Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Median household income
1980–2023Census/ACS, nominal dollars.
GDP
North Dakota's economy generates about $78 billion in annual gross domestic product, ranking 45th among US states.
Real GDP (chained 2017 dollars)
1997–2025BEA, chained 2017 dollars (FRED NDRGSP).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| GDP ($B) | 78 | 27700 |
- •Oil and gas extraction is one of the largest single contributors to North Dakota's GDP.
- •GDP nearly doubled between 2020 and 2024 amid the energy price rebound.
GDP Growth
North Dakota's GDP has grown rapidly in recent years, fueled by strong oil production and elevated energy prices.
Real GDP growth
1998–2025Annual % change in BEA real GDP (NDRGSP).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| GDP per Capita ($) | 97600 | 85800 |
- •GDP growth exceeded 20% in 2022 amid record energy prices.
- •Per-capita GDP in North Dakota ranks among the top 10 states nationally.
Personal Income
Personal income in North Dakota is bolstered by high-paying energy and agriculture jobs relative to the state's small population.
Per capita personal income
1970–2025BEA, current dollars (FRED NDPCPI).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income ($) | 76500 | 80610 |
- •Personal income growth in North Dakota often tracks closely with oil price cycles.
- •Farm income is a significant, though volatile, component of statewide personal income.
Median Household Income
North Dakota's median household income of $76,500 sits modestly below the national median.
Median household income (CPS)
1984–2025Census CPS ASEC, current dollars (FRED MEHOINUSNDA646N).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income ($) | 76500 | 80610 |
- •Oil-boom counties in western North Dakota often report the highest household incomes in the state.
- •Household income has risen steadily alongside energy production growth.
Poverty Rate
North Dakota's poverty rate of 10.4% is slightly below the national average of 11.1%.
Poverty rate, all ages (SAIPE)
1989–2024Census Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (FRED PPAAND38000A156NCEN).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Poverty Rate (%) | 10.4 | 11.1 |
- •Poverty rates on some of North Dakota's tribal reservations are considerably higher than the statewide average.
- •Low unemployment has helped keep the statewide poverty rate below the national figure.
Inflation
North Dakota's cost-of-living index of 94.6 keeps effective inflationary pressure on households somewhat below the national average.
CPI inflation, U.S.
2007–2024BLS CPI-U U.S. city average, annual average change (CPIAUCNS).
CPI inflation, Midwest region
2007–2025BLS CPI-U all items, Midwest region, annual average change (CUUR0200SA0).
- •North Dakota's overall cost of living is about 5% below the national average.
- •Cheap electricity, at 10.3 cents per kWh, is among the lowest rates in the country.
Economic Output
North Dakota generates outsized economic output per capita, ranking in the top 10 states, driven by energy and agriculture.
Nominal GDP (current dollars)
1997–2025BEA, current dollars (FRED NDNGSP).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| GDP per Capita ($) | 97600 | 85800 |
- •North Dakota's GDP per capita exceeds $97,000, placing it in the top 10 states.
- •Agriculture and energy together anchor much of the state's economic output.
Industry Breakdown
North Dakota's economy is anchored by energy production, agriculture, and manufacturing, with oil accounting for a major share of state revenue.
Government jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED NDGOVT).
Manufacturing jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED NDMFG).
Construction jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED NDCONS).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Production Rank | 3 | 1 |
- •North Dakota produces roughly 1.2 million barrels of oil per day, third-most in the US.
- •The state exports about six times the electricity it consumes.