Williston, North Dakota facts for kids
Williston is a city in North Dakota, United States. It is the main city, or county seat, of Williams County. In 2020, about 29,160 people lived there, making it the sixth-largest city in North Dakota. The city's population grew a lot between 2010 and 2020, mostly because of a big increase in oil production in the area.
Williston has a local newspaper called the Williston Herald. It is also home to Williston State College and the Miss North Dakota Scholarship Pageant.
Quick facts for kids
Williston, North Dakota
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Business district of Williston, 2008
Creaser Building
Old Armory
James Memorial Library
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Location of Williston, North Dakota
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| Country | United States | |
| State | North Dakota | |
| County | Williams | |
| Founded | 1887 | |
| Incorporated (village) | 1894 | |
| Incorporated (city) | 1904 | |
| Area | ||
| • City | 25.875 sq mi (67.016 km2) | |
| • Land | 25.734 sq mi (66.652 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.141 sq mi (0.365 km2) | |
| Elevation | 1,916 ft (584 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • City | 29,160 | |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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27,706 | |
| • Density | 1,076.66/sq mi (415.69/km2) | |
| • Urban | 29,510 | |
| • Metro | 39,113 (US: 324th) | |
| Time zone | UTC–6 (Central (CST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC–5 (CDT) | |
| ZIP Codes |
58801, 58802
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| Area code(s) | 701 | |
| FIPS code | 38-86220 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 1036335 | |
| Highways | US 85, US 85 Bus., US 2, US 2 Bus., ND 1804 | |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | |
Contents
History of Williston
Williston was started in 1887. It was named after Daniel Willis James, a businessman. His friend, a railroad owner named James J. Hill, chose the name.
In 1907, a strong windstorm called a rolling cyclone hit Williston. Sadly, two people died.
Geography and Location
Williston is located where two major U.S. highways, Highway 2 and Highway 85, meet. It is also near where the Yellowstone River and Missouri River join together. The city is at the top end of the Lake Sakakawea reservoir.
The city covers about 25.875 square miles (67.016 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water. Williston is about 18 miles (29 km) from the border with Montana. It is also about 60 miles (97 km) from the Canadian border.
Williston's Climate
Williston has a cold, dry climate, almost like a humid continental climate. This means it has cold winters and warm summers. The average temperature in January is about 11.5°F (-11.4°C). In July, it's about 70.4°F (21.3°C).
Each year, Williston usually has:
- 2 days that reach 100°F (38°C) or hotter.
- 22 days that reach 90°F (32°C) or hotter.
- 39 days with temperatures at 0°F (-18°C) or colder.
- 7 days with temperatures at -20°F (-29°C) or colder.
- 6 days where the temperature stays below 0°F (-18°C) all day.
The first freezing temperatures usually happen around September 20. The last freezing temperatures are usually around May 21. This gives the area about 121 days for plants to grow.
Williston gets the most rain in June and July. On average, it gets about 14.88 inches (378 mm) of rain each year. Snowfall averages about 48.2 inches (122 cm) per winter. Snow usually falls between October 21 and April 26.
| Climate data for Williston, North Dakota (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1894–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 58 (14) |
66 (19) |
84 (29) |
92 (33) |
106 (41) |
108 (42) |
110 (43) |
108 (42) |
104 (40) |
93 (34) |
76 (24) |
63 (17) |
110 (43) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 44.0 (6.7) |
46.7 (8.2) |
65.1 (18.4) |
79.0 (26.1) |
86.6 (30.3) |
93.5 (34.2) |
98.0 (36.7) |
98.9 (37.2) |
93.3 (34.1) |
80.3 (26.8) |
60.4 (15.8) |
46.1 (7.8) |
100.6 (38.1) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 22.1 (−5.5) |
26.7 (−2.9) |
40.1 (4.5) |
55.6 (13.1) |
