Immigrants in
North Dakota
North Dakota has a small but vital community of immigrants, 90.3 percent of whom report that they are proficient in English. About 3.6 percent of the state's residents are foreign-born, and 1.9 percent of its U.S.-born residents live with at least one immigrant parent. Immigrants make up 4.8 percent of North Dakota's labor force and support the state's economy in many ways. Just under half of the state's immigrants have become naturalized citizens and 83.7 percent are of working age. As neighbors, business owners, taxpayers, and workers, immigrants are an integral part of North Dakota's diverse and thriving communities and make extensive contributions that benefit all.
Overview
27,800
Immigrant residents$1.1B
Immigrants spending power$371.9M
Immigrants taxes paid2023
Data yearDemographics
In the United States, immigrants are more likely to be working-age than their U.S.-born counterparts. This means they are more likely to be active in the labor force, allowing them to contribute to the economy not only as consumers but also as taxpayers, helping fund social services and programs like Medicare and Social Security.
| Age Group | Foreign-Born Population | U.S.-Born Population |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 | - | 21.4% |
| 16-64 | 83.7% | 61.2% |
| 65+ | - | 17.4% |
51.7%
Share of immigrants who are women48.3%
Share of immigrants who are men14,700
Number of U.S.-born residents living with at least one immigrant parent91.6%
Share of Foreign-Born that are proficient in EnglishTAXES & SPENDING POWER
Immigrant households contribute hundreds of billions of dollars in federal, state, and local taxes and hold a tremendous amount of spending power. This gives them significant economic clout, helping support local communities as consumers and taxpayers. Like all residents of the United States, regardless of where they were born, immigrants make use of public services like education, healthcare, and public safety. Even with these costs, however, immigrants’ economic contributions far outweigh the cost of additional public services they incur.
$1.5B
Immigrant household income$1.1B
Total spending power| State & Local Taxes Paid | $96.7M |
| Federal Taxes Paid | $275.2M |
| Total Taxes Paid | $371.9M |
$145.9M
Immigrants’ contributions to Social Security$43.0M
Immigrants’ contributions to MedicareWorkforce
The growth in the immigrant population has helped to strengthen America’s labor force. As baby boomers retire, younger immigrants are filling crucial gaps in the labor market. Nationally, immigrants are more likely to hold an advanced degree than the U.S.-born. They are also more likely to have less than a high school education. As such, they are able to fill critical shortages at both ends of the skill spectrum, from high-tech positions to agriculture, hospitality, and service jobs.
20,500
Number of immigrant workers in the labor forceEducational Attainment by Nativity, Age 25+
| Education Level | Foreign-Born Population | U.S.-Born Population |
|---|---|---|
| Less Than High School | - | 5.6% |
| High School & Some College | 47.5% | 60.6% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | - | 23.6% |
| Graduate Degree | - | 10.3% |
International Students
International students in the United States contribute tens of billions of dollars to the U.S. economy every year and support a significant number of U.S. jobs through their tuition payments and day-to-day spending. Research has also found that increases in the number of international students at American universities boost innovation and patent creation.
2,342
Students at North Dakota colleges and universities who are international students$55.3M
Economic contribution of international students340
Jobs supported by international studentsNaturalization & Voting Power
As more immigrants naturalize and become eligible to vote, they continue to gain political power. The number of immigrant voters is only projected to rise in the next decade, and in some states foreign-born voters are already capable of deciding elections.
13,200
Number of immigrants who are eligible to vote13,800
Number of immigrants who are naturalized U.S. citizensTHE DACA-ELIGIBLE POPULATION
DACA-eligible people contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy. Removing the protections afforded to DACA recipients would likely upset local economies, communities, and schools, hurting employers and businesses that depend on these young immigrants as workers and customers.
130
Number of active DACA recipients82
Number of people with DACA grantedRefugees
Refugees living in the United States make tremendous contributions to our economy as earners, taxpayers, and consumers. Rather than a drain on communities, refugees, with their high employment rate and entrepreneurial spirit, actually sustain and strengthen their new hometowns.
397
Number of refugees resettled in the last fiscal yearTop Countries of Origin for Refugees Resettled in the last Fiscal Year
Temporary Protected Status Holders
Recipients of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) have made enormous contributions to various industries and paid a significant amount in federal, state, and local taxes in the United States. Forcing them to leave the country not only risks putting these individuals in danger, but also threatens to significantly disrupt local economies.
200
Number of TPS holders
