February 1, 2001

N.D. Retail Sales Total $6.7 Billion in 1997

Retail trade establishments in North Dakota totaled 3,569 in 1997 with sales amounting to $6.7 billion according to the latest Population Bulletin released from the North Dakota State Data Center at North Dakota State University.

Per capita, retail sales totaled $10,457, ranking North Dakota sixth in the nation. Nationally per capita retail sales were $9,190.

"The highest concentration of retail trade establishments in the state is motor vehicles and their corresponding parts stores," said Richard Rathge, director of the center. "If the projected slump in auto sales is realized, this may have a dampening effect on the economy in some communities within the state."

Motor vehicle and parts establishments (13.3 percent) was followed by gas stations (13 percent), building and garden supply stores (12.3 percent) and food/beverage establishments (12.2 percent).

Paid employees within the North Dakota retail trade sector totaled 40,685 in 1997. Annual payroll was reported at $616 million, averaging $15,144 per employee (ranking 40th in the nation). Morton County averaged $19,517, the highest in the state. Of those ND counties with more than 50 retail trade establishments (14 of 53), Barnes County ranked last in payroll per employee at $12,329.

The United States average is approximately $17,000 per employee. Alaska and Nevada showed the highest average payroll per retail trade employee, approximately $20,000. Mississippi ranked 50th at less than $14,000.

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Source: Richard Rathge, (701) 231-8621, richard_rathge@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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