North DakotaPop. 28,056Small cities
Is Williston a Good Place to Live? Williston, North Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Williston ranks #380 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #72 of 208 small cities and #9 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.4%, #17 of 182) and low unemployment (2.8%, #18 of 184), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Williston by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Williston's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Williston?
Williston's cost of living index is 87.3, 13% below the US level of 100 and #114 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,122/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $375,622, 29% above the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
| Measure | Williston | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 87.3#114 of 1,308 | 89 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $375,622#572 of 1,187 | $292,293 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,259/mo#130 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $286,200#492 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,122/mo#361 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 17%#155 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Williston housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Williston is in the Williston, ND metro.
North Dakota housing market →Is Williston safe?
Williston recorded 432 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% above the US rate of 328 and 68% above North Dakota's 257. That ranks #762 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #126 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Williston Police Department. Property crime runs 1,769 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Williston | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 432#762 of 1,085 | 257 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,769#607 of 1,085 | 1,698 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Williston?
The median household in Williston earns $79,381, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% above North Dakota ($77,871). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.3%). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Williston | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $79,381#630 of 1,312 | $77,871 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.8%#54 of 1,058 | 2.6% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 8.1%#337 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +2.4%#71 of 1,132 | +0.8% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Williston?
The median resident of Williston is 32 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 25.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #946 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Williston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 32 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 25.8%#946 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 47.1% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Williston's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Williston; its public schools have 14.7 students per teacher and spend $13,026 per pupil. 40% of adults are obese and 8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Williston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.7#405 of 1,188 | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,026#827 of 1,188 | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 40%#1120 of 1,311 | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8%#105 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 16.6%#541 of 1,311 | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10%#656 of 1,311 | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 4,773 students are enrolled in Williston's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Williston?
The average commute in Williston is 17.6 minutes (North Dakota 17.5); 0.4% of workers take transit and 3.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Williston scores 8.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.6°F and winters 14.6°F, with 15.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Williston | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 17.6 min#173 of 1,312 | 17.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 7.8%#903 of 1,312 | 4.3% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 81.9% | 76.7% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.2% | 3.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 3.6% | 7.1% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.3#982 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22.1 | 1 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 26.7 | 5.5 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 40.1 | 17.5 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 55.6 | 29.2 | 1.1 |
| May | 67.4 | 40.2 | 2.1 |
| Jun | 76.7 | 50.2 | 2.6 |
| Jul | 84.5 | 56.3 | 2.5 |
| Aug | 83.9 | 54 | 1.6 |
| Sep | 72.6 | 43.5 | 1.4 |
| Oct | 55.9 | 30.4 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 38.4 | 17.1 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 26.1 | 6.1 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Williston Sloulin Fld.
| Measure | Williston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 41.7°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 67.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 14.6°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 15.1 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Williston Sloulin Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Williston?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Williston's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Williams County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, ice storm, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | Williston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.07%#31 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Williams County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Williams County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.004% | 98% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.004% | 85% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0023% | 69% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0039% | 64% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0056% | 39% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.04% | 4% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Williston compare with similar-size cities?
Williston is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #72 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 28,056.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #380 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 | 17.6 min |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #608 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 | 14.9 min |
| Laplace, LAPop. 28,343 | #1222 | 44.1 | $69,030 | $1,351/mo | no data | 32.9 min |
| Kahului, HIPop. 28,288 | #692 | 55.1 | $98,077 | $1,488/mo | no data | 22.8 min |
| Aberdeen, SDPop. 28,189 | #415 | 59.8 | $64,405 | $762/mo | 425 | 11.9 min |
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #1296 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year | 18.8 min |
| Henderson, KYPop. 27,852 | #1029 | 49.6 | $48,186 | $771/mo | 278 | 19.8 min |
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #613 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 | 14 min |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #761 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 | 17.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Williston compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Williston ranks #9 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 60.4 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 2% above the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 68% above the statewide rate. Homes are 29% above the typical North Dakota home.
