Williston ND Demographics Housing Data 2026
Key Takeaways
Williston's population stabilizes at approximately 29,500 in 2026 after rapid Bakken oil boom growth, with a median age of 31.2 years — the youngest in North Dakota — reflecting the energy sector's draw of working-age migrants, according to U.S. Census American Community Survey (ACS) data
The median home price reaches $275,000 with annual transaction volume of 380-440 sales, heavily influenced by oil production levels and workforce housing demand cycles, according to the North Dakota Association of REALTORS (NDAR)
Median household income of $82,000 ranks among the highest in North Dakota, driven by energy-sector wages averaging $95,000+ for experienced field positions, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Census ACS data
Williston's homeownership rate of 52% remains significantly below the statewide 62% average, reflecting the transient nature of energy-sector employment and a rental market that commands premium rates of $1,200-$1,800 for two-bedroom units, according to Census ACS housing data
Agents using US Tech Automations for Williston farming leverage energy-cycle predictive targeting, automated relocation campaigns, and workforce housing demand signals to capture transactions in a market defined by above-average income but below-average tenure
Demographics Overview: Williston's Energy Economy Profile
Williston is the county seat of Williams County, North Dakota (Williams County), located in the northwestern corner of the state at the heart of the Bakken oil formation. With a population of approximately 29,500 (city proper) and 40,000+ across greater Williams County, Williston has experienced dramatic demographic shifts since the Bakken shale boom began in 2008. The city sits at the confluence of U.S. Highways 2 and 85, approximately 60 miles south of the Canadian border and 325 miles northwest of Bismarck. Williston is roughly 130 miles west of Minot and serves as the economic hub for a three-state energy corridor spanning northwestern North Dakota, northeastern Montana, and southern Saskatchewan.
How has Williston's population changed since the Bakken boom? According to Census ACS data and North Dakota Census Office estimates, Williston grew from 12,500 residents in 2008 to a peak of roughly 35,000 in 2014-2015 before contracting during the 2015-2016 oil price downturn. The population has since stabilized near 29,500, reflecting a maturing energy economy where automation reduces labor intensity while sustained production maintains a permanent workforce base. For context on how North Dakota's more stable metro markets perform, see our Bismarck home prices and commission data.
Population and Demographic Data
Age and Household Composition
According to U.S. Census ACS data and Williams County planning reports:
| Demographic Metric | Williston | Williams County | ND Statewide | National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2026 est.) | 29,500 | 40,200 | 785,000 | 335M |
| Median age | 31.2 | 32.5 | 35.2 | 38.5 |
| Male/female ratio | 54/46 | 53/47 | 50/50 | 49/51 |
| Avg household size | 2.65 | 2.72 | 2.30 | 2.53 |
| Married households | 48% | 52% | 50% | 48% |
| Under 18 population | 28% | 27% | 22% | 22% |
Williston's male-skewed population ratio of 54/46 remains unique among North Dakota communities, a direct artifact of the Bakken oil industry's predominantly male workforce that has persisted even as the city's economy diversifies and family in-migration increases, according to Census ACS demographic profiles and North Dakota Census Office analysis.
Income and Employment Profile
According to BLS, Census ACS, and North Dakota Job Service data:
| Income/Employment Metric | Williston | Williams County | ND Statewide | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $82,000 | $85,500 | $68,000 | +20.6% |
| Per capita income | $42,000 | $44,500 | $36,500 | +15.1% |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% | 2.5% | 2.2% | +0.6% |
| Labor force participation | 78% | 76% | 70% | +8.0% |
| Energy sector employment | 28% | 32% | 5% | +23.0% |
| Govt/education employment | 12% | 10% | 22% | -10.0% |
Why does Williston have higher income but also higher unemployment than North Dakota averages? According to BLS data, Williston's 2.8% unemployment rate — while still extremely low nationally — reflects the cyclical nature of energy employment where rig count fluctuations create brief transitional unemployment periods. Meanwhile, the $82,000 median income is buoyed by energy-sector wages: according to North Dakota Job Service data, extraction workers average $95,000-$120,000 annually, pipeline operators earn $85,000-$105,000, and even service-sector positions command 15-25% premiums over comparable statewide wages due to competition for labor.
