Watford City Sees Continued Growth Despite Oil Price Declines

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Watford City, North Dakota has continued to see growth in its population and economy despite a decline in oil prices, defying conventional patterns that typically show a drop in the workforce when oil prices fall. The city's school enrollment has surged by 10% this year, and city administrators attribute this to midstream energy jobs keeping families rooted in the area, as well as the establishment of more permanent retail stores that have convinced temporary workers to find permanent work in Watford City.

Why it matters

Watford City's ability to maintain growth and stability during a downturn in the oil industry is notable, as many other energy-dependent towns have struggled when prices have dropped. This suggests the city has diversified its economy and developed a more resilient workforce that is not solely reliant on upstream oil and gas jobs.

The details

Typically, as oil prices decline, the workforce in energy-dependent towns also shrinks. However, Watford City has seen its school enrollment surge by 10% this year, indicating that families are staying in the area. City administrators attribute this to midstream energy jobs, such as pipeline and processing plant work, that have kept families rooted in Watford City. Additionally, the city has been building more established retail stores, which have convinced temporary workers to find permanent employment in the area.

• School enrollment surged by 10% in 2026.