How North Dakota compares
Ranked against the other 49 states on the figures we hold. Rates that combine state and local components — sales tax, the minimum wage where it varies by region — are shown on this page but not ranked, because a single number would misstate them.
| Figure | ND | Nationally | In its region |
|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationUS Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates, July 1, 2025 | 799,358 | 47th highest of 50 | 12 of 12 |
| GDP ($bn)Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2025 | 81.9 | 46th highest of 50 | 11 of 12 |
| Median household incomeUS Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, 2024 | $77,871 | 25th highest of 50 | 3 of 12 |
| Unemployment rateBureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (seasonally adjusted, preliminary), September 2026 | 2.2% | 2nd lowest of 50 | 2 of 12 |
| Foreign-born shareUS Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, 2024 | 5.3% | 39th highest of 50 | 10 of 12 |
| Property tax ratechecked Nov 2026; confirm with the North Dakota legislature | 0.98% | 29th lowest of 50 | 3 of 12 |
| Deposit return window (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the North Dakota legislature | 30 | tied 15th lowest of 50 | 4 of 12 |
| Eviction notice (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the North Dakota legislature | 3 | tied 31st highest of 50 | 6 of 12 |
- State income tax: yes41 of 50 states answer the same way
- At-will employment: yesthe same in all 50 states — it does not set North Dakota apart
- Paid sick leave required: no30 of 50 states answer the same way
- Paid family leave: no38 of 50 states answer the same way
- Workers' comp required: yes49 of 50 states answer the same way
- Rent control permitted: no46 of 50 states answer the same way
- Annual report required: yes43 of 50 states answer the same way
Statistical figures: US Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025) · US Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (2024) · Bureau of Economic Analysis (2025) · Bureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (seasonally adjusted, preliminary) (September 2026) · SBA Office of Advocacy, 2025 Small Business Profiles (2025). Tax, wage, business and tenancy figures are recorded from state sources and were last checked on 2026-11-05 — confirm anything you are about to act on with the North Dakota legislature.
How long you have in North Dakota
The periods that decide whether something is on time. Days are calendar days unless the underlying rule says otherwise.
- Return a security deposit within
- 30 days
- Eviction notice before filing
- 3 days
- LLC formation processed in
- 5–7 days
- Annual report due
- November 15
- Overtime starts after
- 40 hrs/week
AI Legal Insights — North Dakota
AI-generated · Updated July 2026
North Dakota operates under a dual court system consisting of district courts and the North Dakota Supreme Court, with a strong emphasis on statutory interpretation. The state's legal landscape is heavily influenced by agricultural and energy-related statutes, requiring specialized knowledge of land use and mineral rights laws.
The business climate is driven by robust energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors, supported by a low state income tax and a competitive unemployment rate. While the regulatory environment is generally business-friendly, companies must navigate specific compliance requirements related to the state's significant oil and gas industry.
The foreign-born population in North Dakota is relatively small at 4.1%, with many immigrants contributing to the agricultural and healthcare sectors. There are no state-level sanctuary policies, and immigration matters are primarily managed through federal USCIS offices in neighboring regions.
- ›Ensure all real estate and mineral rights transfers strictly adhere to North Dakota's specific recording and notarization statutes.
- ›Include clear choice-of-law clauses to specify North Dakota law, especially when dealing with agricultural commodity contracts.
- ›Be mindful of North Dakota's specific statutes regarding non-compete agreements, which are subject to strict reasonableness tests under state law.
AI-generated insights · Verify with a licensed attorney before relying on this information.
🔍 What documents do you need in North Dakota?
Select your situation — get instant recommendations tailored to North Dakota law.
Employment Laws
North Dakota labor regulations
North Dakota is an at-will employment state with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation (2.2%). The state follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr and has no paid sick leave or paid family leave mandates. Workers' compensation is provided through an exclusive state fund, Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI). Unusually, North Dakota law makes most non-compete agreements void.
| Law | ND Rule | Federal Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr (matches federal; unchanged since July 24, 2009) | $7.25/hr |
| Overtime | After 40 hrs/week at 1.5× the regular rate | FLSA: after 40 hrs/week |
| Paid Sick Leave | No state mandate | None (federal) |
| Paid Family Leave | No state program | FMLA: 12 weeks unpaid |
| Workers Comp | Exclusive state fund (WSI) — covered employers must insure through WSI; private workers' comp policies are not sold | No general federal mandate |
| At-Will Employment | Yes | Default nationwide |
| Final Paycheck | By the next regular payday after separation | No federal requirement |
| Meal Breaks | 30-min break for shifts over 5 hours when two or more employees are on duty (may be unpaid if fully relieved) | No federal requirement |
| Non-Compete Agreements | Generally void, with narrow exceptions such as the sale of a business or dissolution of a partnership | No federal ban |
- The North Dakota Human Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, and other protected characteristics.
- North Dakota is one of a handful of states with an exclusive (monopolistic) state workers' compensation fund — employers obtain coverage from WSI rather than private insurers.
- North Dakota has no state WARN Act; only the federal WARN Act applies to covered mass layoffs and plant closings.
