Property Tax Relief, Robust Economy Push North Dakota to Top Spot

Residents and businesses tired of the high expenses in major metro areas have long been making their exodus.

But a new report from Site Selector Magazine found that North Dakota, long overlooked as a great place to live and work, has emerged as a top contender.

“North Dakota continues to see steady growth and attract new residents as one of the best places to live, work and raise a family,” Governor Kelly Armstrong was quoted in the article, having recently announced that the state’s population, which has steadily risen over the past four years, is now nearing 800,000. “From historic property tax relief and reform to phone-free schools and robust economic development, our state made significant progress this past year to improve the quality of life for our citizens, which will always be our top priority.”

The state now ranks 14th in the country for per capita population growth, twice as fast as the national average. It also surged from 44th in 2024 to first place in 2025 in terms of projects per capita; growth that trumped heavy hitting Texas and Georgia.

Workforce Support Programs Increase Pipeline of Skilled Talent in Devils Lake

Another win for North Dakota? Overall growth in available workforce. According to the Site Selector report, the state’s working-age population is the highest it's been since 2020 with over 473,000.

Forward Devils Lake Development Corporation (FDLDC) puts a high priority on workforce support.

The “20 by 20” Skilled Workforce Recruitment and Retention Program works with local and regional businesses to help encourage and recruit high school students to consider a career in skilled and technical programming to continue building out our pipeline of skilled workers.  

FDLDC and participating businesses will reimburse the student for up to 80% of the cost of annual tuition/room/meals of an approved one- or two-year Technical College program, if they commit to coming back to the region after graduating from the program and working for the employer for a period of three years.

You can read more about this program in these articles from the Christian Science Monitor or the Grand Forks Herald or contact FDLDC director Brady Ash at 701-662-4933 or director@forwarddevilslakend.com for more information.

The advantage of living and working in North Dakota

Devils Lake is conveniently located in the northeast quadrant of the state on Highway 2 about 80 miles south of the Canadian border and 95 miles west of the Minnesota border.

Our businesses benefit from easy access to the area by road, rail, and air as well as lower costs, affordable housing, and a stable workforce of over 4,000.

North Dakota also has a vast supply of natural gas and the complex infrastructure to deliver it cost effectively. As a result, our residential and industrial natural gas rates are among the lowest in the country.

FDLDC also offers a portfolio of customized business incentives, including tax exemptions, façade improvement programs, interest buy downs, revolving loan funds and more to support business success.

Are you interested in exploring a flourishing, North Dakota community filled with new business possibilities, rich in culture and economic opportunity, and less than 90 minutes from Grand Forks? With small-town charm, and a convenient location within driving distance to larger cities, Devils Lake is an ideal location to start a new business and raise a family.

We’d love to hear from you!