The Bureau of Labor Statistics has once again revealed that Bismarck sits atop the list of the best unemployment rates in the entire nation. This should come as no surprise, since the numbers last July affirmed the same thing.

The BLS defines unemployed as people that "do not have a job, have actively looked for work in the prior four weeks, and are currently available for work". The latest report reveals that only 2.3% of Bismarck's population was out of work and actively seeking employment, which is actually down slightly from 2.4% in July.

Additionally, the state of North Dakota once again boasts the lowest unemployment rate in the country. While the national average hovers around 7.0%, North Dakota's unemployment in November was 2.6%, down from the July 2013 figure of 3.4%.

Kevin Hullet, president of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce explains the unique position the community is in:

Bismarck-Mandan and North Dakota were well positioned coming out of the 2008 downturn as our state had limited exposure to sub-prime mortgages and home values that were stable and market driven. In addition, our position as the state capital provides a steady base of employment with limited fluctuations.

Hullet also notes the common misconception of North Dakota as a whole. "There is a perception of a vast, frozen plain. Instead, it is a geographically diverse state with badlands in the West and a flat plains on the East. There are four distinct seasons that provide a variety of recreational opportunities."

While the rest of nation still struggles with the effect of the recession, North Dakota is getting stronger with no signs of slowing down.

[Source: Forbes]

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