67.4 (19.7) |
76.7 (24.8) |
84.5 (29.2) |
83.9 (28.8) |
72.6 (22.6) |
55.9 (13.3) |
38.4 (3.6) |
26.1 (−3.3) |
54.2 (12.3) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 11.6 (−11.3) |
16.1 (−8.8) |
28.8 (−1.8) |
42.4 (5.8) |
53.8 (12.1) |
63.5 (17.5) |
70.4 (21.3) |
69.0 (20.6) |
58.0 (14.4) |
43.2 (6.2) |
27.8 (−2.3) |
16.1 (−8.8) |
41.7 (5.4) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 1.0 (−17.2) |
5.5 (−14.7) |
17.5 (−8.1) |
29.2 (−1.6) |
40.2 (4.6) |
50.2 (10.1) |
56.3 (13.5) |
54.0 (12.2) |
43.5 (6.4) |
30.4 (−0.9) |
17.1 (−8.3) |
6.1 (−14.4) |
29.3 (−1.5) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | −25.8 (−32.1) |
−19.5 (−28.6) |
−7.6 (−22.0) |
12.6 (−10.8) |
24.4 (−4.2) |
37.5 (3.1) |
45.1 (7.3) |
40.9 (4.9) |
27.2 (−2.7) |
12.0 (−11.1) |
−4.6 (−20.3) |
−19.8 (−28.8) |
−29.2 (−34.0) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −42 (−41) |
−50 (−46) |
−35 (−37) |
−15 (−26) |
10 (−12) |
26 (−3) |
34 (1) |
32 (0) |
13 (−11) |
−9 (−23) |
−27 (−33) |
−50 (−46) |
−50 (−46) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 0.56 (14) |
0.48 (12) |
0.63 (16) |
1.05 (27) |
2.10 (53) |
2.64 (67) |
2.48 (63) |
1.57 (40) |
1.36 (35) |
0.94 (24) |
0.67 (17) |
0.63 (16) |
15.11 (384) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 11.2 (28) |
6.7 (17) |
6.4 (16) |
3.7 (9.4) |
0.9 (2.3) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
2.6 (6.6) |
6.3 (16) |
10.4 (26) |
48.2 (122) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 7.6 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 8.3 | 9.9 | 12.3 | 9.2 | 8.7 | 7.5 | 6.9 | 6.8 | 8.5 | 100.2 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 9.8 | 6.9 | 6.0 | 2.7 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.9 | 5.8 | 8.8 | 42.8 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 71.3 | 75.6 | 72.5 | 61.4 | 58.5 | 59.6 | 56.1 | 54.9 | 61.1 | 65.2 | 74.9 | 77.1 | 66.1 |
| Average dew point °F (°C) | 3.4 (−15.9) |
10.0 (−12.2) |
19.9 (−6.7) |
28.6 (−1.9) |
38.8 (3.8) |
48.6 (9.2) |
52.2 (11.2) |
49.5 (9.7) |
41.2 (5.1) |
31.1 (−0.5) |
19.6 (−6.9) |
7.5 (−13.6) |
29.2 (−1.6) |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 144.5 | 169.7 | 227.3 | 250.3 | 297.9 | 326.0 | 366.3 | 331.5 | 249.5 | 197.1 | 122.2 | 125.5 | 2,807.8 |
| Percent possible sunshine | 53 | 59 | 62 | 61 | 63 | 68 | 76 | 75 | 66 | 59 | 44 | 48 | 63 |
| Source: NOAA (relative humidity and dew point 1962–1990, sun 1961–1990) | |||||||||||||
Williston's Population
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1890 | 295 | — | |
| 1900 | 763 | 158.6% | |
| 1910 | 3,124 | 309.4% | |
| 1920 | 4,178 | 33.7% | |
| 1930 | 5,106 | 22.2% | |
| 1940 | 5,790 | 13.4% | |
| 1950 | 7,398 | 27.8% | |
| 1960 | 11,866 | 60.4% | |
| 1970 | 11,230 | −5.4% | |
| 1980 | 13,336 | 18.8% | |
| 1990 | 13,136 | −1.5% | |
| 2000 | 12,512 | −4.8% | |
| 2010 | 14,716 | 17.6% | |
| 2020 | 29,160 | 98.2% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 27,706 | 88.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2020 Census |
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Williston is in an area of northwestern North Dakota where oil production is growing fast. Because of this, finding enough affordable homes has become a challenge. In 2014, Williston had some of the highest apartment rents in the United States.
The 2010 census counted 14,716 people living in Williston. This was up from 12,680 people in 2000. However, the actual number of people living there might be higher. This is because the census does not count people living in temporary housing. In 2011, the mayor thought the real population was closer to 20,000. By 2014, some estimates said the population was over 30,000.
As of 2022, there were about 11,410 households in Williston. The average household had 2.39 people. The average income for a household was $80,352. About 7.4% of the city's population lived below the poverty line. About 76.8% of the people in Williston have jobs. Also, 25.8% of the population has a college degree or higher. About 89.8% have a high school diploma.
The most common backgrounds reported by people in Williston were German (18.0%) and Norwegian (15.5%). The average age in the city was 31.4 years old.
