Is Watford City Safe, Pros and cons of living in Watford City
Watford City, North Dakota, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to abundant natural resources, positioning it as a noteworthy location for those seeking a different pace of life. Nestled in the heart of the Bakken Formation, the city has experienced significant economic shifts, largely driven by the energy sector. This dynamic environment creates both opportunities and challenges for its residents, influencing everything from the job market to the overall cost of living.
As a gateway to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Maah Daah Hey Trail, Watford City also appeals to outdoor enthusiasts. The community boasts a growing infrastructure, including new neighborhoods, schools, and public spaces, aiming to support both career and family growth. This blend of economic activity and natural beauty shapes the identity of Watford City, making it a compelling subject for those considering a move to western North Dakota.
Is it Safe to Live in Watford City?
Watford City’s crime rate is a subject of varied reporting, with some sources indicating it is higher than the national average while others suggest it is lower. One analysis indicates that Watford City is safer than only 26% of U.S. cities, with a crime rate of 34.01 per 1,000 residents (according to TractSignal and AreaVibes). However, another report suggests the total crime rate is 10% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes).
The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Watford City is approximately 1 in 345, or 3 per one thousand inhabitants. Property crime rates are reported as 15 per one thousand population, indicating an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime compared to other U.S. communities (according to NeighborhoodScout). Residents generally consider the northern part of the city to be the safest, with the chance of being a victim of crime varying by neighborhood (according to TractSignal).
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in Watford City is generally higher than both the national and North Dakota state averages. Overall, the cost of living in Watford City is 12% higher than the national average and 18% higher than the North Dakota average (according to AreaVibes). Housing costs in Watford City are notably higher, being 43% above the national average (according to AreaVibes).
The median home value in Watford City is approximately $408,500 (according to Niche). For renters, the median rent price is around $1,336 per month, with most residents choosing to rent their homes (according to Niche). Recent data indicates that the average rent in Watford City is $1,092 per month, which is 33% lower than the national average rent of $1,642/month (according to Apartments.com). This figure can vary, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging $1,092 per month and a two-bedroom around $1,289 per month (according to Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Watford City’s economy is significantly influenced by the energy sector, particularly oil and gas extraction. Major employers in the area include Hess Corporation, QEP Resources, Statoil, and ConocoPhillips (according to the Watford City Chamber). Other key employers include McKenzie County School District, McKenzie County, Kinder Morgan, and McKenzie County Healthcare Systems (according to Watford City and the Watford City Chamber).
Employment in Watford City saw a slight decline of -0.114% between 2023 and 2024, with the most common employment sectors being Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction, followed by Construction and Educational Services (according to Data USA). The employment rate in Watford City is reported at 99.4%, with a workforce of 3,491 residents (according to Point2Homes).
Climate and Weather
Watford City experiences distinct seasonal variations, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 4°F to 85°F and rarely fall below -18°F or exceed 96°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 82°F and lows of 58°F, while January sees the coldest temperatures, with average highs of 22°F and lows of 5°F (according to myPerfectWeather).
Annual precipitation averages about 16 inches, with June being the wettest month, receiving around 2.4 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather and U.S. Climate Data). Snowfall averages 49 inches annually (according to myPerfectWeather). The period from April to October is generally considered the rainy season, while the drier period lasts from October to April (according to myPerfectWeather).
Education and Schools
Watford City is served by the McKenzie County School District No. 1, which includes several public schools. Public schools in Watford City have an average math proficiency score of 34% and a reading proficiency score of 41%, which are slightly below the North Dakota public school averages (according to Niche). The schools in Watford City have an average ranking of 3 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of North Dakota public schools (according to Niche).
Notable schools include Watford City High School, Fox Hills Elementary School, and Badlands Elementary School. While some schools receive positive reviews from parents regarding staff and safety, the district as a whole faces challenges in academic performance and student support (according to Movoto and SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics
Watford City has a population of approximately 6,039 residents, with a median age of 29 years (according to Point2Homes and World Population Review). The population is predominantly White, making up about 66.6% to 76.5% of residents, followed by Hispanic or Latino individuals at around 24.5% to 25% (according to Niche, Data USA, and World Population Review). The gender distribution is slightly skewed towards males, with about 56% males and 44% females (according to Point2Homes).
The demographic makeup also includes smaller percentages of other races, such as those identifying with two or more races, African American, Native American, and Asian populations (according to Niche and World Population Review). Citizenship is high, with 92.4% of residents being U.S. citizens (according to Data USA).
Major Employers
The economy of Watford City is heavily influenced by the energy sector, with several major companies operating in the region. Key employers include Hess Corporation, QEP Resources, Statoil, and ConocoPhillips, which are central to the oil and gas industry (according to the Watford City Chamber). Other significant employers that contribute to the local economy and job market are Kinder Morgan and ONEOK Services Company LLC (according to Watford City and Lensa).
Beyond the energy sector, essential services and public institutions also provide substantial employment. McKenzie County School District and McKenzie County Healthcare Systems are among the largest employers, highlighting the importance of education and healthcare in the community (according to Watford City and Zippia). Delta Constructors LLC was also noted as a top employer in McKenzie County (according to Constant Contact).
Average Salary and Unemployment
The average annual household income in Watford City was reported at $128,426 in 2024, with a median income of $102,260 (according to Point2Homes). However, other sources indicate a lower average salary for jobs in Watford City, with one report stating $47,000 per year or $22.60 per hour (according to Zippia). The unemployment rate in North Dakota was 2.5% as of March 2026 (according to USAFacts), and Watford City’s unemployment rate is reported as 0.5% (according to Niche).
It is important to note that the energy industry’s fluctuations can impact job availability and average salaries. While the oil and gas sector is a primary driver, the city also supports jobs in agriculture, healthcare, and tourism, contributing to a more diversified economic landscape (according to the Watford City Chamber).