Overall unemployment rate moved up to 2.4% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 900 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the Fargo, ND-MN market rose by 810 jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 2.4%. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Fargo, ND-MN unemployment rate is 149 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is equal to the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 14.5% 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 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.1% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 31,300; no change
  • Education & Healthcare: 28,900; +300
  • Government: 20,300; +900
  • Business Services: 15,200; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 14,400; +500
  • Manufacturing: 11,500; -200
  • Financial Services: 11,100; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 8,600; no change
  • Other Jobs: 5,000; +100
  • IT & Development: 2,700; no change
Fargo, ND-MN Unemployment by Industry February 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2023 (Data published April 2023 and reports created on April 10, 2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.