5 US States With The Highest Labor Shortages

3. North Dakota

Unemployed Workers for Every 100 Job Openings: 36

In North Dakota, labor shortages have reached critical levels, forcing businesses to close or alter operations. The state’s unemployment rate sits at a mere 2.8%, attributed in part to the oil boom creating thousands of jobs. Yet, filling positions remains a challenge. Some businesses, like Mandan’s Harvest Brazilian Grill, have reduced hours due to insufficient staffing. The situation is dire, with businesses like Bismarck’s Dairy Queen forced to close prematurely. Owners report difficulty in finding reliable workers, with fewer applicants and high turnover rates exacerbating the issue. This scarcity of labor threatens the stability of North Dakota’s economy and businesses statewide.