McKenzie County in western North Dakota grew at the fastest rate of any American county over the past decade, Census Bureau data showed, as the Bakken oil boom attracted thousands of workers and more than doubled the population. The exceptional rate of growth, especially early in the decade, put stress on the region’s housing, schools and infrastructure. The mostly rural county has ballooned 131 percent since 2010, rising to 14,700 residents from 6,400 residents. Nearby Williams County, home to Williston, grew by about 83 percent, to nearly 41,000 residents from about 22,400 in 2010. The flood of new residents in western North Dakota led to an explosion of development, with new hotels, restaurants and even a new airport.

Source: New York Times August 12, 2021 19:18 UTC