North Dakota’s preliminary unemployment rate in September fell to 1.8 percent, a notable decrease from 2.2 percent in August and 2.1 percent a year prior. These figures, which are not seasonally adjusted, were reported by the Job Service North Dakota Labor Market Information Center. The state’s rate remains significantly lower than the comparable national unemployment rate of 4.0 percent, which was down from 4.3 percent in September 2025.
For residents of Bismarck and Mandan, these statewide trends reflect broader economic conditions. The state saw an estimated 7,801 unemployed people in September, a reduction of 1,465 individuals, or 15.8 percent, compared to the previous year. This marks the eighth consecutive month that the number of unemployed people has declined year-over-year. The state’s estimated total labor force stood at 432,510, a slight decrease of 723 people (0.2 percent) over the year. Meanwhile, the number of employed people rose to 424,709, up from 423,967 a year earlier.
North Dakota’s labor force participation rate, also not seasonally adjusted, was recorded at 69.3 percent. This is a slight dip from 69.6 percent in August and 69.9 percent a year ago, but still notably higher than the national rate of 61.8 percent.
When adjusting for predictable seasonal patterns, North Dakota’s unemployment rate remained steady at 2.2 percent in September, unchanged from August. This rate is down from 2.6 percent in September 2025. This adjusted figure positions North Dakota with the second-lowest unemployment rate among the 50 states, only behind South Dakota’s 2.0 percent. New Hampshire and Vermont followed with rates of 2.6 percent. The national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in September, an increase from 4.1 percent in August, but still below the 4.4 percent recorded a year earlier.
Furthermore, North Dakota maintained the nation’s second-highest seasonally adjusted labor force participation rate at 68.9 percent, just below Nebraska’s 69.2 percent. This rate for North Dakota saw a decline from 69.0 percent in August and 69.8 percent a year ago.
Separately, preliminary nonfarm employment figures for the state indicated an increase of 1,200 jobs, or 0.3 percent, when compared to September 2025. These specific figures are not seasonally adjusted. Locally, among the state’s metro areas, Fargo added 1,200 jobs over the year, and Minot saw a gain of 400 jobs. Grand Forks experienced a loss of 900 jobs. For residents of Burleigh and Morton counties, a key takeaway is that Bismarck’s employment remained unchanged during this period.
Seasonal adjustment is a statistical method used to remove the influence of predictable seasonal patterns, helping to illustrate true month-to-month changes in employment and unemployment. The Job Service North Dakota Labor Market Information Center stated that these preliminary figures are subject to revision. Additional substate labor force data is scheduled for release on October 27.