BISMARCK – North Dakota’s taxable sales and purchases for the third quarter of 2017 showed a slight increase, reflecting a second consecutive quarter of growth, according to the North Dakota Tax Department.

Taxable sales and purchases for July, August and September totalled $4.7 billion, a 2.3 percent increase over those months in 2016.

“We are happy to report positive taxable sales and purchases growth for the second quarter in a row,” Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger said. “Especially when you factor in that this report was during a timeframe our state was dealing with a severe drought.”

Five of the 15 major sectors reported taxable sales and purchases gains when compared to the third quarter a year ago. Most notably, the mining and oil extraction sector increased by $247.7 million, or 80.5 percent; the wholesale trade sector increased by $125 million, or 13.2 percent; and other services sector increased by $5.6 million, or 5.64 percent; Smaller categories of miscellaneous and arts, entertainment and sports also showed increases.

“Although the retail trade sector was down during the third quarter, we see a large increase in some of the industries related to oil activity,” Rauschenberger said. “If energy prices continue to rise, we could feel the impact in other areas as well.”

Rauschenberger explained that as energy production continues to accelerate in North Dakota, most of the other industry sectors see a coinciding boost.

Of the 50 largest cities in North Dakota, the highest percent increases for the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016 were Tioga, 31.5 percent; Williston, 29.55 percent; New Town, 27.25 percent; Casselton, 24.5 percent; and Langdon, 23.9 percent.

Counties with the highest percent increases were Dunn County, 47 percent; Burke, 29.5 percent; Williams, 29 percent; LaMoure, 28.3 percent; and Renville, 25.9 percent.

Ward County taxable sales and purchases of $279.4 million were down 3.24 percent. Minot’s taxable sales and purchases of $263.3 million were down 4.25 percent.

Other area increases included Watford City, 21.6 percent; Stanley, 17.58 percent; Rolla, 11.2 percent; Carrington, 8.2 percent; Rugby, 8 percent; and Beulah, 7 percent. Area cities showing decreases included Kenmare 38 percent; Crosby, 29 percent; Garrison, 8.2 percent; Bottineau, 6 percent; New Rockford, 5.4 percent; Hazen, 4 percent; and Harvey, 1.2 percent;