Fergus Falls, located in west central Minnesota, is a picturesque town with clean lakes and wooded areas. The city is located in Otter Tail County, has a total area of about 15 square miles, and is near the North Dakota border. Family-oriented communities and small, yet serene landscapes are some of the area’s unique characteristics. The 2021 census reported 14,119 residents living in Fergus Falls. Well-rounded, dedicated, and capable residents have strengthened the economy with workforce opportunities in health care and social assistance systems, manufacturing, retail trade, and education.

 

Fergus Falls is experiencing a shortage of available child care. In September 2022, First Children’s Finance conducted a child care need assessment that showed an approximate shortage of 506 child care slots. By participating in the Rural Child Care Innovation Program, the community hopes to create better support for existing child care providers and offer more child care options to families. The effect of increasing child care availability creates stronger economic development by allowing more families to return to work.