ND
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
25,188
Total Establishments
Across tracked industries
242,048
Total Employment
Across tracked industries
40.4
Average Entry Risk
Across all industries
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
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 |