About the State Data Center
The North Dakota State Data Center (SDC) is North Dakota’s official source for demographic and economic statistics, serving as the primary liaison to the U.S. Census Bureau. Located within the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the State Data Center provides comprehensive population analysis, detailed census information dissemination, demographic research, and official state population projections. The SDC supports informed decision-making for state agencies, local governments, policymakers, businesses, researchers, and citizens by ensuring accessible, accurate, and timely demographic data.
Introducing the State Data Hub
The State Data Hub is North Dakota’s newly launched centralized online platform, designed to enhance the accessibility and utility of state data. Developed in partnership with North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT), the Data Hub aggregates and disseminates up-to-date, reliable information from multiple state sources, including comprehensive demographic and socioeconomic data provided by the State Data Center.
By offering interactive dashboards and user-friendly data visualizations, the State Data Hub empowers decision-makers, community leaders, businesses, and the public to explore, analyze, and utilize data effectively for planning and strategic initiatives across the state.
Our Roles and Responsibilities
State Data Center (SDC)
- Acts as North Dakota’s primary liaison to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Collects, analyzes, interprets, and disseminates data from the Decennial Census, American Community Survey (ACS), and other key federal datasets.
- Provides timely and reliable demographic analysis and population projections crucial for state and local decision-making.
Federal-State Cooperative for Population Estimates (FSCPE)
- Collaborates with the U.S. Census Bureau to review and enhance the accuracy of annual population estimates.
- Supplies North Dakota-specific data such as vital statistics and insights on local population dynamics.
- Facilitates state and local input to ensure that official estimates accurately reflect North Dakota’s unique demographic trends.
Federal-State Cooperative for Population Projections (FSCPP)
- Partners with the Census Bureau and other states to develop consistent, accurate population projections.
- Produces tailored population forecasts for North Dakota to inform long-term planning in areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development.
Meet the Team
Dr. Nigel Haarstad, State Demographer
- Nigel specializes in demographic analysis, population forecasting, and policy analysis. He manages Census data dissemination, ensures methodological rigor and transparency, and provides analytical support to policymakers, communities, and businesses statewide. Dr. Haarstad also serves as North Dakota's liaison to the U.S. Census Bureau through the State Data Center (SDC), the Federal-State Cooperative for Population Estimates (FSCPE), and the Federal-State Cooperative for Population Projections (FSCPP).
Mr. Jaylin Meyer, Economic Research Analyst
- Jaylin specializes in assisting agencies and stakeholders with accessing and interpreting Census data, particularly leveraging geographic information systems (GIS) for spatial demographic analyses. His skills in applied economics, predictive analytics, and public policy analysis help integrate demographic information effectively into economic modeling, supporting strategic planning and informed decision-making across North Dakota.
RESOURCES
2024 North Dakota State Data Center Population Projections
The North Dakota Department of Commerce – State Data Center prepared population projections for the state between now and 2050.
Between 2010 and 2020, the state has gained more than 106,000 residents, and reached a population count of 779,094 as of April 1, 2020. The state of North Dakota is projected to reach a population of 831,543 by 2030, a 6% increase; 890,424 by 2040, a 14% increase; and 957,124 by 2050, a 23% increase from Census 2020.
data.census.gov: The primary, centralized platform for accessing comprehensive data from the U.S. Census Bureau, designed for simplicity and ease-of-use. It provides users direct access to census data, visualizations, maps, and detailed microdata.
Population and Housing Unit Estimates Tables: Access annual population estimates and components of change data at national, state, and county levels, updated regularly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
North Dakota Quick Facts: Quick, easily accessible statistics about North Dakota's demographics, economy, housing, and businesses, including comparisons to national data.