Moving to or from Williston?
The epicenter of the Bakken shale oil boom — a western North Dakota city that quadrupled in size during the 2010s, with Williston Basin International Airport expansion and the Williston Basin State College serving the oil-industry workforce.
- 30,000 City population
- 40,000 Metro area
- 1887 Founded
- Northwest North Dakota / Bakken Shale Region
Why people move to Williston.
- Being the epicenter of the Bakken shale oil boom
- Williston Basin International Airport expansion
- Williston Basin State College
- Proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
- Lewis and Clark heritage (Missouri River)
During the Bakken oil boom peak (2012-2014), Williston was one of the fastest-growing cities in America — population nearly quadrupled from 12,000 to over 30,000 in a few years. Housing costs became briefly among the highest in America as oil workers flooded in; trailer-park rents exceeded those in Manhattan. The boom subsided after oil prices crashed in 2015 but has continued at a steadier pace. Williston still has one of the youngest populations and highest per-capita incomes of any North Dakota city.
Where people live in Williston.
A quick guide to Williston's most moved-to neighborhoods.
-
Downtown
Historic core
-
Central Williston
Established residential
-
North Williston
Newer subdivisions built during boom
-
Crestwood
Family neighborhood
-
Watford City (nearby)
Oil-boom town south of Williston
-
Ray (nearby)
Small community
Where people spend their time in Williston.
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site Buford
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit (nearby) Watford City
- Frontier Museum Central Williston
- James Memorial Arts Center Central Williston
- Williston Basin International Airport Central Williston
- Lake Sakakawea (nearby) Garrison
Planning a Williston move.
- Oil industry cycles create extreme housing-market volatility — verify current conditions before committing
- Winter is brutal — among the coldest places in the lower 48
- North Dakota has state income tax but no sales tax on groceries
- Remote location; nearest larger city is Minot (120 miles east)
Moving in Williston: FAQ.
Is the Bakken boom sustainable?
It's evolved from boom to sustained production. The initial 2010-2014 frenzy has passed, but Bakken oil production continues at meaningful levels. Williston's population has stabilized somewhat post-boom. Oil-industry volatility remains a factor; another sustained price crash would affect the region significantly. For workers in the industry, Williston remains North Dakota's oil-industry hub.
Let's find the right mover for your Williston move.
Free advice from people who know the Williston market. No obligation, no spam, no sales pressure.
Replies within 1 hour during business hours, 9am to 5pm ET, Mon-Fri.