Racial and Ethnic Demographics
According to Census ACS data:
| Race/Ethnicity | Williston | Williams County | ND Statewide |
|---|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 82% | 84% | 84% |
| Native American | 6% | 5% | 5% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 5% | 4% | 4% |
| Black/African American | 3% | 3% | 3% |
| Asian | 2% | 2% | 2% |
| Two or more races | 2% | 2% | 2% |
Housing Market Data
Price Trends and Transaction Volume
According to NDAR and Williams County Recorder data:
| Year | Total Sales | Median Price | Avg DOM | Price/Sq Ft | Oil Price Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 410 | $235,000 | 18 | $155 | $68/bbl |
| 2022 | 450 | $258,000 | 14 | $168 | $95/bbl |
| 2023 | 360 | $262,000 | 35 | $170 | $78/bbl |
| 2024 | 380 | $268,000 | 38 | $172 | $75/bbl |
| 2025 | 400 | $272,000 | 32 | $175 | $72/bbl |
| 2026 (proj) | 410 | $275,000 | 30 | $178 | $70/bbl |
Williston's housing market shows a clear correlation with crude oil prices — the 2022 peak in both transaction volume (450 sales) and price acceleration coincided with $95/barrel oil that drove aggressive hiring and relocation, while the 2023 contraction tracked the price decline to $78/barrel, according to NDAR data and U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) production reports.
How sensitive is Williston real estate to oil prices? According to NDAR research and University of North Dakota economic analysis, a sustained $10/barrel change in WTI crude oil prices produces approximately 8-12% shift in Williston transaction volume within 6-9 months and 3-5% price movement within 12-18 months. This energy sensitivity distinguishes Williston from diversified markets like Fargo or Bismarck. US Tech Automations helps agents monitor these energy-market signals, automatically adjusting campaign timing and messaging when production indicators suggest upcoming workforce expansion or contraction cycles.
Housing Stock Composition
According to Williams County Assessor and Census ACS data:
| Housing Type | Share of Stock | Median Value | Avg Age | Occupancy Rate | Primary Resident |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family detached | 45% | $295,000 | 18 yrs | 92% | Families, permanent |
| Workforce apartments | 18% | N/A (rental) | 8 yrs | 88% | Energy workers |
| Manufactured/modular | 15% | $125,000 | 12 yrs | 85% | Budget, temporary |
| Townhome/duplex | 10% | $235,000 | 10 yrs | 90% | Young professionals |
| New construction SFH | 8% | $365,000 | < 3 yrs | 95% | Established families |
| RV/temporary housing | 4% | N/A | N/A | 70% | Seasonal workers |
Homeownership vs. Rental Analysis
According to Census ACS and Williams County housing data:
| Tenure Metric | Williston | ND Statewide | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeownership rate | 52% | 62% | 65% |
| Median rent (2BR) | $1,450 | $850 | $1,300 |
| Rent-to-income ratio | 21% | 15% | 20% |
| Avg ownership tenure | 5.8 yrs | 8.9 yrs | 8.2 yrs |
| Vacancy rate (rental) | 12% | 8% | 6% |
| Vacancy rate (owned) | 5% | 3% | 1.5% |
Why is Williston's homeownership rate so low? According to Census ACS data and Williams County housing surveys, three factors suppress homeownership: the transient nature of energy employment (average job tenure of 3.2 years versus 5.8 years statewide, per BLS data), rapid price inflation that priced out moderate-income workers during the 2012-2015 boom, and a cultural preference among energy workers for rental flexibility given the cyclical nature of assignments. This creates unique farming opportunities — agents who identify renters approaching 3+ years of tenure can target a ready-to-buy segment that represents 15-20% of the conversion pipeline, according to NDAR buyer surveys.
Neighborhood-Level Analysis
Price and Character by Area
According to NDAR, Williams County Assessor, and Redfin data:
| Area | Median Price | Avg DOM | Character | Buyer Profile | Annual Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown/Main St | $195,000 | 28 | Historic, walkable | Young workers | 40-50 |
| West Williston | $285,000 | 30 | Established SFH | Families | 55-65 |
| Harvest Hills | $335,000 | 25 | Newer subdivision | Move-up families | 65-80 |
| South industrial | $215,000 | 35 | Mixed use | Investors | 30-40 |
| North/Spring Lake | $310,000 | 28 | Newer, parks | Young families | 50-60 |
| Rural Williams Co | $225,000 | 50 | Acreage, ranch | Agricultural | 35-45 |
| Trenton area | $195,000 | 45 | Small town | Budget buyers | 20-30 |
| Fox Run | $345,000 | 22 | Premium new | Executives | 30-40 |
Harvest Hills and Fox Run represent Williston's premium market segments with the fastest DOM (22-25 days) and highest price points, attracting energy-sector executives and permanent management staff who commit to homeownership when offered quality subdivision amenities — parks, trails, and updated school facilities — according to NDAR data and Williams County building permit records.
