North Dakota: 2026 Business Market Risk & Industry Survival
Rank #17 of 51 state markets. 10 industries tracked. Population: 779,094.
North Dakota ranks #17 out of 51 state markets by average entry risk (40.4). Healthcare and Social Assistance carries the lowest risk at 26.2 (Low), while Construction is the most challenging at 58.3 (High). The 32.1-point spread signals significant variation across sectors. Healthcare and Social Assistance is the largest tracked employer with 64,172 jobs.
North Dakota: 40.4 Average Entry Risk
North Dakota at a Glance
Best Industries for New Entrants in North Dakota
Industries with the lowest entry risk in North Dakota.
Entry Risk by Industry in North Dakota
Compare market entry conditions across industries in North Dakota. Rank indicates position vs. all 50 states.
North Dakota Industry Data: 25,188 Establishments
| Industry | Entry Risk | Rank | Establishments | Employment | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare and Social Assistance NAICS 62 | 26.2 | #3/51 | 3,293 | 64,172 | $65,591 |
| Information NAICS 51 | 28.8 | #1/51 | 828 | 5,305 | $93,695 |
| Accommodation and Food Services NAICS 72 | 29.5 | #12/51 | 2,220 | 34,051 | $23,927 |
| Administrative and Support Services NAICS 56 | 34.8 | #16/51 | 2,158 | 13,100 | $52,522 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services NAICS 54 | 34.8 | #10/51 | 3,965 | 16,954 | $90,955 |
| Other Services NAICS 81 | 35.0 | #6/51 | 2,292 | 11,493 | $51,308 |
| Retail Trade NAICS 44-45 | 49.9 | #41/51 | 3,190 | 45,720 | $39,304 |
| Finance and Insurance NAICS 52 | 52.1 | #28/51 | 2,164 | 16,798 | $88,205 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing NAICS 53 | 54.3 | #48/51 | 1,142 | 5,337 | $68,353 |
| Construction NAICS 23 | 58.3 | #47/51 | 3,936 | 29,118 | $80,119 |
Largest Industries in North Dakota by Employment
Metro Markets in North Dakota
4 metropolitan areas with industry-level market scores. Each links to its most favorable industry.
How North Dakota Compares to Neighboring States
Average entry risk across all tracked industries. Lower scores indicate better conditions for new businesses.
| State | Avg Entry Risk | vs ND |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 40.4 | — |
| South Dakota | 33.5 | -6.9 |
| Minnesota | 39.5 | -0.9 |
| Montana | 44.9 | +4.5 |
North Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
2026 state-level data answers to common business-formation questions.
What is North Dakota's overall business entry risk score for 2026?
North Dakota averages 40.4 across 10 tracked industries, ranking #17 of 51 state markets. Lower scores indicate more favorable conditions; the national average sits near 44.
What is the easiest industry to start a business in within North Dakota?
Healthcare and Social Assistance carries the lowest entry risk in North Dakota at 26.2 (Low). It employs 64,172 workers across 3,293 establishments.
Which sector is the most challenging for new businesses in North Dakota?
Construction posts North Dakota's highest entry risk at 58.3 (High). New entrants in this sector face conditions that favor incumbents.
How many businesses operate in North Dakota?
25,188 business establishments are tracked across 10 industries in North Dakota, employing 242,048 workers in 2026 data releases from the U.S. Census BDS and BLS QCEW.
What is North Dakota's largest industry by employment?
Healthcare and Social Assistance is the largest tracked employer in North Dakota with 64,172 jobs across 3,293 establishments and an entry risk score of 26.2.