BISMARCK, N.D. – Job Service North Dakota reported that labor statistics released today show North Dakota’s July not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 1.9 percent. The unemployment rate declined 0.4 of a percentage point between June and July. July 2022’s rate was 0.1 of a percentage point higher than the current rate.

Between June 2023 and July 2023 unemployment fell by 1,584, a decrease of 16.6 percent. North Dakota typically sees a moderate change in unemployment numbers between June and July. The over-the-year decrease (July 2022 to July 2023) in unemployed labor force was 287, a loss of 3.5 percent.

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

North Dakota Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force Data
 July 2023June 2023July 2022
Unemployment Rate1.9%2.3%2.0%
Unemployed7,9859,5698,272
Employed416,657414,591413,285
Labor Force424,642424,160421,557

The nation’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.5 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, the same as the prior month, 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 July, North Dakota ranked 5th among all states’ unemployment rates, at 2.0 percent. Nebraska tied with North Dakota. New Hampshire came in 1st place, with an unemployment rate of 1.7 percent.

Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
 July 2023June 2023July 2022
North Dakota2.0%2.0%2.0%
United States3.5%3.6%3.5%

North Dakota’s Nonfarm Employment

Preliminary estimates indicate North Dakota’s July 2023 not seasonally adjusted employment increased 2.2 percent (+9,600) from the same period one year ago and decreased 0.9 percent (-4,000) over the month.

Nine of the 13 major industries reported year-over-year employment increases, led by Mining and Logging posting a gain of 3,500 jobs (+20.8 percent). Leisure and Hospitality (+1,800), Private Educational and Health Services (+1,300), Professional and Business Services (+1,200), Other Services (+1,000), and Wholesale Trade (+900) reported substantial gains in employment.

Construction (-700), Information (-300), and Financial Activities (-200) posted decreases in employment. Government employment remained stable.

METRO AREAS

All three of North Dakota’s metro areas reported increases in annual employment. Grand Forks posted the largest change in employment, with a gain of 800 jobs. Fargo and Bismarck followed with employment gains of 300 and 200, respectively.

GRAND FORKS

  • Seven of the 12 major industries reported year-over-year employment increases. Retail Trade (+400), Manufacturing (+300), Private Educational and Health Services (+200), and Professional and Business Services (+200) posted the largest gains in employment. The only losses were reported in Government (-500) and Mining, Logging, and Construction (-100).

FARGO

  • Prominent employment gains took place in Private Educational and Health Services (+1,800), Leisure and Hospitality (+300), and Retail Trade (+300). The largest employment reductions occurred in Government (-1,600), Information (-300), and Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (-300).

BISMARCK

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