FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Rick Clayburgh, Tax Commissioner 701-328-2770
Monday, January 3, 2005	Kathryn Strombeck, Research Analyst, 701-328-3402

3rd Quarter North Dakota Taxable Sales & Purchases Tops $2 Billion

BISMARCK --- Tax Commissioner Rick Clayburgh announced today that total taxable sales and purchases made during July, August, and September 2004 were $2.072 billion, up $116 million or 5.9 percent compared to the third quarter 2003.

"This is the first time that third quarter sales and purchases topped two billion dollars," said Clayburgh. "Strong business and consumer spending are reflected as all quarters reported growth."

Mining & oil extraction grew by 16.5 percent, construction was up by 13 percent, transportation, communication & public utilities increased by 9.5 percent, wholesale trade grew by 5.7 percent, retail trade increased 5.1 percent, services grew by 4.4 percent, and the manufacturing sector was up 1.7 percent.

Of the 50 largest cities, the biggest percentage increases for third quarter of 2004 were: Washburn, up 51.3 percent; Kenmare up 25.7 percent; Crosby, up 24.8 percent; Hillsboro, up 24.1 percent; and Tioga, up 24 percent.

The biggest percentage third quarter decreases for the 50 largest cities, were in Cavalier, down 21.7 percent; Cando, down 10.5 percent; Beach, down 8.7 percent; Beulah, down 8.4 percent; and Grafton down 7.7 percent.

Counties with the highest percentage increases were Divide, up 22.2 percent; Emmons, up 22.2 percent; McLean, up 20.8 percent, McKenzie, up 18.8 percent; and Steele, up 18.7 percent.

The counties with the biggest percentage decreases were Logan, down 15.5 percent; Nelson, down 12.3 percent; Towner, down 10.9 percent; Dunn, down 8.9 percent; and Golden Valley, down 7.8 percent.

Complete North Dakota Sales and Use Tax Statistical Reports from Third Quarter 2004 can be accessed on the web at: www.nd.gov/tax/salesanduse/pubs