Bismarck, N.D. – Job Service North Dakota reported that labor statistics released today show North Dakota’s October not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 1.4 percent. The unemployment rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point between September and October. October 2022’s rate was the same as the current rate.

Between September 2023 and October 2023 unemployment rose by 60, an increase of 1.1 percent. North Dakota typically sees a decline in unemployment numbers between September and October. The over-the-year decrease (October 2022 to October 2023) in unemployed labor force was 232, a loss of 3.9 percent.

The national not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October was 3.6 percent. It was the same the prior month and 3.4 percent the prior year.

North Dakota Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force Data
 October 2023September 2023October 2022
Unemployment Rate1.4%1.3%1.4%
Unemployed5,6985,6385,930
Employed410,554413,014408,509
Labor Force416,252418,652414,439

The nation’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.9 percent for the month, 0.1 of a percentage point higher than the prior month, and 0.2 of a percentage point higher than one year ago. The seasonally adjusted rate for North Dakota was 1.9 percent, the same as the prior month, and 0.2 of a percentage point lower 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 October, North Dakota ranked 2nd among all states’ unemployment rates, at 1.9 percent. Maryland came in 1st place, with an unemployment rate of 1.7 percent.

Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
 October 2023September 2023October 2022
North Dakota1.9%1.9%2.1%
United States3.9%3.8%3.7%

North Dakota’s Nonfarm Employment

Preliminary estimates indicate North Dakota’s October 2023 not seasonally adjusted employment increased 1.9 percent (+8,200) from the same period one year ago and increased 0.3 percent (+1,400) over the month.

Nine of the 13 major industries reported year-over-year employment increases, led by Mining and Logging posting a gain of 2,700 jobs (+15.6 percent). Government (+2,100), Leisure and Hospitality (+2,000), Professional and Business Services (+1,000), Wholesale Trade (+900), Other Services (+800), Private Educational and Health Services (+600), and Retail Trade (+600) reported substantial gains in employment.

Construction (-2,300), Information (-200), and Financial Activities (-100) posted decreases in employment.

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 Grand Forks and Fargo metro areas posted employment gains of 1,100 and 100, respectively.

FARGO

  • Prominent employment gains took place in Private Educational and Health Services (+700) and Government (+300). The largest employment reductions occurred in Mining, Logging, and Construction (-600) and Manufacturing (-300).

GRAND FORKS

  • Seven of the major industries reported year-over-year employment increases. Government (+500), Retail Trade (+300), and Professional and Business Services (+200) posted the largest employment gains. The only losses were reported in Mining, Logging and Construction (-100), Financial Activities (-100), and Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (-100).

BISMARCK

  • Private Educational and Health Services (+200), Manufacturing (+100), and Other Services (+100) reported employment gains. The most substantial losses occurred in Leisure and Hospitality (-400) and Mining, Logging, and Construction (-300).