Education and Community Infrastructure
School District Performance
According to North Dakota Department of Public Instruction data:
| School | Type | Enrollment | Rating | Price Impact | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williston High School | 9-12 | 1,050 | Average | Baseline | Career/tech programs |
| Hagan Elementary | K-5 | 380 | Above avg | +6% | Near Harvest Hills |
| Rickard Elementary | K-5 | 340 | Average | +2% | Central location |
| Missouri Ridge | K-5 | 290 | Average | Baseline | West side |
| Williston Middle | 6-8 | 520 | Average | +1% | STEM focus |
| McVay Elementary | K-5 | 310 | Average | -1% | Older facility |
Community Amenities
According to Williston Parks and Recreation and Williams County data:
| Amenity | Detail | Impact on Values | Proximity Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Williston ARC (rec center) | $72M facility, opened 2014 | +5-8% within 1 mile | $15,000-$22,000 |
| Spring Lake Park | 160 acres, trails, lake | +4-6% adjacent | $12,000-$18,000 |
| Williston State College | 2-year, 1,000 students | Rental demand driver | N/A |
| Lewis & Clark Trail | Historic corridor, tourism | Seasonal interest | Minimal |
| Regional airport (XWA) | Commercial service since 2019 | +3% within 3 miles | $8,000-$12,000 |
How does the Williston ARC affect nearby property values? According to NDAR data and Williams County Assessor comparisons, the $72 million recreation center — one of the largest public facilities in western North Dakota — generates measurable price premiums of 5-8% for homes within a one-mile radius. Properties near the ARC sell 20% faster than the citywide average, reflecting the facility's role as a year-round amenity in a climate with limited outdoor recreation options from November through March, per NOAA climate data.
Farming Automation: 8-Step Playbook for Williston Agents
Map energy-cycle demand patterns. Track Williams County rig count data (available weekly from the North Dakota Industrial Commission) alongside housing inventory levels. Rising rig counts signal workforce expansion 3-6 months ahead, creating lead time for proactive farming campaigns, according to NDIC production data.
Build an owner database with employment segmentation. Pull Williams County Assessor records and cross-reference with North Dakota Job Service employer data. Segment owners by estimated employer — energy-sector homeowners with 5+ years of tenure represent the highest-probability listing targets, according to NDAR turnover analysis.
Identify renter-to-buyer conversion targets. Williston's 48% renter population includes a significant segment (15-20%) who have stabilized with 3+ years of local tenure and income exceeding $80,000, according to Census ACS data. Target these households with homeownership advantage messaging showing monthly cost comparisons at current interest rates.
Deploy climate-aware campaign timing. Launch primary farming pushes in February-March before the spring market and secondary campaigns in August before the Q4 transfer season. US Tech Automations enables automated seasonal campaign scheduling that accounts for Williston's compressed selling window.
Create energy-sector-specific content. Develop messaging that addresses the unique concerns of energy workers: transferability risk, investment protection during price downturns, and tax advantages of homeownership for high-income earners. Include data on Williston's economic diversification beyond oil extraction.
Implement automated relocation outreach. Configure campaigns that trigger when new Williams County address registrations appear — a proxy for incoming energy workers. First-touch content should include neighborhood comparisons, school information, and commute-time data to major production sites.
Track engagement with energy market correlation. Monitor campaign performance alongside WTI crude prices and rig count data. US Tech Automations' analytics can correlate engagement spikes with energy indicators, helping agents predict demand waves before they materialize in listing activity.
Build a referral network with energy employers. Contact HR departments at Hess Corporation, Continental Resources, and major service companies. Offer relocation assistance packages that combine market data, neighborhood tours, and financing guidance. Document these relationships in your CRM for systematic follow-up, using platforms like US Tech Automations to automate referral nurture sequences.
