Fargo Moorhead’s economy consistently ranks among the highest of 381 metropolitan areas in vitality, according to Moody’s economy.com. Gains in income and employment consistently exceed the national average, and the region has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. Our community benefits from a diverse and solid base of industry that includes national and global names like Microsoft, John Deere, Bobcat, Case New Holland, Caterpillar, Nokia, Titan Machinery, Tech Mahindra, U.S. Bank, Bank of the West, and Wells Fargo.

Economic Indicators

 

Data 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Total Employment 115,766 115,225 116,061 117,286 129,128 130,872
Change over previous year (%) -0.2 -0.5 0.1 1 1.1 2.0
Unemployment Rate (%) 4.1 4 3.4 3.2 2.7 2.4
Average Annual Wage $38,220 $40,196 $41,964 $42,868 $45,968 $46,540
Average Annual Wage Growth (%) 2.5 5.2 4.4 2.2 1 2.0

Employment by IndustrySource: Job Service ND; LAUS and QCEW

(Fargo, ND-MN MSA)

Occupation July 2016 Employment Change

July 2015
Total Nonfarm 140,200 2,600
Total Private 124,300 2,300
Goods-Producing 20,800 200
Service-Providing 119,400 2,400
Private Service-Providing 104,000 2,100
Mining, Logging, and Construction 11,200 500
Manufacturing 9,600 -300
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities 30,500 200
Wholesale Trade 9,200 0
Retail Trade 16,000 200
Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities 5,300 0
Information 3,100 0
Financial Activities 11,100 300
Professional and Business Services 17,200 900
Educational and Health Services 22,500 400
Leisure and Hospitality 14,400 400
Other Services 5,200 -100
Government 15,400 300

Source: Job Service N.D., Labor Market Information Center, CES Unit