Population of Williston: 5 Impressive Growth Facts You’ll Love

Population of Williston Tops 30,000 – A Bright Future Ahead

\Let’s talk about Williston. Maybe you’ve heard the name in the news or read about it in an article discussing oil booms. But behind the headlines lies a fascinating story of explosive growth, migration trends, and an evolving city that continues to redefine itself. Williston, North Dakota, has seen population shifts that would make any demographer perk up. So, what’s the real story behind this growing American city?

Grab a cup of coffee—we’re diving into the numbers, the history, and the future of the population of Williston.

A Quick Look at Williston

Where Is Williston Located?

Williston is nestled in northwestern North Dakota, near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. It’s a strategic spot that’s played a role in its growth, both economically and demographically.

Brief History of Williston

Founded in 1887 with the arrival of the Great Northern Railway, Williston started as a quiet frontier town. But that was before oil changed everything. More on that soon.

Current Population Statistics

Latest Census Data (2020-2025)

As of 2025, Williston’s estimated population is around 33,500 residents, up from 29,160 in 2020. This represents a steady growth rate of about 3% annually—a clear indication that the city’s appeal continues.

Population Density and Area

The city covers roughly 22.5 square miles, leading to a population density of about 1,489 people per square mile. That’s relatively dense for a town in a sparsely populated state like North Dakota.

Urban vs. Rural Split

While most of the population lives in the city proper, Williston still maintains a significant rural presence in its outskirts—largely tied to agriculture and oil field work.

Historical Population Growth

From a Small Settlement to a Growing City

Williston was once a sleepy community with a population under 10,000 as recently as the 1980s. The late 2000s and early 2010s changed that dramatically.

Population Trends Over the Decades

That spike between 2010 and 2020? You guessed it—the oil boom.

The Impact of the Oil Boom

The discovery and extraction of oil in the Bakken Formation attracted thousands of workers, investors, and entrepreneurs, leading to a population surge that caught the city off guard.

Migration Patterns

Influx During the Oil Boom

During the peak of the oil rush, people flooded in from all corners of the U.S. Many were job-seekers, others were business owners chasing opportunity.

Internal Migration (U.S. States to ND)

The majority came from:

• Texas
• Montana
• Minnesota
• California

International Immigration Trends

There’s also a small but growing immigrant community in Williston, with families from countries like:

• Mexico
• The Philippines
• Somalia
• Ukraine

Economic Drivers of Population Growth

Oil and Energy Industry

Let’s not beat around the bush—oil is the lifeblood of Williston’s economy. It offers high-paying jobs and stimulates local businesses.

Job Market Opportunities

Aside from oil, growth is happening in:

• Construction
• Retail
• Healthcare
• Transportation

Real Estate and Development Projects

With growth comes construction. New housing developments, shopping centers, and schools are reshaping Williston’s skyline.

Demographic Breakdown

Age Groups

Williston’s population skews younger due to the influx of working-age adults.

Gender Ratio

The male-to-female ratio is still slightly skewed due to the labor market:

55% Male – 45% Female

Household Sizes

Average household size: 2.7 people, slightly higher than the national average.

Ethnic and Cultural Diversity

Ethnic Composition

• White: 82%
• Hispanic/Latino: 8%
• African American: 3%
• Native American: 2%
• Asian: 2%
• Other/Mixed: 3%

Languages Spoken

English dominates, but Spanish, Tagalog, and Somali are increasingly common in homes and neighborhoods.

Cultural Influences in Williston

Diversity has enriched Williston’s food, music, and festivals. The city now hosts multicultural events to celebrate its evolving identity.

Education and Its Impact

Number of Schools and Colleges

Williston has:

• 7 public elementary schools
• 2 middle schools
• 1 high school
• 1 community college (Williston State College)

Student Population

Roughly 6,500 students are enrolled across the city.

Literacy Rates and Education Trends

Literacy rates remain high (above 98%), and there’s growing interest in vocational training due to the local job market.

Healthcare and Population Health

Number of Hospitals and Clinics

• 1 major hospital (CHI St. Alexius Health)
• Over a dozen specialty clinics and urgent care centers

Health Metrics of the Population

Health challenges include:

• High rates of workplace injuries (especially in oil fields)
• Rising cases of lifestyle diseases like diabetes

Access to Medical Services

Recent improvements in telehealth and urgent care have made healthcare more accessible, even in remote areas.

Housing and Living Conditions

Types of Housing Available

You’ll find:

• Apartments
• Townhomes
• Single-family homes
• Mobile homes (still prevalent among oil workers)

Population Living in Urban vs. Suburban Zones

Urban: 75%
Suburban/Rural: 25%

Homelessness and Affordable Housing Issues

Housing shortages have improved since 2015, but affordability remains a challenge, especially for low-income families.

Infrastructure and Public Services

Transportation and Roads

Road networks have expanded, but traffic congestion is a growing concern. Public transport is still limited.

Utilities and Public Amenities

Reliable access to electricity, water, internet, and waste management is available throughout the city.

Emergency Services and Safety

Police and fire services are well-equipped, but response times can vary due to the city’s ongoing expansion.

Challenges of Population Growth

Infrastructure Strain

Roads, schools, and hospitals are all playing catch-up with the rapid growth.

Environmental Impact

Oil extraction and construction have led to environmental concerns, including pollution and habitat disruption.

Cost of Living Increases

As demand for housing and services increases, so does the cost of living, putting pressure on lower-income households.

How the City Is Responding

Urban Development Plans

The city is investing in:

• New housing subdivisions
• Public transit systems
• Utility expansions

Smart City Initiatives

Williston has started integrating smart lighting, traffic systems, and energy-efficient buildings.

Green Building and Sustainability Measures

New codes encourage LEED-certified buildings, green rooftops, and solar panel integration.

Population Forecast for the Next Decade

Expert Predictions

Williston is expected to reach 40,000+ residents by 2035, depending on energy market stability and infrastructure readiness.

Factors Influencing Future Growth

• Global oil prices
• Climate policies
• Infrastructure investments

Is Williston Prepared?

With ongoing development plans and investments, the city seems cautiously optimistic — but flexible enough to pivot if needed.

Population of Williston Conclusion

Williston is more than just a dot on the map—it’s a living case study of how industry can transform a community. Its population story is one of resilience, adaptation, and ambition. Whether it’s the draw of jobs, the promise of new beginnings, or the sense of being part of something big, people are choosing Williston—and the numbers prove it.

FAQs

1. Why did Williston’s population grow so rapidly?
Primarily due to the oil boom in the Bakken Formation, which brought jobs and economic growth.

2. What is the biggest challenge facing Williston today?
Managing infrastructure and housing in response to ongoing population growth.

3. Is Williston a good place to move to?
Yes, especially for those seeking job opportunities in energy, construction, or healthcare.

4. What industries offer the most jobs in Williston?
Oil and gas, healthcare, construction, and logistics are the top sectors.

5. How is Williston preparing for future population growth?
Through urban planning, infrastructure development, and smart city initiatives.