Williston, ND’s Population Growth Fuels New Construction Projects

Jessop Crapo

Just 15 years ago, the population of Williston was fewer than 15,000. Today, the population has nearly doubled, with city leaders saying that much of the growth has occurred over the past three to five years.

Officials add that a key reason for Williston’s current growth is new technologies being deployed that are allowing even more oil to be removed from the rich formations that are in the region.

“These are good, high-paying jobs in oil, and several employees are moving to Williston,” says Mark Schneider, City of Williston director of development services.

Schneider says the continued growth makes Williston an ideal place for developers to invest in residential, commercial and industrial properties that will add to the quality of life for residents and visitors.

“Our growth in population has actually attracted $30 billion in construction projects currently taking place throughout Williston and Williams County,” he says.

No Permit Fees

Schneider says more apartment complexes are needed in Williston because 96% of units are full throughout the city. The city is looking to attract more housing developments by waiving permit fees to construct single-family homes.

“Developers initially pay an up-front $3,000 permit fee for every home they will build, then the $3,000 is returned to them if the house is fully constructed within one year,” Schneider says. “Today in Williston, there are 10 areas throughout the city where single-family homes are being built.”

One of the busiest projects is the Williston Square mixed-use development, located in the geographic center of the city. Williston Square is under construction on 800 acres that formerly accommodated Sloulin Field International Airport, which closed in 2019.

“At Williston Square, the city has been installing $90 million in infrastructure and two additional roads, and there are many shovel-ready lots and parcels for sale and ready to build on now,” Schneider says. “The state also began upgrading Highway 2 to provide better traffic flow through the development.”

Luxury Homes

Developer Black Diamond Solutions is building 18 single-family luxury homes within a neighborhood called Black Diamond Estates in Williston Square. These homes will be situated in the southwest section of the development near the new Sloulin Elementary School, which is set to open in August 2026.

“Prices will range from $400,000 to $600,000, depending on customizations and specific lot locations,” says Jessop Crapo, owner of Black Diamond Solutions. “The essential infrastructure is near completion, then the road, curb and gutter installation will also ensure full readiness before home construction starts.”

Reservations for home sales started in July 2025. A second phase of Black Diamond Estates is scheduled to begin in early 2026 to add approximately 84 more lots.

“Williston is experiencing robust economic growth driven by industries such as energy, technology and logistics, and there is strong community and governmental support for new developments,” Crapo says. “The demand for quality housing and commercial spaces is high, making this an ideal time for developers to contribute to and benefit from the area’s growth.”

Attracting Events

Williston-based Scully Design Build recently purchased the abandoned Ford building downtown. The building has been transformed into the spacious Great Northern Events complex, which can host conferences, concerts, events and weddings.

Also, within the events center are retail spaces, office space, a coffee shop, a wine bar and a commercial kitchen available for rent. Completion of the project is scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026. City officials say the makeover effort gives Great Northern Events a modern rustic look, and it will become an attraction itself for the downtown district.

“This is exactly the recipe the city would like to see,” Schneider says. “There is much residential and commercial activity in Williston these days, and we also have several cleared pad sites to attract more industrial companies to our city.”