BISMARCK, N.D. – Job Service North Dakota reported that labor statistics released today show North Dakota’s July not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.5 percent. The unemployment rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point between June and July. July 2023’s rate was 0.8 of a percentage point lower than the current rate.

Between June 2024 and July 2024 unemployment fell by -264, a decrease of 2.4 percent. North Dakota typically sees a moderate decrease in unemployment numbers between June and July. The over-the-year increase (July 2023 to July 2024) in unemployed labor force was +3,641, a gain of 51.0 percent.
The national not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for July was 4.5 percent. It was 4.3 percent the prior month and 3.8 percent the prior year

North Dakota Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force Data
July 2024
June 2024
July 2023
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
2.6%
1.7%
Unemployed
10,775
11,039
7,134
Employed
415,196
414,208
416,790
Labor Force
425,971
425,247
423,924
The nation’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3 percent for the month, higher than the prior month by 0.2 of a percentage point and 0.8 of a percentage point higher than the same period one year ago. The seasonally adjusted rate for North Dakota was 2.2 percent, higher than the prior month by 0.1 of a percentage point, and 0.4 of a percentage point higher than 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 3rd among all states’ unemployment rates, at 2.2 percent. South Dakota had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.0 percent.
Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
July 2024
June 2024
July 2023
North Dakota
2.2%
2.1%
1.8%
United States
4.3%
4.1%
3.5%

Preliminary estimates indicate North Dakota’s July 2024 not seasonally adjusted employment increased 1.7 percent (+7,400) from the same period one year ago and decreased 0.9 percent (-4,200) over the month.

Nine of the 13 major industries reported year-over-year employment increases, led by Private Educational and Health Services posting a gain of 3,900 jobs (+5.8 percent). The Health Care and Social Assistance subsector contributed the largest portion of this increase, with Hospitals providing 1,200 of these jobs. Other prominent super sector employment increases were reported in Government (+2,400), Construction (+1,100), Wholesale Trade (+800), and Mining and Logging (+700).

Leisure and Hospitality (-1,900), Professional and Business Services (-400), and Information (-100) reported decreases in employment. Retail Trade was the only industry to remain unchanged.
METRO AREAS

Of North Dakota’s three metro areas over-the-year, Bismarck was the only metro area to post an employment loss (-600). The Fargo and Grand Forks metro areas posted employment gains of 3,900 and 900, respectively.
FARGO
•
Eight of the 12 major industries reported year-over-year employment increases. Private Educational and Health Services (+2,100) had the most employment growth. The largest portion of this growth was contributed by the Health Care and Social Assistance (+1,300) subsector. Employment reductions were reported in Professional and Business Services (-500), Financial Activities (-400), and Information (-100).
GRAND FORKS
•
Prominent employment gains were reported in Private Educational and Health Services (+400) and Government (+300). Employment losses occurred in Professional and Business Services (-100), Financial Activities (-100), and Leisure and Hospitality (-100).
BISMARCK
•
Private Educational and Health Services (+500) and Mining, Logging, and Construction (+200) reported the most substantial employment gains. The most substantial losses occurred in Leisure and Hospitality (-600), Retail Trade (-400), and Professional and Business Services (-300).