While North Dakota’s overall economy remains relatively strong, recent polling shows that rising costs are affecting residents unevenly. In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with NDNC reporter Michael Standaert about what the data reveals, how inflation is being felt differently across the state, and why methodology matters when interpreting poll results.

Michael explains that on the surface many statewide indicators suggest economic stability. But the polling also points to disparities beneath those topline numbers. He notes that inflation does not affect everyone equally, and that people with less financial flexibility are more likely to feel its effects. The conversation also touches on how broader economic forces could shape conditions moving forward.

“Trade policies and tariffs might impact the economy even more going forward.” — Michael Standaert, NDNC

Michael also walks through how polling works, including margins of error and methodology, and why careful interpretation is essential when drawing conclusions from survey data.

The episode examines what polling data suggests about economic pressures in the state and how those pressures are felt unevenly.

To learn more about the North Dakota Poll, tune in to a previous podcast featuring NDNC board member Mary Jo Hotzler who explains what goes into conducting the poll.