1. Fargo, N.D.
(iStockphoto)
Microsoft is usually associated with Seattle and Silicon Valley, but the company is one of many that give a boost to the Fargo economy, employing nearly 1,000. Sanford Health, North Dakota State University, and Blue Cross Blue Shield are the top three employers in the metro area, together employing nearly 8,000, according to the Greater Fargo/Moorhead Economic Development Corporation.
November 2011 Unemployment Rate: 3.1
Year-Over-Year Change: -0.5
