Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Williston, ND
Thinking of moving to Williston, ND? With a population of about 29,000 and a median home price around $285,000, Williston offers affordable living, short 16-minute commutes, and a strong local job market. While the property crime rate is above the national average, the city features modern healthcare, a growing economy, and excellent access to outdoor recreation. Williston’s schools, low unemployment, and sunny climate make it an attractive choice for new residents seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Demographics - Williston, ND
Demographics - Williston, ND
Williston is home to approximately 29,160 residents, with a youthful median age of 32.1 and a population density of 1,700 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, but also includes a mix of other backgrounds, and about 8.5% of locals speak a language other than English at home. The city’s gender ratio and diverse population create a dynamic small-city atmosphere ideal for families and newcomers.
Population:
29,160
Density:
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.1
Gender Ratio:
114 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
84.2%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
13.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Williston, ND?
Williston offers a cost of living slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $285,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $970 per month. Everyday expenses like groceries and transportation are affordable, and state income tax rates remain low, making the city appealing for both homeowners and renters. Residents benefit from manageable utility costs and reasonable healthcare expenses, supporting a comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$285,000
Gross Rent:
$970
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,390
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,630
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
1.1%
|
High:
2.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.2
Grocery:
96.5
Housing:
91.2
Utilities:
106.6
Transportation:
94.3
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
99.8
Crime
Is Williston, ND a safe place to live?
Williston experiences a moderate rate of crime, with violent crime at 292 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime at 2,210 per 100,000. While the chance of being a victim of property crime is higher than the national average, the city remains generally safe with a strong sense of community. Residents can enjoy peace of mind by staying informed and taking standard safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
292
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,210
Crime Index:
2,502
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 342
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Williston, ND year-round?
Williston has four distinct seasons, featuring cold winters with lows around 1°F and warm summers reaching up to 84°F. The area receives about 14 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly 60% of the year, supporting a variety of outdoor activities. Residents can expect brisk winters but pleasant, sunny conditions for much of the year.

Winter
Min:
1°F
Max:
21°F

Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
30°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
The Williston community boasts a median household income of $92,800 and a low unemployment rate of 2.7%, reflecting a stable local economy. Most residents enjoy short commutes averaging just over 16 minutes and a high level of education, with 92.8% holding at least a high school diploma. The area’s low poverty rate and strong family incomes contribute to its welcoming, upwardly mobile atmosphere.
Median Income:
$41,200
Household Income:
$92,800
Family Income:
$105,500
Per Capita Income:
$37,600
Income Male:
$58,000
Income Female:
$38,500
Poverty Rate:
7.6%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$970
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
16.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
24.1%
Education
How are the schools in Williston, ND?
Williston offers a robust educational environment, featuring well-rated public schools like Williston High and Rickard Elementary with favorable student–teacher ratios. The city supports private education options and is home to Williston State College, providing higher education opportunities close to home. Residents also have access to nearby universities, making Williston a strong choice for families and students.

Public Schools
Name:
Williston High School
Street:
4200 32nd St W
Phone:
701-572-0967
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Name:
Rickard Elementary School
Street:
300 14th St W
Phone:
701-572-6746
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Catholic School
Street:
124 6th St W
Phone:
701-572-6384
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
Williston State College
City:
Williston
State:
ND
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,000
Name:
Minot State University
City:
Minot
State:
ND
Distance:
125 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
Williston provides quality healthcare services, anchored by CHI St. Alexius Health Williston Medical Center, which offers emergency and surgical care. With 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% of the population insured, access to medical resources is strong. The city’s healthcare index reflects reliable and comprehensive services for individuals and families.

Major Hospitals
Name:
CHI St. Alexius Health Williston Medical Center
Address:
1301 15th Ave W, Williston, ND 58801
Phone:
(701) 774-7400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
67.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Williston, ND?
Williston’s housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $285,000 and rental options averaging $970 for a two-bedroom. Over half of the residents own their homes, and the city maintains a healthy rental vacancy rate and steady home appreciation. New construction and low foreclosure rates indicate a stable market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$285,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$970
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents in Williston are served by the North Dakota Department of Transportation, with headquarters in Bismarck and accessible online and by phone. The DMV provides a full range of licensing and vehicle services for locals. Helpful resources and support ensure a smooth experience for new and existing drivers.
State:
North Dakota
Department:
North Dakota Department of Transportation
Address:
600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505
Phone:
1-701-328-2500
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.