Williston, ND: A 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Williston: The Data Profile (2026)

Williston represents a specific archetype in the 2026 post-remote economy: a resource-hub city stabilizing after the boom-bust cycles of the early 2020s. With a 2026 population estimate of 27,964, it remains a small city environment. The economic engine is robust, evidenced by a median income of $84,309, which sits 13.0% above the national median of $74,580. However, the human capital metrics reveal a divergence; only 25.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly below the US average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Williston in 2026 is the "pragmatic earner"—skilled tradespeople, energy sector technicians, and remote-capable professionals prioritizing raw income generation and low overhead over coastal lifestyle amenities. This is a city for accumulating capital, not spending it on luxury experiences.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living in Williston is a statistical anomaly. While housing costs have normalized to the national average, essential utilities remain significantly cheaper. The most critical data point is electricity, currently averaging 11.51 cents/kWh, compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. This 28.0% discount on power is a major draw for those working from home or running energy-intensive households.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
The median household brings in approximately $7,026 monthly (pre-tax). A single person spending $2,365 retains $4,661 in disposable income. A family of four spending $5,435 retains $1,591. The 0.0% variance in core indices (excluding electricity) masks the high effective savings rate driven by the income-to-cost ratio.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Williston has cooled to a precise equilibrium. In 2026, the median home price is $295,000, effectively mirroring the US average. The rental market is equally aligned, with a 1-Bedroom unit averaging $1,050. The "boom" premium is gone; this is a stable, predictable market.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buying vs. Renting Relative to National Curve:
Buying is mathematically advantageous in Williston due to the 21.4% discount on Price per SqFt compared to the national average. While the purchase price is similar, you are getting significantly more square footage for your dollar. Renting is safe, but the gap between mortgage payments and rent is narrow enough that buying builds equity faster than in high-cost coastal cities.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Williston's economy is anchored in agriculture and energy (oil and gas), but 2026 shows a diversification in "Blue Collar Tech." Unemployment sits at a frictional low of 2.6%, well below the US average of 4.0%.

RTO & Commute:
In the post-remote landscape, Williston offers a distinct "Hybrid-Physical" advantage. The average commute time is 16 minutes, compared to the national average of 27 minutes. For the 25.7% of the workforce that is fully remote, the low cost of living acts as a salary multiplier. For the physical workforce, the proximity of residential zones to industrial hubs minimizes fuel costs and time loss.

Quality of Life Audit

The Quality of Life (QoL) score in Williston is a study in trade-offs. While the Health Score is a respectable 79.7/100, the underlying risk factors are skewed. The obesity rate is 40.0%, significantly higher than the US average of 31.9%. Conversely, the diabetes rate is low at 8.0% (vs 10.9% US avg), suggesting a population that is heavy but metabolically resilient.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety:
Violent crime in Williston is estimated at 220 per 100k (US Avg: 380 per 100k). Property crime is 1,450 per 100k (US Avg: 1,950 per 100k). The city is statistically safer than the national average.

Air Quality:
With an AQI of 45 and PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³, Williston boasts pristine air quality compared to urban centers, a major factor in the high Health Score.

Schools & Weather:
The student-to-teacher ratio is 13:1, better than the national average of 16:1. However, the climate is the primary lifestyle barrier. Today's conditions (High 40°F, Low 29°F, Patchy Fog) are indicative of a long, harsh winter season.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Power: Median income of $84,309 provides high purchasing power against a 100.0 COL index.
• Housing Value: Price per SqFt is 21.4% below the national average.
• Job Security: Unemployment is 2.6%, ensuring rapid re-employment if needed.
• Air Quality: AQI of 45 is superior to most US cities.

Cons:

• Health Risks: Obesity rate of 40.0% suggests a challenging environment for maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.
• Climate: High of 40°F in late October signals a difficult winter for those unaccustomed to it.
• Education: College education rates are 7.4% below the national average, limiting the intellectual peer group for white-collar professionals.

Final Recommendation:
Williston is a Tier 1 relocation target for skilled trades and fiscal conservatives, but a Tier 3 target for young urban professionals and families seeking cultural amenities. The data supports a move if your primary goal is maximizing savings and income while accepting a colder, less educated environment.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Williston?
For a single person, a salary of $60,000 is sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle (saving 30%), given the $2,365 monthly expense baseline. For a family, $90,000 is the minimum threshold.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other cities?
Williston offers 21.4% more square footage for the dollar than the national average. While Austin or Denver offer more culture, they offer significantly less housing value and higher unemployment.

3. Is Williston safe?
Yes. Violent crime is 42% lower than the US average, and property crime is 26% lower.

4. When is the best time to move?
Ideally Summer (June–August). Moving during the winter poses logistical risks due to snow, and today's 40°F high is a mild preview of sub-zero temperatures to come.