September Economy at a Glance

The September Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
  • Year to date visits to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park are up. For 2021 the visit count was 75,611, in 2020 the visit count was 64,871 at the same point in the year.
  • McKenzie County’s unemployment rate dropped from 6.7% in June 2021 to 5.5% in July 2021.
  • Watford City’s taxable sales increased from $38,068,798 in 2020Q2 to $52,324,598 in 2021Q2.
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Largest employers for 2020

Delta Constructors LLC remained atop the 2020 list of largest employers in McKenzie County for the third year in a row as compiled by Job Service North Dakota. Rounding out the top five employers include ONEOK, McKenzie County School District, McKenzie County Healthcare Systems and Kinder Morgan. See the top 25 employers in 2020 and years prior here.

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Housing units increase most in nation

Just like the population growth detailed in the US Census, housing units are putting McKenzie County on the top of national charts when it comes to the increase in housing units in the county. From 2010 to 2020 McKenzie County’s housing units increased from 3,090 to 7,661 which represents a 147.9% growth rate–the highest percentage growth in the nation. See more from the Census here.
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Fastest growing county in the United States

McKenzie County is the fastest growing county in the United States by percentage according to data recently released by the US Census Bureau. From 2010 to 2020 McKenzie County grew from 6,360 to 14,704 or 131%. For the same time period the Census Bureau reported Watford City, county seat for McKenzie County, growing from 1,744 to 6,207 or 256%. A host of news outlets picked up on the Census results for McKenzie County. Find their stories here:
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Petroleum Council to meet in Watford City

The North Dakota Petroleum Council’s Annual Meeting will be held September 21-23, 2021 in Watford City, ND.  Attendees can look forward to hearing from the Bakken’s foremost industry leaders, networking with more than 300 industry professionals, and learning about the latest trends in oil and gas. The Annual Meeting also features the Annual Awards Luncheon recognizing people and companies who have positively impacted the industry in North Dakota. Learn more or register by visiting here.
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August Economy at a Glance

The August Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
  • June 2021 McKenzie County oil production at 13,735,664 held very similar to May 2021 oil production at 13,791,892. Over the same period WTI Oil price/barrel increased from $65.17 to $71.38.
  • Both McKenzie County’s labor force and unemployment rate increased from May 2021 to June 2021.
  • Brookledge’s apartment occupancy rate increased from 68% in July 2021 to 76% in August 2021.
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2020 vital statistics released

McKenzie County had 247 resident births and 105 resident deaths in 2020, according to data recently released by the North Dakota Department of Health Vital Statistics Division. That represents a decline in births from the all-time-high in 2019 where there were 278 births recorded. When compared to a decade ago in 2010 where there were 53 births and 56 deaths recorded.

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Modern Day homesteader

AgweekTV in conjunction with StrengthenND is profiling modern-day homesteaders. Sandy Rieker who lives outside Alexander, ND is the first to be profiled. Rieker and her family moved to North Dakota a decade ago and through grit and determination have built a life that they love.

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East visits West

The Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce led a group of their members to visit Western ND in early July. The trip coincided with the North Dakota Petroleum Council’s Cookfest held in Arnegard. Tour attendees got to hear from petroleum industry leaders about the basics of the industry as well as new trends and technologies. The next day attendees met at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City to hear from western North Dakota leaders about the current state of affairs and what might be next for public and private projects. Tour attendees found the trip to be valuable—seeing things in person rather than just reading about them. Plans are underway to keep the east-west dialogue continuing.
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State LIFT program launches new application process

The Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) is an innovation loan fund to support technology advancement. The purpose is to provide financing for commercialization of intellectual property within the State of ND for industries such as:
  • Advanced computing and data management
  • Agriculture technology
  • Autonomous and unmanned vehicles and related technologies
  • Energy
  • Health care
  • Value-added agriculture
  • Value-added energy
  • Any industry or area specifically identified by the committee as an industry that will contribute to the diversification of the state’s economy.
Learn more by visiting: https://www.business.nd.gov/lift/
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Get in Touch

Meghan Taunton
McKenzie County Economic Development
100 2nd Ave SW, Suite A
Watford City, ND 58854
701-444-8856
mtaunton@co.mckenzie.nd.us

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