BISMARCK, N.D. – Job Service North Dakota reported that labor statistics released today show
North Dakota’s January not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.5 percent. The
unemployment rate increased 0.7 of a percentage point between December and January. January
2023’s rate was the same as the current rate.

Between December 2023 and January 2024 unemployment rose by 3,275, an increase of 45.5
percent. North Dakota typically sees a considerable increase in unemployment numbers
between December and January. The over-the-year increase (January 2023 to January 2024)
in unemployed labor force was 437, a gain of 4.4 percent.

The national not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January was 4.1 percent. It was
3.5 percent the prior month and 3.9 percent the prior year.

North Dakota Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force Data
January 2024 December 2023 January 2023
Unemployment Rate 2.5% 1.8% 2.5%
Unemployed 10,478 7,203 10,041
Employed 402,194 402,386 399,600
Labor Force 412,672 409,589 409,641

The nation’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.7 percent for the month, the
same as the prior month, and 0.3 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
0.1 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 January, North Dakota ranked 1
st among all states’ unemployment rates, at 1.9 percent.
South Dakota came in 2nd place, with an unemployment rate of 2.1 percent.
Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
January 2024 December 2023 January 2023
North Dakota 1.9% 1.9% 2.0%
United States 3.7% 3.7% 3.4%

Preliminary estimates indicate North Dakota’s January 2024 not seasonally adjusted employment
increased 1.4 percent (+6,100) from the same period one year ago and decreased 1.7 percent (-
7,700) over the month.

Eight of the 13 major industries reported year-over-year employment increases, led by Private
Educational and Health Services posting a gain of 1,900 jobs (+2.8 percent). The HealthCare and
Social Assistance subsector contributed the largest portion of the Private Educational and Health
Services increase, a gain of 1,800 jobs. Government posted the second largest employment
increase, with a gain of 1,700 jobs (+2.1 percent). Other prominent employment increases were
reported in Mining and Logging (+1,300), Manufacturing (+1,100), Wholesale Trade (+1,100), and
Other Services (+900).

Construction (-1,100), Leisure and Hospitality (-600), Retail Trade (-300), Professional and
Business Services (-300), and Information (-300) reported decreases in employment.
METRO AREAS

Of North Dakota’s three metro areas, Bismarck was the only metro area to post an over-the-year
decrease in employment (-300). The Fargo and Grand Forks metro areas posted employment
gains of +2,500 and +900, respectively.
FARGO

• Nine of the major industries reported year-over-year employment increases. Private
Educational and Health Services (+1,000) and Government (+700) posted the largest
employment gains. Employment reductions were reported in Professional and Business
Services (-500), Financial Activities (-300), and Information (-300).
GRAND FORKS
• Prominent employment gains took place in Government (+400), Private Educational and
Health Services (+200), Manufacturing (+200), and Wholesale Trade (+200). The largest
employment reduction was reported in Leisure and Hospitality (-200).
BISMARCK
• The largest employment gains were reported in Private Educational and Health Services
(+200). The most substantial losses occurred in Government (-300).