Williston's Population in 2020
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = non-Hispanic) | Pop. 2000 | Pop. 2010 | Pop. 2020 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 11,622 | 13,428 | 21,049 | 92.89% | 91.25% | 72.18% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 15 | 47 | 1,912 | 0.12% | 0.32% | 6.56% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 453 | 471 | 691 | 3.62% | 3.20% | 2.37% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 30 | 47 | 545 | 0.24% | 0.32% | 1.87% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 2 | 4 | 96 | 0.02% | 0.03% | 0.33% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 0 | 2 | 104 | 0.00% | 0.01% | 0.36% |
| Mixed race or multiracial (NH) | 236 | 389 | 1,600 | 1.89% | 2.64% | 5.49% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 154 | 328 | 3,163 | 1.23% | 2.23% | 10.85% |
| Total | 12,512 | 14,716 | 29,160 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
In 2020, Williston had 29,160 people, 11,706 households, and 6,570 families. The city had about 1,259 people per square mile (486 per square kilometer). There were 14,417 housing units.
The racial makeup of the city was mostly White (75.10%). There were also African American (6.72%), Native American (2.62%), Asian (1.93%), and Pacific Islander (0.33%) residents. About 4.33% were from other races, and 8.96% were from two or more races. People who identified as Hispanic or Latino made up 10.85% of the population.
About 28.9% of residents were under 18 years old. 8.9% were under 5 years old. And 7.9% were 65 years or older.
Williston's Economy
Williston's economy used to be mainly about farming and ranching. Now, the oil industry is becoming much more important. The Williston Basin, named after the city, is a huge underground area. It has lots of oil, coal, and potash.
Williston is located over the Bakken formation. By the end of 2012, this area was expected to produce more oil than any other place in the United States. This included even Alaska's Prudhoe Bay, which had been the top oil producer for a long time. The oil boom happened because of new technologies, like fracking. These methods allow oil to be taken from places that were once too hard to reach.
In 1995, experts thought there were 150 million barrels of oil that could be taken from the Bakken shale. By 2008, this number grew to about four billion barrels. In 2010, geologists estimated it was eight billion barrels. In 2012, after finding more oil, they thought there might be 24 billion barrels. Even though current technology can only get about 6% of the oil, the total amount of oil that could eventually be taken might be over 500 billion barrels.
Williston has seen a big increase in people and new buildings in recent years. This is due to more drilling using fracking in the Bakken Formation. For example, large facilities for oil companies like Baker Hughes have been built.
A major regional grain elevator in Williston is used by the BNSF Railway. Williston also has weekly auctions for livestock.
Nearby historical sites are popular for tourism. These include Fort Union and Fort Buford. The place where the Yellowstone River and Missouri River meet is also important. These sites are linked to the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the fur trade. Williston is also close to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Arts and Culture in Williston
Places to Visit
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site – This is a rebuilt fort from the fur-trading days. The National Park Service takes care of it.
- Fort Buford – This was a military fort from the pioneer era. You can visit the military graveyard there.
- Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center – This museum teaches about the history of the area where the Missouri River and Yellowstone River meet.
- Lake Sakakawea – This is a large lake made by people, close to Williston. It's a great place for fun outdoor activities.
- The Confluence – This is the exact spot where the Missouri River and the Yellowstone River join. There's a history center, a boat ramp, a camping area, and a bike path here.
- Eagle Ridge Golf Club – An 18-hole golf course located north of Williston.
- Williston Municipal Golf Course – A 9-hole golf course in Williston.
- Cut Bluff Overlook – A historical site east of Williston. It marks a campsite used by Lewis and Clark.
- James Memorial Art Center – This building was first the community library (built in 1911). Now it's an art and culture center. It has art shows and art classes.
- Old Armory – Built in 1915, this building is now home to Entertainment, Inc! This group puts on five theater shows each year.
- Williston Area Recreation Center – A huge recreation center built in 2014. It has an indoor surfing area, golf simulators, and a water park. It also has tennis and basketball courts, turf fields, and an indoor track.
Sports in Williston
- Williston Keybirds: This is a local baseball team in the North Dakota American League.
- Williston State College Tetons: The college has teams for women's and men's basketball, women's volleyball, men's ice hockey, women's softball, and men's baseball.
- Williston Oilers: This was a minor league baseball team that played from 1954 to 1957. They won the league championship in 1956.
- The Links of North Dakota at Red Mike Resort: An 18-hole golf course east of Williston. It has been ranked among America's best modern courses.
- Coyote Clay Target League: This is a large clay target shooting team. They compete in Sporting Clays, 5-Stand, and Trap.
Education in Williston
The Williston Basin School District 7 serves all of Williston. The public high school is Williston High School.
Before 2021, Williston had two school districts that later merged into one. Now, the Williston Basin School District 7 covers the whole city.
