Air Quality
North Dakota generally enjoys good air quality thanks to its low population density, though localized industrial activity from oil and gas operations can affect air quality near production sites.
Monitored days with good air quality
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County, all monitored North Dakota counties.
Monitored days unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County (AQI above 100).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Population Density (per sq mi) | 11 | 94 |
- •North Dakota's low population density helps keep statewide air quality generally favorable despite industrial activity.
Wildfires
While less prone to wildfires than western states, North Dakota's grasslands can experience fast-moving prairie fires, especially during dry, windy conditions.
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Acres Burned (avg, thousands) | 50 | 140 |
- •Prairie fires in North Dakota can spread extremely fast due to strong winds and dry grass fuel.
Drought
Periodic drought is a recurring challenge across North Dakota's plains, affecting agricultural yields and water availability for irrigation and livestock.
Area in drought (D1–D4), yearly average
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
Area in extreme or exceptional drought (D3–D4)
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Share of State in Drought (avg %) | 35 | 25 |
- •Severe drought years have periodically cut North Dakota's crop yields significantly, especially for wheat and soybeans.
Water Usage
Water use in North Dakota is dominated by agricultural irrigation and the demands of energy production, including oil extraction and thermoelectric power generation.
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Water Use Share (%) | 70 | 42 |
- •The Missouri River and Garrison Dam system are critical water sources for both agriculture and energy in North Dakota.
Emissions
North Dakota has one of the highest per-capita greenhouse gas emission rates in the country, driven by its energy-intensive oil, gas, and coal industries.
Energy-related CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, all sectors and fuels (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTTTONDA).
Transportation CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, transportation sector (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTCTONDA).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Coal Share of Electricity (%) | 50 | 16 |
- •North Dakota's per-capita emissions rank among the highest nationally due to its energy production industries.
Climate Indicators
North Dakota experiences a continental climate with extreme temperature swings, cold winters, and increasing variability in precipitation patterns.
Average annual temperature
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December average.
Annual precipitation
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December total.
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Temperature Range (°F) | 100 | 70 |
- •North Dakota can see temperature swings of over 100°F between winter lows and summer highs.