What is the unemployment rate in North Dakota right now?
Updated May. 22, 2026Refreshed monthly
Unemployment in North Dakota was at 2.4% in April 2026. That's a 0.1 percentage point decrease from the month before. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are actively looking for work but not currently employed. It's a common way to measure the health of the job market and economy.
In April 2026,
2.4%
of the labor force was unemployed in North Dakota
April 2026 had a
-0.1
percentage point change from the previous month
The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates the unemployment rate through a monthly survey to identify the civilian labor force, meaning people who are employed or actively seeking work. It counts part-time workers as employed. It excludes people who aren’t actively looking for work, such as retirees or discouraged workers.
In April 2026, the unemployment rate in North Dakota was lower than the US overall.
Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, January 2007 to April 2026
Unemployment rates differ within states due to various factors. Counties with many job opportunities and different industries often have lower unemployment rates. In rural areas or in places where industries are shrinking, the rate can be higher. Seasonal work in industries like tourism or farming can lead to unemployment rising or falling. Population changes and local policies also play a role in how many people are employed.
What counties in North Dakota have the highest and lowest unemployment?
Understanding local unemployment rates is important for assessing the economic health of a region. In North Dakota, the counties with the highest unemployment rates are often those facing economic challenges or transitions. Conversely, counties with the lowest unemployment rates typically benefit from stable industries and robust economic activities. By examining these rates, we can gain insights into the factors influencing employment and identify areas that may need targeted interventions to increase job opportunities.In North Dakota, Kidder County, ND had the highest unemployment rate at 6.0%. Dickey County, ND had the lowest at 1.5%. Cass County, ND, the county with the largest labor force in the state, had an unemployment rate of 2.7%. The latest county-level data is from March 2026.
Unemployment rates in North Dakota counties ranged from 1.5% to 6% in March 2026.
Unemployment rate, by county, not seasonally adjusted
Unemployment rate, by county in North Dakota (March 2026)
| 1. | Kidder County, ND | 6% |
| 2. | Rolette County, ND | 5.5% |
| 3. | McHenry County, ND | 5.2% |
| 4. | Emmons County, ND | 4.9% |
| 5. | Oliver County, ND | 4.2% |
| 6. | Sheridan County, ND | 4.2% |
| 7. | Pembina County, ND | 4.1% |
| 8. | Benson County, ND | 4% |
| 9. | Logan County, ND | 3.9% |
| 10. | Steele County, ND | 3.8% |
Keep exploring
Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
The analysis was generated with the help of AI and reviewed by USAFacts for accuracy.
Page sources
USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