Platform Comparison: Farming Automation Tools
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy market integration | Rig count signals | None | None | None | None |
| Renter-to-buyer targeting | Census-informed | Basic | No | No | No |
| Relocation campaign automation | Multi-source triggers | Basic CRM | Lead routing | Ad retarget | Manual |
| County record API | Williams Co direct | No | No | No | No |
| Seasonal campaign scheduling | Climate-aware auto | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Rural/acreage support | Full parcel data | Limited | Urban focus | Urban focus | None |
| Price | Competitive | $499+/mo | $1,000+/mo | $300+/mo | $69+/user/mo |
| Best for | Energy market farming | Teams | Large teams | Digital ads | Transaction mgmt |
For energy-dependent markets like Williston, US Tech Automations provides a distinct advantage through rig count signal integration and renter-to-buyer conversion targeting — capabilities that generic CRM platforms lack entirely, leaving agents in cyclical markets without the predictive tools needed to time campaigns effectively, according to NAR technology adoption research.
Williston Demographics and Housing FAQ
What is Williston ND's population in 2026?
Williston's population is approximately 29,500 as of 2026, according to Census ACS estimates and North Dakota Census Office projections. The city has stabilized after peaking near 35,000 during the 2014-2015 Bakken oil boom, with the current population reflecting a balance between ongoing energy employment and natural attrition from the initial boom migration.
What is the median household income in Williston?
Williston's median household income is $82,000, roughly 20.6% above the North Dakota statewide median of $68,000, according to Census ACS data. Energy-sector positions drive this premium, with extraction workers averaging $95,000-$120,000 annually per BLS occupational wage data.
How much do homes cost in Williston ND?
The median home price in Williston is $275,000 in early 2026, according to NDAR data. Prices range from $125,000 for manufactured homes to $345,000+ in premium subdivisions like Fox Run, with the energy sector's influence creating more price volatility than typical North Dakota markets. For pricing context on North Dakota's southwestern energy market, see our Dickinson home prices and commission data.
What is the rental market like in Williston?
Williston's median two-bedroom rent is $1,450, well above the statewide $850 median, according to Census ACS data. The rental vacancy rate of 12% reflects the market's adjustment from the boom-era housing shortage when rents briefly exceeded $2,500 for basic apartments during 2013-2014 peak demand.
How does oil price affect Williston housing?
A sustained $10/barrel change in WTI crude prices produces approximately 8-12% shift in transaction volume within 6-9 months and 3-5% price movement within 12-18 months, according to NDAR research. For comparison, see our Mandan market data to understand how diversified North Dakota markets respond differently to energy fluctuations.
What are the best neighborhoods in Williston?
Harvest Hills and Fox Run represent the premium segments with median prices of $335,000-$345,000 and fastest days-on-market at 22-25 days, according to NDAR data. West Williston offers established family neighborhoods at $285,000, while North/Spring Lake provides newer construction with park amenities at $310,000.
Is Williston a good real estate investment?
Williston offers above-average rental yields due to the high-income renter population, with gross yields of 8-11% on properties under $225,000, according to Williams County rental data. However, investors must account for energy-cycle risk — vacancy rates can spike 5-8 percentage points during production downturns, per historical NDAR vacancy tracking.
How long do homeowners stay in Williston?
The average ownership tenure in Williston is 5.8 years, significantly below the statewide 8.9-year average, according to Census ACS data. This shorter tenure reflects the transient nature of energy-sector employment and creates higher annual turnover rates (8-10%) that benefit farming-focused agents.
What school district serves Williston?
Williston Basin School District 7 serves the city with one high school, one middle school, and five elementary schools enrolling approximately 3,900 students, according to North Dakota DPI data. Hagan Elementary carries the strongest reputation with a 6% price premium in its attendance zone.
What percentage of Williston residents rent vs own?
Approximately 52% of Williston households own their homes while 48% rent, according to Census ACS data. This is the lowest homeownership rate among North Dakota's major cities, reflecting the transient energy workforce. For agents, this creates a unique opportunity to convert long-term renters to buyers through targeted equity-versus-rent comparison campaigns.
Conclusion: Automate Your Williston Real Estate Farming
Williston's demographics profile — young, high-income, transient — demands a farming approach fundamentally different from traditional North Dakota markets. The 5.8-year average tenure and energy-cycle sensitivity require agents to combine market timing with systematic relationship building, capturing both the permanent workforce segment and the steady churn of incoming relocations.
For agents ready to master Williston's unique market dynamics, US Tech Automations delivers the energy-market intelligence integration, renter-to-buyer conversion tools, and automated relocation campaigns that transform demographic complexity into consistent transaction flow. Start building your Williston farming operation today and capitalize on one of North Dakota's highest-income markets.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
