Radio listeners often talk about labor markets and the participation rate as examples of economic problems. It is more nuanced.
Labor Force Participation in ND and US
Reducing Benefits did not put people back to work
The continuing claims data for ND make it clear that enhanced unemployment benefits were not keeping people from working in ND.
ND Labor Markets
The labor force in North Dakota is down more than 4,000 compared to February. The adjustment process likely will be longer term due to COVID and economic circumstances in the state. I map out a few labor market variables.
ND Metro Area Labor Force
I look at the metropolitan area labor force in North Dakota. These seem natural comparison groupings, though the data show serious differences that may change that impression.
Labor Force Growth and Streaks
I was thinking about the labor force increase during the Bakken oil boom and wondered how it stood up against streaks in other states. The answer surprised me.