Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.8% with the biggest shift in Construction, Mining, which gained 1,200 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Fargo, ND-MN market rose by 1,470 jobs in March and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 60 bps to 3.8%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 6.2%.

  • Fargo, ND-MN unemployment rate is 238 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 70 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in March versus prior month by 2.4% 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 March 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.8% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 30,400; +400
  • Education & Healthcare: 27,700; +200
  • Government: 18,900; no change
  • Business Services: 13,500; +500
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 12,400; +200
  • Financial Services: 11,700; no change
  • Manufacturing: 10,000; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 9,300; +1,200
  • Other Jobs: 4,900; no change
  • IT & Development: 3,000; +100
Fargo, ND-MN Unemployment by Industry March 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through March 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 29, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.