Is Williston Safe, Pros and cons of living in Williston

Williston, North Dakota, offers a unique blend of opportunities and challenges, making it a city of interest for those considering a relocation. Its economy is significantly influenced by the energy sector, drawing in a workforce eager to capitalize on the region’s resources. The city’s demographics present a diverse community, with a notable presence of various ethnic groups and a relatively young median age.

This vibrant community is situated in a region known for its distinct climate, experiencing significant temperature variations throughout the year. Williston’s cost of living and housing market present a mixed picture, with some aspects being more affordable than the national average, while others, particularly housing, can be more expensive. Understanding these facets is key to grasping the overall lifestyle and financial considerations for potential residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Williston?

Williston’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade). However, the city is considered safer than 16% of cities in the United States (as reported by CrimeGrade). In a typical year, the crime rate in Williston is 41.03 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade). Residents generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest area.

Violent Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate in Williston is 21.8% higher than the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade). Specifically, there were 119 violent crimes reported in Williston, which equates to 437 crimes per 100,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade). The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Williston is 1 in 229 (as reported by CrimeGrade). This includes offenses such as homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault.

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime in Williston is also higher than the national average, with a rate of 22 crimes per one thousand residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of being a victim of property crime in Williston is 1 in 44 (as reported by CrimeGrade). These crimes encompass theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. Williston’s property crime rate is on par with the national average, as indicated by a 2021 report (as reported by backgroundchecks.org).

Cost of Living and Housing Market

The cost of living in Williston is 8% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs in Williston are 28.5% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The median home price in Williston was $369,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This represents a slight decrease of 0.41% compared to the previous year.

Housing Costs

The median listing price for homes in Williston is $430,000 (as reported by Realtor.com). In March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Williston was $369,000 (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Williston typically sell after 63 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). The median rental price in Williston is $1,150 per month (as reported by Realtor.com). However, other sources indicate the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,070 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), and a different source states the average rent is $1,233 (as reported by Zillow).

Affordability and Expenses

Williston’s cost of living is 3% higher than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). Monthly expenses for a single person are estimated at $2,042, and for a family of four, at $4,544 (as reported by Salary.com). Food costs are 24.3% below the national average (as reported by Salary.com). Energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are approximately 1.7% higher than the national average (as reported by Salary.com).

Job Market and Economy

Williston’s economy is heavily influenced by the energy sector, particularly oil and gas extraction (as reported by Data USA). The median individual income in Williston was $44,575 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The average salary for jobs in Williston is $73,088 per year (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). However, another source indicates the average salary is $47,000 (as reported by Zippia).

Major Employers

Key employers in Williston include Halliburton Energy Services, Williston Public School District, WalMart, Nabors Drilling USA, and CHI St. Alexius Medical Center (as reported by Find the Good Life in North Dakota). Other significant employers are the City of Williston, Liberty Oilfield Services, and Oasis Petroleum, LLC (as reported by Find the Good Life in North Dakota). Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative and Bethel Lutheran Home are also among the largest companies (as reported by Zippia).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Williston was 3.10% as of the latest data (as reported by YCharts). This figure is higher than the long-term average of 3.09% (as reported by YCharts). In contrast, a 2021 report indicated an unemployment rate of 2.5% for the Williston Micro Area (as reported by Census).

Climate and Weather

Williston experiences a cold semi-arid climate, bordering on a warm-summer humid continental climate (as reported by Wikipedia). The average annual precipitation is approximately 15 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather), with the majority of rainfall occurring in June and July. Snowfall averages about 48.2 inches per season (as reported by Wikipedia).

Temperature Ranges

The temperature in Williston typically varies from 4°F to 86°F throughout the year and is rarely below -19°F or above 97°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hot season lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 73°F. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 85°F and a low of 58°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The cold season spans from late November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 34°F. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 5°F and a high of 23°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Seasonal Conditions

Winters in Williston are freezing, snowy, and windy (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The average window for freezing temperatures is from September 20 to May 21, allowing for a growing season of 121 days (as reported by Wikipedia). Measurable snowfall typically occurs from late October through late April (as reported by Wikipedia). Summers are warm, offering a pleasant period for outdoor activities.

Demographics and Education

Williston has an estimated population of 28,056, a decrease from the 2020 Census figure of 29,160 (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is predominantly White, making up 73.6% of residents (as reported by Data USA). Other significant demographic groups include Hispanic (10.4%), Black or African American (6.4%), and Multiracial (4.8%) (as reported by Data USA).

Population Characteristics

The median age in Williston is 32 years (as reported by Data USA). The population is comprised of 51.7% males and 48.3% females (as reported by Point2Homes). Approximately 93% of Williston residents are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). About 8.5% of residents were born outside of the country (as reported by Data USA).

Educational Landscape

Williston is part of the Williams County R-1 School District, which includes 25 elementary schools, 9 middle schools, and 7 high schools (as reported by Movoto). Williston State College is a prominent educational institution in the city (as reported by Find the Good Life in North Dakota). In 2023, universities in Williston awarded 329 degrees, with Williston State College being the sole institution (as reported by Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Williston

Living in Williston presents a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages for prospective residents. The city’s economy is deeply rooted in the oil and gas industry, offering significant job opportunities, particularly in the energy sector. This industry has historically driven economic growth and attracted a substantial workforce to the region.

Advantages

Williston’s economy provides numerous job opportunities, especially within the thriving oil and gas sector (as reported by Find the Good Life in North Dakota). The city also boasts a lower cost of living compared to some national averages, particularly in areas like food expenses (as reported by Salary.com). Furthermore, the city has a relatively young median age, suggesting a dynamic community atmosphere.

Disadvantages

Conversely, Williston faces challenges such as a higher-than-average crime rate (as reported by CrimeGrade). Housing costs can also be a significant expense, being higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The climate is characterized by harsh winters, with freezing temperatures and significant snowfall, requiring adaptation for residents.