Dec 2, 2025
Where Has American Productivity Grown the Most Since 2000?
- The Energy Boom Story: North Dakota's 104% growth is extraordinary and clearly tied to the Bakken oil shale revolution that began in the late 2000s. Similarly strong performers like Texas (50%), Oklahoma (46%), and Montana (48%) also benefited from energy sector expansion.
- Tech Hubs Lead Growth: Washington (60%, home to Amazon and Microsoft) and California (60%, Silicon Valley) show how tech industry concentration drove outsized growth, despite California's already high base.
- Delaware’s population gains are driven by older adults—the 65+ share is up over 90% since 2006—while prime working-age growth is modest and labor force participation slid from 62.3% to 59.2% (2019–late 2024), pressuring per-capita output and productivity.