There are also private schools in Williston:
- Trinity Christian School (Kindergarten to 12th grade)
- St. Joseph Catholic School (Kindergarten to 6th grade)
Williston State College is a two-year public college. It was started in 1961. Students can earn different types of degrees there. They can also transfer to four-year universities in the state.
The Williston Public Library serves all of Williams County. The library also has a bookmobile that visits rural schools and retirement homes. The main library is a community center. Many groups hold public meetings there.
The library hosts an annual fundraiser called "Table of Contents." Local people create unique table designs and dining themes for this event. The money raised helps buy equipment for local groups that use the library for meetings. The library also holds many public events, including voting.
The first Williston Public Library opened in 1911. In the early 1990s, people worried that this old building might be torn down. In 1993, a group of citizens formed the James Memorial Preservation Society. They wanted to save the historic building and turn it into an art center. After the library moved to a new building, the old one became the James Memorial Art Center. It is now an art gallery and event space. The James Memorial Art Center holds an annual Art Fest. It also offers art classes for kids and adults. It shows art from local, national, and international artists.
Media in Williston
Print Media
- Williston Herald
- Plains Reporter
- Oil Patch Hotline
- The Christian Weekly
- The Williston Trader
- The Shopper
Television Channels
- 4.1 KWSE (PBS) Prairie Public Television
- 4.2 World
- 4.3 Minnesota Channel
- 4.4 Lifelong Learning
- 8.1 KUMV (NBC)
- 8.2 Fox
- 8.3 Me-TV
- 11.1 KXMD (CBS)
- 11.2 The CW
- 11.3 Laff
- 11.4 Escape
- 38.1 KXND-LP (Fox; shows KUMV-TV 8.2 again)
Radio Stations
- FM Radio
- 88.1 K201FJ CSN network – Christian music
- 89.5 KPPR North Dakota Public Radio/NPR affiliate
- 90.3 K212DW K-LOVE network – contemporary Christian music
- 90.7 KJND-FM Your Network of Praise – Christian music
- 91.7 K219CB American Family Radio network – Christian music
- 93.1 KGCX "Eagle 93" Classic rock – from Sidney, Montana
- 95.1 KTHC "Power 95.1" Hot Adult Contemporary music
- 96.1 KYYZ "Z96.1 Country Thunder" Country music
- 101.1 KDSR "Hot 101" Jack FM music
- 102.7 KHRT translator – contemporary christian music
- AM Radio
- 660 KEYZ "Keyz NewsRadio" News/Talk/Country music
- 1070 KATQ Country music – from Plentywood, Montana
- 1090 KTGO Country music – from Tioga
Transportation in Williston
Air Travel
Williston is served by the Williston Basin International Airport. This airport has customs services. It opened in October 2019, replacing the older Sloulin Field International Airport.
In 2012, United Airlines started daily flights to Denver, Colorado. Delta Air Lines also began daily flights to Minneapolis, Minnesota. In August 2014, United started direct flights to Houston, Texas.
FedEx Express provides cargo flights to and from the Williston airport. These flights run Monday through Saturday.
Rail Travel
Amtrak, the national passenger train system, has a station in Williston. The Empire Builder train stops here once a day in each direction. This train travels between Portland, Oregon/Seattle, Washington, and Chicago.
Highways
US 2 goes through the city. US 85 goes around the city to the northwest. US 85B goes around the city to the northeast. ND 1804 runs through the southern part of the city.
Public Transportation
Northwest Dakota Public Transit offers a service where you can call for a ride. There are no regular bus routes in Williston. This makes Williston the largest city in North Dakota without a fixed bus service.
Notable People from Williston
- James A. Abrahamson: A retired Air Force officer who led the "Star Wars" defense project.
- Larry Bergh: A basketball player drafted by the Chicago Bulls.
- James R. Carrigan: A judge for the United States District Court and Colorado Supreme Court.
- Michael Dwyer: A member of the North Dakota Senate.
- Sally Fraser: An actress born in Williston.
- Virgil Hill: An Olympic silver medalist and four-time world champion boxer.
- Darlene Hooley: A congresswoman from Oregon.
- Phil Jackson: A famous basketball coach who won 11 NBA championships.
- Mark Lee: A baseball pitcher for several MLB teams.
- Brent Qvale: A professional football player.
- Brian Qvale: A professional basketball player.
Images for kids
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Business district of Williston, 2008
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Creaser Building
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Old Armory
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James Memorial Library
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Williston, North Dakota Amtrak Station; the railroad is a popular way for migrants to reach the city.
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A woman photographed in Williston in 1937 by Russell Lee
See also
In Spanish: Williston (Dakota del Norte) para niños
