When was the oil boom in Williston ND?

In 2008, as the US economy was in shambles and the housing market collapsed, Williston’s oil boom was just beginning, with prices peaking at $145 a barrel. Workers with little or no experience in oil drilling flocked to the state, looking for jobs.

Why is the population of Williston North Dakota increasing so fast?

The 2010 census gave its population as 14,716, and the Census Bureau gave the 2020 estimated population as 29,749, making Williston the sixth-largest city in North Dakota. The North Dakota oil boom is largely responsible for the sharp increase in population.

How did Williston change as a result of the oil boom?

According to Williston Economic Development, housing stock, both single and multi-family, has increased by nearly 60% in three years. New housing developments are everywhere in Williston. Click the photo above to see more from Williston. Expansion in Watford City has been even more dramatic.

Is Williston Lake man made?

Location: Williston Lake in the Peace River Alaska Highway region of Northern BC, is the largest lake in the province of British Columbia. This man-made lake was created when the large hydro electric project, the W.A.C. Bennett Dam was built in 1968. Williston Lake covers an area of 250 km (155 mi.)

What is Williston known for?

Located just 60 miles from the Canadian border and 18 miles from the Montana border, Williston is commonly referred to as the “Western Star” and takes pride in its western heritage. The City is recognized as a regional center for business, leisure, and economic development.

Where are the oil boom towns in North Dakota?

The discovery of oil in northwestern North Dakota turned several small towns into unexpected boomtowns from 2006 to 2014. In places like Williston and Watford City, town populations more than doubled as lucrative jobs in the oil industry attracted workers from all over the world.

How did Williston North Dakota become a boomtown?

A giant oil and natural gas deposit had been discovered in Williston. Oil companies rushed in to drill the patch, creating hundreds of jobs as they hired anyone with the skills they needed. Williston became a boomtown, like something out of the Gold Rush of 150 years ago. It doubled in size.

How did the Williston Basin oil boom change?

Today, everything has changed. Demand for oil has dropped off a cliff, and the price of oil has gone with it. The coronavirus pandemic has made things worse. Williston’s boom is over. And the town is struggling with what, looking back, looks like an inevitable decline.

When did oil production slow down in North Dakota?

A gas flare is seen at an oil well site on July 26, 2013 outside Williston, North Dakota. Suddenly, oil output in North Dakota slowed down, workers’ hours were cut back, and many were laid off.