Population growth in the Bakken
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates reveal varied population changes across North Dakota's Bakken counties, with slight increases seen in some areas while other areas experienced declines. Ward, Renville and McHenry counties saw a 0.6% decrease in population from July 2022 to July 2023. In that same timespan, Williams, McKenzie and Mountrail County saw notable growth, with Williams increasing by 3%, McKenzie by 2.6% and Mountrail by 1.5%. This growth is attributed to the state's oil-related economy, which has rebounded after a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more on the population growth in the Minot Daily News story.