Construction And Real Estate Shine In North Dakota’s Economy

North Dakota’s taxable sales and purchases rose slightly in 2025, reflecting modest consumer activity despite declines in some key industries.

According to the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner, taxable sales and purchases totaled $27.16 billion in 2025, a 0.27 percent increase from $27.09 billion in 2024.

“Retail trade, the state’s largest revenue category and key measurement of consumer health, remained resilient, posting modest increases over the previous year in each respective quarter,” Kroshus said. “Conversely, mining and oil extraction contracted as the year progressed, most notably in the oil sector in the second half of the year.”

Among the state’s largest industry sectors, construction rose 6.3 percent and real estate and rental and leasing increased 7.7 percent. Retail trade also grew 2.3 percent compared with 2024. Other sectors saw declines, including accommodation and food services and manufacturing, which both dropped 0.6 percent. Mining and oil and gas extraction fell 1.4 percent and wholesale trade declined 4 percent.

Kroshus said lower commodity prices and tariff-related uncertainty contributed to slowing purchases in the energy and agricultural sectors.

Among North Dakota’s largest cities, Dickinson posted the biggest gain with a 6.58 percent increase in taxable sales and purchases. Bismarck rose 2.87 percent, followed by Williston at 2.82 percent and Jamestown at 2.30 percent. Minot was nearly flat, while Fargo and Grand Forks recorded declines.

Several counties saw strong growth, including Steele County, Divide County, Dickey County, Burke County and Slope County.

Fourth quarter figures showed taxable sales and purchases totaling $7.08 billion, down 2.29 percent from the same period in 2024. Utilities and construction saw strong growth during the quarter, while mining and oil and gas extraction declined sharply.

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State officials say sales tax collections remain a major source of general fund revenue used to support essential government services across North Dakota.