- Most non-compete agreements are unenforceable in North Dakota, so employers typically rely on confidentiality and trade-secret protections instead.
- Unpaid wage claims can be filed with the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor state minimum wage table · state labor agencies (checked Nov 2026)
Landlord-Tenant Laws
North Dakota rental regulations
North Dakota landlord-tenant law sets a security deposit cap of one month's rent, with deposits returned within 30 days of move-out. There is no rent control. For non-payment of rent, landlords must give a 3-day notice before filing an eviction action in district court.
| Topic | ND Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit | Generally capped at 1 month's rent; an additional pet deposit may be allowed |
| Deposit Return | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, with a written itemization of any deductions |
| Rent Control | None at the state or local level |
| Eviction Notice (Non-Payment) | 3-day notice of intent to evict before filing in district court |
| Eviction Process | Eviction cases move quickly through district court; only a court order can remove a tenant |
| Habitability | Landlord must keep the premises fit and habitable and make repairs required by the lease and law |
| Retaliation Protection | Landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for reporting code violations or habitability problems |
| Late Fee | Permitted if stated in the lease; must be reasonable |
| Entry Notice | Landlord must give reasonable notice and enter only at reasonable times, except in emergencies |
Both landlords and tenants have enforceable rights under North Dakota law. Document all communications and keep copies of your lease agreement. Use AI review to spot risky clauses before signing.
Starting a Business
North Dakota LLC formation guide
North Dakota has low business costs and some of the lowest income tax rates in the country: personal rates of 1.95%–2.5% (0% on lower incomes) and corporate rates of 1.41%–4.31%. LLC formation costs $135, and the annual report costs $50 and is due November 15. Energy, agriculture, and a growing technology sector in Fargo drive the economy.
Step-by-step LLC formation
- 1Choose a business name — must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company"; check availability with the North Dakota Secretary of State
- 2File Articles of Organization with the North Dakota Secretary of State online
- 3Pay the $135 LLC formation fee
- 4Designate a registered agent with a physical North Dakota street address (no P.O. boxes)
- 5Get an EIN from the IRS — free at irs.gov; required for banking, hiring, and state tax registration
- 6Register with the Office of State Tax Commissioner for sales tax (5% state rate) and employer withholding
- 7Register with Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) for workers' compensation coverage before hiring
- 8File the annual report each year by November 15 — $50 fee
- 9Open a business bank account using your EIN and filed Articles of Organization
- 10Check local business licenses and zoning requirements with your city or county
Every LLC also needs a free EIN from the IRS (Form SS-4). Apply online at irs.gov — takes about 15 minutes and is required to open a business bank account.
Popular IRS Forms
Most-filed federal forms for North Dakota taxpayers
Fill these out online with plain-English guidance — every field explained, no accountant required. Download as a ready-to-file PDF when done.
The main annual federal income tax return every taxpayer files.
Fill out free →Give your SSN or EIN to a client before getting paid as a contractor.
Fill out free →Report $600+ paid to independent contractors during the year.
Fill out free →Tell your employer how much federal tax to withhold from pay.
Fill out free →Report income and expenses from a sole proprietorship or LLC.
Fill out free →Report payroll taxes withheld from employees each quarter.
Fill out free →Get an automatic 6-month extension to file your 1040.
Fill out free →The year-end wage statement employers issue to each employee.
Fill out free →Review Your North Dakota Contract — Free
Upload any document. Our AI flags risky clauses, explains legal jargon, and gives you a plain-English risk report specific to North Dakota law.
Federal Offices
United States government offices in North Dakota
Walk-in assistance by appointment only. Call (844) 545-5640 to schedule, or book online at irs.gov.
Immigration appointments via my.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283.
Free Legal Aid
North Dakota legal assistance organizations
These organizations provide free or reduced-cost civil legal services to qualifying North Dakota residents.
Before your consultation: upload your document for a free AI risk scan — understand the key issues before meeting an attorney.
Free AI contract review →Latest Tax & Business News
Check these official sources for latest North Dakota tax & business news:
Upcoming Deadlines
Forms on BrieflyGo
Business Resources
Top North Dakota Cities
Localized legal, tax & contract help for each city.
Got a North Dakota government document?
Upload it — AI reads and explains every line in plain English.
BrieflyGo Tools for North Dakota
AI-powered legal and tax tools — free to start, no login required.
FreeUpload any contract — AI highlights risks, explains every clause in plain English, and suggests fixes in seconds.
Review free →
Federal + state deadlines in one place. Never miss a quarterly payment or filing date again.
Open calendar →
NDA, lease, employment contracts and 200+ more. AI pre-fills from your details — ready in minutes.
Browse templates →
IRS 1040, 1099-NEC, W-9, USCIS forms — search the full catalog, fill online, download as PDF.
Find forms →Common Questions
North Dakota legal & business FAQ
Review Your North Dakota Contract — Free
Upload any document. Our AI flags risky clauses, explains legal jargon, and gives you a plain-English risk report specific to North Dakota law.