene, local economy, and close-knit community, with a strong focus on innovation and growth.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Fargo is home to North Dakota State University, one of the most prominent educational institutions in the region, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including in fields like engineering, agriculture, and business. The city also hosts Fargo Public Schools, with several elementary, middle, and high schools serving the area. Major landmarks in Fargo include the Fargo Theatre, an art deco-style theater showcasing films, plays, and concerts, and the Red River Zoo, which houses native species and provides educational programs. The Plains Art Museum is another cultural landmark, offering exhibits on contemporary and Native American art. The Fargo Air Museum displays historical aviation artifacts and aircraft. Fargo is also known for its annual Fargo Film Festival, a celebration of independent films, and FargoDome, a multi-purpose arena that hosts events ranging from football games to concerts. The Red River offers opportunities for boating and fishing, while Island Park is a large green space for walking, picnicking, and outdoor events. Fargo’s proximity to both Minnesota and North Dakota makes it an economic and cultural hub for the surrounding region.

2. Moorhead

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 19.0 square miles
• Population: 45,000 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 56560, 56561, 56562
• Latitude: 46.8763° N
• Longitude: 96.7679° W

City Location and History

Moorhead is located just across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota, and is part of the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area. Situated in the southeastern corner of Clay County, Moorhead’s history is closely intertwined with Fargo, and the two cities share many regional and cultural ties. The city was founded in the 1870s, with its growth spurred by its location along the Red River, which was a vital transportation route for trade and commerce. Moorhead was named after William G. Moorhead, a prominent railroad executive.

As a strategic location for agriculture, particularly wheat farming, the area quickly grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Moorhead also became known for its role as a transportation hub and was instrumental in the development of the Upper Midwest. Over the years, Moorhead has evolved from a primarily agricultural town to a vibrant city with a diverse economy that includes education, healthcare, and technology. It is home to Minnesota State University, Moorhead (MSUM), which has been central to the city’s growth as a cultural and educational center.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Moorhead is home to Minnesota State University, Moorhead (MSUM), an important regional public university offering a variety of degree programs in arts, sciences, business, and education. The city is also served by Moorhead Area Public Schools, with several elementary, middle, and high schools providing quality education to local students. Key landmarks in Moorhead include the Moorhead History Museum, which chronicles the city’s development, and Lindenwood Park, a large park with walking trails, sports fields, and a scenic riverfront. The Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre offers a variety of theatrical productions throughout the year, contributing to the city’s vibrant arts scene. The Red River Valley Fairgrounds is another significant landmark, hosting the annual Red River Valley Fair, which features agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, and carnival rides. The Hjemkomst Center is a museum and cultural center that features exhibits on the history of Norwegian immigration and the Viking ship replica, Hjemkomst, which was sailed to Norway in 1982. Moorhead is also known for its parks and outdoor spaces, including the Buffalo River State Park, which offers hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

3. Barnesville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.52 square miles
• Population: 2,600 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Code: 56514
• Latitude: 46.5681° N
• Longitude: 96.6162° W

City Location and History

Barnesville is located in the southeastern part of Clay County, Minnesota, about 20 miles to the north of Fargo. The city was founded in the late 1800s and became an important railroad town. It was named after William Barnes, a local businessman and civic leader. The arrival of the railroad in Barnesville in the 1880s greatly contributed to its growth and established it as a key transportation and agricultural center in the region. As with many small towns in the area, Barnesville was originally centered around farming and agriculture, with wheat and oats being the primary crops.

The city’s economy remained largely agricultural throughout the 20th century, with many residents engaged in farming and supporting industries. In recent decades, Barnesville has diversified its economy while maintaining its rural character. The city offers a quiet, small-town atmosphere while still being close to the larger urban areas of Fargo and Moorhead. The combination of agricultural heritage and proximity to metropolitan areas has helped Barnesville evolve into a thriving community that offers both rural and suburban benefits.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Barnesville is served by the Barnesville School District, which includes Barnesville High School, Barnesville Middle School, and Barney Elementary School. The district offers a range of academic programs, as well as extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and drama. Barnesville is home to several notable landmarks, including the Barnesville Depot Museum, which preserves the history of the railroad’s impact on the town and its development. The Lake Barnesville is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation, with nearby parks offering picnic areas, walking trails, and playgrounds. The Clay County Fairgrounds, located just outside the city, hosts events such as the annual Barnesville Potato Days festival, which celebrates the local agricultural industry with food, entertainment, and a parade. The city also offers Veterans Memorial Park, a place for reflection and honoring local veterans, and The Barnesville Sports Complex, which provides recreational facilities for sports and community gatherings. The close-knit nature of the community is showcased in the city’s regular events and festivals, which are an important part of life in Barnesville.

4. Dilworth

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 2.49 square miles
• Population: 5,200 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Code: 56529
• Latitude: 46.8701° N
• Longitude: 96.6750° W

City Location and History

Dilworth is located in the southwestern part of Clay County, just east of Moorhead and Fargo. The city is situated along Interstate 94, providing convenient access to both larger cities and rural areas. Dilworth was established in the early 1880s and was named after Charles Dilworth, an early settler and land developer in the area. Originally, Dilworth was a small railroad town that grew due to its proximity to larger cities, like Fargo and Moorhead.

As the city expanded, agriculture remained a central part of Dilworth’s economy, with farming and food production being key contributors to its development. The city has since grown into a suburban community, attracting residents who work in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area but desire a quieter, more affordable place to live. Today, Dilworth is a small yet growing city with a blend of residential, agricultural, and light industrial development. The city is well-known for its well-maintained parks, schools, and local community events, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking a more rural lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Dilworth is served by the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton School District, which provides high-quality education through Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton High School and several elementary and middle schools. The district offers strong academic programs as well as extracurricular activities in sports and the arts. The City Park in Dilworth is one of the main outdoor attractions, featuring playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. Sculpture Park is another important landmark, providing residents and visitors with outdoor art installations and walking paths. Dilworth is also known for hosting the Dilworth Fall Festival, which celebrates the local community with music, food, and fun for all ages. The city’s location along the Red River provides opportunities for outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking in nearby nature preserves. Additionally, the city is a gateway to regional attractions, such as Buffalo River State Park and Red River Valley Fairgrounds, which offer opportunities for recreation and cultural events. Dilworth’s proximity to Fargo and Moorhead makes it an ideal location for those seeking a small-town feel with easy access to larger urban amenities.