| City | Rank in ND | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Fargo, NDPop. 40,094 | #1 | 69.3 | $90,665 | $1,111/mo | 185 |
| Horace, NDPop. 4,588 | #2 | 69.0 | $138,578 | $2,146/mo | no data |
| Grand Forks, NDPop. 59,042 | #3 | 63.9 | $63,627 | $980/mo | 270 |
| Dickinson, NDPop. 25,357 | #4 | 62.7 | $82,696 | $957/mo | 183 |
| Minot, NDPop. 47,791 | #5 | 62.1 | $73,219 | $973/mo | 295 |
| Fargo, NDPop. 131,627 | #6 | 62.0 | $66,998 | $946/mo | 378 |
| Bismarck, NDPop. 75,556 | #7 | 61.8 | $78,387 | $999/mo | 241 |
| Watford City, NDPop. 6,039 | #8 | 61.3 | $102,260 | $1,336/mo | 387 |
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #9 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 |
| Beulah, NDPop. 3,040 | #10 | 60.1 | $76,848 | $1,075/mo | 131 |
| Lincoln, NDPop. 4,381 | #11 | 58.0 | $87,652 | $950/mo | 44 |
| Grafton, NDPop. 4,102 | #12 | 54.9 | $62,679 | $733/mo | 200 |
| Wahpeton, NDPop. 8,010 | #13 | 54.4 | $62,750 | $751/mo | 135 |
| Minot AFB, NDPop. 4,878 | #14 | 53.7 | $62,500 | $1,431/mo | no data |
| Mandan, NDPop. 24,522 | #15 | 53.2 | $71,780 | $1,083/mo | 257 |
| Jamestown, NDPop. 15,787 | #16 | 53.2 | $56,554 | $773/mo | 133 |
| Valley City, NDPop. 6,541 | #17 | 52.2 | $60,339 | $780/mo | 61 |
| Casselton, NDPop. 2,953 | #18 | 52.1 | $73,259 | $814/mo | no data |
| Devils Lake, NDPop. 7,308 | #19 | 50.0 | $43,220 | $711/mo | 191 |
| New Town, NDPop. 2,721 | #20 | 42.0 | $52,500 | $851/mo | part year |
All 20 North Dakota cities we track, by overall score. North Dakota statewide: median income $77,871, violent crime 256.7 per 100,000.
How is Williston's score calculated?
Williston scores 60.4 out of 100, #380 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with North Dakota's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Williston. Similar-size median 52.9.
61.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Williston's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
66.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Williston. Similar-size median 52.2.
54.1 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Williston's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.4.
49.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Williston's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
79.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Williston. Similar-size median 46.7.
59.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Williston. Similar-size median 44.2.
69.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Williston. Similar-size median 47.3.
41.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Williston's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
38.4 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
98.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Williston's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Williston has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Williston
Is Williston, ND a good place to live?
Williston ranks #380 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #72 of 208 small cities and #9 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.4%, #17 of 182) and low unemployment (2.8%, #18 of 184), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Williston?
Williston's cost of living index is 87.3, 13% below the US level of 100 and #114 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,122/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $375,622, 29% above the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
What is the crime rate in Williston?
Williston recorded 432 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% above the US rate of 328 and 68% above North Dakota's 257. That ranks #762 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #126 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Williston Police Department. Property crime runs 1,769 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Williston?
The median household in Williston earns $79,381, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% above North Dakota ($77,871). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.3%). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Williston?
Median rent in Williston is $1,122/mo (Census), #361 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,259/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Williston?
The typical home value in Williston is $375,622, up 5.6% in a year, against $292,293 for North Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $286,200.
How are the public schools in Williston?
There is no city graduation rate for Williston; its public schools have 14.7 students per teacher and spend $13,026 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Williston?
The average commute is 17.6 minutes, #173 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 17.5 minutes across North Dakota. 7.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Williston?
Williston averages 41.7°F over the year, 67.6°F in summer and 14.6°F in winter, with 15.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Williston walkable?
Williston scores 8.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Williston at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Williams County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, ice storm, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
Who lives in Williston?
Williston has 28,056 residents. The median resident of Williston is 32 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 25.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #946 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Williston compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Williston ranks #9 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 60.4 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 2% above the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 68% above the statewide rate. Homes are 29% above the typical North Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Williston?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Williston's population of 28,056 are Kalispell, MT (#608 overall), Laplace, LA (#1222 overall), Kahului, HI (#692 overall), Aberdeen, SD (#415 overall), and Greenville, MS (#1296 overall). Williston is #380.