Overall unemployment rate moved up to 4.3% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 700 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Fargo, ND-MN market rose by 1,156 jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 4.3%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.

  • Fargo, ND-MN unemployment rate is 225 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 170 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 0.9% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Fargo, ND-MN Unemployment February 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.7% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 30,000; -100
  • Education & Healthcare: 27,500; +400
  • Government: 18,900; +700
  • Business Services: 13,000; -200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 12,200; +700
  • Financial Services: 11,700; no change
  • Manufacturing: 10,100; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 8,100; -500
  • Other Jobs: 4,900; +100
  • IT & Development: 2,900; no change
Fargo, ND-MN Unemployment by Industry February 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.