State Name
North Dakota

Year Admitted into the United States
November 2, 1889 (39th state, admitted simultaneously with South Dakota)

State Motto
“Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable”

Capital City
Bismarck

State Nickname
The Peace Garden State

State Known For
Vast prairies, agriculture, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and the Bakken oil fields

Things to Do in the State

  • Explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  • Visit the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck
  • Tour Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
  • Walk through the International Peace Garden on the U.S.-Canada border
  • Attend the Fargo Film Festival

Major Cities
Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot

State Bird
Western Meadowlark

State Flower
Wild Prairie Rose

Famous Landmarks

  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  • International Peace Garden
  • Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

Population
Approximately 780,000 (2023 estimate)

Climate
Continental, with cold winters and warm summers

Economy Highlights
Agriculture, oil production, tourism, and technology

Unique Foods
Knoephla soup, lefse, kuchen, and hotdish

Interesting Facts

  • North Dakota is the leading producer of honey and durum wheat in the U.S.
  • It is home to the geographic center of North America, marked in Rugby, ND.

Official Website
https://www.nd.gov

Population Growth

North Dakota leads the Midwest in population growth, reaching 796,568 residents as of July 2024, marking a 1% increase from 2023. This growth is driven by:

  • 9,592 births and 6,867 deaths
  • Positive net migration of 4,835 people
  • Strong international migration adding 5,126 residents

Economic Indicators

The state shows promising economic trends:

  • Low unemployment rate of 2.4% as of November 2024
  • Total nonfarm employment increased by 2.3%
  • Education & Health Services sector grew by 4.8%
  • Government sector expanded by 6.0%

Major Policy Initiatives

Governor Kelly Armstrong has announced significant reforms:

  • Property tax relief plan targeting zero property taxes for primary residences within a decade
  • Increased Primary Residence Credit from $500 to $1,000 per year
  • New Cabinet position focusing on recovery and re-entry programs
  • Education reforms including Education Savings Accounts and public charter schools

Challenges Being Addressed

The state is actively working on several key issues:

  • Prison system overcapacity requiring expansion
  • Property tax reform and relief
  • Healthcare costs and accessibility
  • Workforce development and recruitment

Quality of Life

North Dakota offers unique advantages:

  • Lower cost of living compared to many states
  • Strong park system and outdoor recreation opportunities
  • Family-friendly communities
  • Less crowded lifestyle with ample personal space

The combination of economic opportunity, policy reforms, and quality of life factors appears to be driving increased interest in North Dakota as a destination for both residents and businesses.