| As North Dakota has shifted from its traditional dependence on natural resource-based activities to a more diversified economy, changes in employment, population, income, and retail sales have occurred. This report summarizes changes in these and other economic indicators at the county and community level from 1980 to 2004. Employment increased 12 percent from 1990 to 2004, with 19 of the state's 53 counties registering job growth. The largest percentage (and absolute) gains were in Cass (Fargo) and Burleigh (Bismarck) counties. Population statewide decreased by less than 1 percent from 1990 to 2004, as substantial growth in the Fargo and Bismarck-Mandan metropolitan areas was offset by population decreases in most of the state's rural counties. Per... |
