Bismarck, N.D. – Job Service North Dakota reported that labor statistics released today show North Dakota’s June not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.3 percent. The unemployment rate increased 0.4 of a percentage point between May and June. June 2022’s rate was 0.1 of a percentage point higher than the current rate.

Between May 2023 and June 2023 unemployment rose by 1,588, an increase of 19.9 percent. North Dakota typically sees a moderate change in unemployment numbers between May and June. The over-the-year decrease (June 2022 to June 2023) in unemployed labor force was 348, a loss of 3.5 percent.

The national not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June was 3.8 percent. It was 3.4 percent the prior month and 3.8 percent the prior year.

North Dakota Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force Data
 June 2023May 2023June 2022
Unemployment Rate2.3%1.9%2.4%
Unemployed9,5767,9889,924
Employed414,615413,129411,542
Labor Force424,191421,117421,466

The nation’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.6 percent for the month, lower than the prior month by 0.1 of a percentage point, and the same as one year ago. The seasonally adjusted rate for North Dakota was 2.0 percent, lower than the prior month by 0.1 of a percentage point, and the same as one year ago. The seasonal adjustment process uses a statistical adjustment to accommodate predictable fluctuations between months such as length of daylight and typical weather, allowing for comparison between all months of a year.

In June, North Dakota ranked 5th among all states’ unemployment rates, at 2.0 percent. Maryland tied with North Dakota. New Hampshire and South Dakota tied for 1st place, with unemployment rates of 1.8 percent.

Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
 June 2023May 2023June 2022
North Dakota2.0%2.1%2.0%
United States3.6%3.7%3.6%

North Dakota’s Nonfarm Employment

Preliminary estimates indicate North Dakota’s June 2023 not seasonally adjusted employment increased 2.4 percent (+10,500) from the same period one year ago and increased 1.1 percent (+4,700) over the month.

Nine of the 13 major industries reported year-over-year employment increases, led by Mining and Logging posting a gain of 4,000 jobs (+24.7 percent). Leisure and Hospitality (+1,900) and Private Educational and Health Services (+1,900) tied with the second largest employment increase. Within Leisure and Hospitality, the Accommodation and Food Services subsector contributed the largest portion of this increase, a gain of 1,100 jobs. Within Private Educational and Health Services, the Health Care and Social Assistance subsector contributed the largest portion of this increase, a gain of 1,500 jobs. Other prominent super sector employment increases were reported in Retail Trade (+1,100), Professional and Business Services (+1,000), Wholesale Trade (+600), and Other Services (+600).

Construction (-800) and Information (-300) posted decreases in employment. Financial Activities and Government employment remained stable.

METRO AREAS

Of North Dakota’s three metro areas over-the-year, Bismarck was the only metro area to post an employment loss (-400). The Fargo and Grand Forks metro areas posted employment gains of 1,700 and 1,300, respectively.

BISMARCK

  • Private Educational and Health Services (+200), Wholesale Trade (+100), Retail Trade (+100), and Other Services (+100) reported employment gains. Losses occurred in Leisure and Hospitality (-400), Government (-300), and Mining, Logging and Construction (-200).

GRAND FORKS

  • Eight of the 12 major industries reported year-over-year employment increases. Retail Trade (+300), Private Educational and Health Services (+300), Government (+300) posted the largest gains in employment. The only losses were reported in Mining, Logging, and Construction (-200).

FARGO

  • Prominent employment gains took place in Private Educational and Health Services (+1,900), Leisure and Hospitality (+500), and Retail Trade (+500). The largest employment reductions occurred in Government (-700), Information (-300), and Professional and Business Services (-300). All other industries either remained stable or reported employment fluctuations of 200 or less.