Labor Availability and Statistics

labor availabilitySite developers, economic planners, and others will often refer to the unemployment rate to determine if there is an available labor force; but while the unemployment rate is a consistent measure across the country, it is incomplete. Being unemployed is defined as not working but actively seeking work. However, some individuals who are working would be interested in changing jobs or occupations, others would want additional hours, and some are planning to find work within the year. These individuals are not normally counted as part of the available labor pool in an area. The state of North Dakota, in cooperation with local partners, funds a study to measure the available labor pool bi-annually. Select a report below to learn about the existing potential labor force in the area including and surrounding the community of Jamestown.