North Dakota Fast Facts:
Location, Location, Location…: Located in the midwestern region of the U.S., North Dakota is the 19th largest state by area in the US, carved out of the northern half of the Dakota Territory.
Cities: The state capital is Bismarck and the largest city is Fargo.
Behind the Name: North Dakota is nicknamed the “International Peace Garden State” to commemorate the International Peace Garden on North Dakota’s border with Manitoba, Canada.
A Closer Look: Since 1990 North Dakota has experience a steady decline in its population, perhaps as a result of an apparent lack of skilled jobs for college graduates.
Did You Know? The United States Air Force operates bases at both Minot and Grand Forks in North Dakota.
North Dakota Careers and Employment:
Population: 641,481 (-0.1% increase since 2000) – 49.8% Female, 50.2% Male (2008 U.S. Census Bureau).
Business Environment: Ranked 13th in Forbes Magazine’s “Best States for Business,” 2008.
Top Industries: In terms of paid employees, according to a 2008 U.S. Census Bureau study: (1) health care and social assistance; (2) retail trade; (3) accommodation and food services; (4) manufacturing; and (5) construction.
Taxes: Income Tax, 2.1% to 5.54%% and Sales Tax, 5% (Federation of Tax Administrators).
Cost of Living: 95.1 in relation to the “National Average” of 100 (Federal Cost of Living Index).
Quality of Life: Ranked 14th of 50 states by CNBC, 2009.
Weather: Average Temperature (In °F) – Jan: 7.90; Apr: 41.71; July: 68.70; Oct: 43.62 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
K-12: Ranked 9th of 50 states in “Academic Achievement” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2009.
North Dakota Economics:
In General: North Dakota's state income is highly dependent upon its farming, which is strongly supported by the state's fertile soil. While nearly half of North Dakota’s workforce is employed within the service industry, other careers that provide significant percentages of jobs include both farming (9%) and wholesale and retail trade (21%).
Service Industry: North Dakota’s community, business and personal services lead this sector and include private health care, law firms, motels and repair shops.
Agriculture: Wheat is the leading farm product in North Dakota, ranking second nationally to Kansas in total production. North Dakota also leads all other states in the production of barley and sunflower seeds and is a leader in the production of flaxseed (linseed oil).
Manufacturing: With North Dakota’s solid agricultural base, food processing is the state’s most important manufacturing industry.
Mining: The state’s most valuable mined product is petroleum, while coal and natural gas are also important commodities.
A Closer Look: Large medical centers are found in North Dakota along with the operation centers for several major corporations.
Did You Know? Dakota Gasification Company in Beulah is the nation’s only synthetic natural gas producer.
North Dakota Education:
Find Colleges and Universities in North Dakota, here.
Sources: In addition to specific citations noted in this “Career Information” section, supplementary source materials include: the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service; Netstate.com; Education-Portal.com; USCollegeSearch.org; and Wikipedia.com.
