BISMARCK, N.D. – Job Service North Dakota reported that labor statistics released today show
North Dakota’s November not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.1 percent. The
unemployment rate increased 0.3 of a percentage point between October and November.
November 2023’s rate was 0.7 of a percentage point lower than the current rate.

\Between October 2024 and November 2024 unemployment rose by 1,328, an increase of 17.4
percent. North Dakota typically sees a moderate increase in unemployment numbers between
October and November. The over-the-year increase (November 2023 to November 2024) in
unemployed labor force was +3,055, a gain of 51.9 percent.

The national not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for November was 4.0 percent. It was
3.9 percent the prior month and 3.5 percent the prior year.

North Dakota Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force Data
November 2024 October 2024 November 2023
Unemployment Rate 2.1% 1.8% 1.4%
Unemployed 8,940 7,612 5,885
Employed 408,260 411,682 407,042
Labor Force 417,200 419,294 412,927
The nation’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.2 percent for the month, 0.1 of a

percentage point higher than the prior month, and 0.5 of a percentage point higher than the
same period one year ago. The seasonally adjusted rate for North Dakota was 2.4 percent,
the same as the prior month, and 0.5 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 November, North Dakota ranked 2nd among all states’ unemployment rates, tied with
Vermont at 2.4 percent. South Dakota had the lowest unemployment rate at 1.9 percent.
Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

November 2024 October 2024 November 2023
North Dakota 2.4% 2.4% 1.9%
United States 4.2% 4.1% 3.7%

North Dakota’s Nonfarm Employment
Preliminary estimates indicate North Dakota’s November 2024 not seasonally adjusted
employment increased 2.5 percent (+10,900) from the same period one year ago and decreased
0.2 percent (-900) over the month.

Nine of the 13 major industries reported year-over-year employment increases, led by Government
posting a gain of 5,300 jobs (+6.3 percent). Private Educational and Health Services (+3,500),
Retail Trade (+1,300), Construction (+1,300), Wholesale Trade (+700), and Other Services (+700)
reported considerable gains in employment.

Leisure and Hospitality posted the largest over-the-year drop in employment, a loss of 1,000 jobs
(-2.6 percent). The drop in Leisure and Hospitality employment was largely due to a drop in Food
Services and Drinking Places (-900) employment. Other notable decreases in employment
occurred in Professional and Business Services (-800) and Transportation, Warehousing and
Utilities (-500).

METRO AREAS
All three of North Dakota’s metro areas reported increases in annual employment. Fargo posted
the largest change in employment, with a gain of 2,500 jobs. Grand Forks and Bismarck trailed
with employment gains of 1,300 and 1,200, respectively.
FARGO
• Half of the major industries reported year-over-year employment increases. Private
Educational and Health Services (+1,300), Government (+1,100), Mining, Logging and
Construction (+700), and Retail Trade (+600) posted the most substantial gains in
employment. Notable losses were reported in Professional and Business Services (-700),
Financial Activities (-600), and Leisure and Hospitality (-200).
GRAND FORKS
• Prominent employment gains took place in Government (+800) and Private Educational
and Health Services (+400). Employyment reductions occurred in Leisure and Hospitality
(-300) and Financial Activities (-100).
BISMARCK
• Government reported the largest employment gain, with an increase of 1,000 jobs. The
second largest gain took place in Private Educational and Health Services (+500). The
largest employment reductions occurred in Leisure and Hospitality (-300) and Professional
and Business Services (-300).