Williston, ND
Population 27,964 · North Dakota
About Williston, ND
Williston is a mid-sized city located in North Dakota with a population of 27,964 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,309 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Williston features a median home value of $262,700, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Williston in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,106, 5% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,872 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (5,707 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (5,509 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Williston shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Williston have an average one-way commute time of 17.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.7% of Williston residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 6.3% White, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 10.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Williston Ranks in North Dakota
Cost of Living in Williston, ND
Compared to national averages, Williston has a median household income of $84,309 (12% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $262,700, which is 7% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,106 is 5% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Dakota, Williston's income is 16% above the state average of $72,691, and home values are 88% above the state median of $139,496.
Why Live in Williston, ND?
Williston offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,309, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,106/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.2 minutes.
Williston has a population of 27,964 with a median age of 31.9 years. Compare Williston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Williston
Cities in North Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dickinson | 25,216 | $76,964 | $252,400 | Compare |
| Mandan | 24,293 | $75,966 | $246,300 | Compare |
| West Fargo | 39,325 | $96,877 | $302,200 | Compare |
| Jamestown | 15,774 | $54,809 | $192,500 | Compare |
| Minot | 47,922 | $77,431 | $254,400 | Compare |
| Wahpeton | 7,996 | $57,417 | $164,600 | Compare |
| Devils Lake | 7,170 | $42,755 | $171,000 | Compare |
| Valley City | 6,554 | $56,471 | $152,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Williston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Williston
What is the population of Williston, ND?
The population of Williston, ND is 27,964 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Dakota.
What is the median household income in Williston?
The median household income in Williston, ND is $84,309 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Williston?
The median home value in Williston, ND is $262,700, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Williston?
The median monthly rent in Williston, ND is $1,106, which is 5% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Williston?
The unemployment rate in Williston, ND is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Williston, ND a good place to live?
Williston offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 27,964 and a median age of 31.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Williston, ND?
25.7% of residents in Williston aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Williston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Williston, ND: median home value is $262,700 (7% above national), median rent is $1,106/month, and median household income is $84,309. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Williston?
The poverty rate in Williston, ND is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Williston, ND?
Williston's population is 6.3% White, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 7.1% two or more races. 10.0% of residents are foreign-born.