Williston, ND demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
28,056
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$79,381/yr
-5.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
15,107
1.6% year-over-year change

Williston population

How many people live in Williston

Williston is home to 28,056 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.7% of Williston locals are male, and 48.3% are female.

Total population
28,056
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.7%
14,495
Female
48.3%
13,561
Value Percent YoY change
Male 14,495 51.7% 0.2%
Female 13,561 48.3% 0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Williston is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.6% are children under 15, then 12.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 36.9% of the population, while another 16.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10% are 65 or older.

Median age
32
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.6%
15 to 24
12.7%
25 to 44
36.9%
45 to 64
16.8%
Over 65
10%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,633 23.6% -7.0%
15 to 24 3,566 12.7% 9.8%
25 to 44 10,348 36.9% 2.1%
45 to 64 4,699 16.8% -3.8%
Over 65 2,810 10% 9.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Williston, 87.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 78% of locals are Caucasian, 6.4% are African American and 1.7% have Asian roots. Another 2.8% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 6.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.9%
Non-citizens
7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 24,444 87.1% -1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,649 5.9% 12.2%
Non-citizens 1,963 7% 21.6%
Racial breakdown
White
78%
Black or African American
6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.8%
Asian
1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
6.8%
Other
4.1%
Value Percent
White 21,872 78%
Black or African American 1,806 6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 780 2.8%
Asian 472 1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 47 0.2%
Two or more races 1,922 6.8%
Other 1,157 4.1%

Households in Williston

A peek inside Williston households

Williston has 11,360 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.3% are families, while the remaining 38.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,360
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,398
Family households
6,962
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,398 38.7% -2.9%
Family households 6,962 61.3% 4.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Williston

The housing landscape of Williston

Williston's housing consists of 15,107 units, with 36.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
15,107
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,555 36.8%
1 unit, attached 899 6%
2 units 162 1.1%
3 or 4 units 577 3.8%
5 to 9 units 402 2.7%
10 to 19 units 1,058 7%
20 to 49 units 4,641 30.7%
50 or more units 1,013 6.7%
Mobile home 800 5.3%
Homes built since 2020
114
132.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Williston

In Williston, the median construction year is 2003. About 6.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 42.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,028 6.8% -1.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 230 1.5% -30.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,723 11.4% -0.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 849 5.6% 6.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,487 9.8% -6.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,485 9.8% -7.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 373 2.5% -18.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,464 9.7% 33.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,354 42.1% 3.0%
Built in 2020 or later 114 0.8% 132.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Williston occupancy rates

Out of the 11,360 occupied housing units in Williston, 47.1% are owner-occupied, while 52.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 24.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,360
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,012
Owner occupied
5,348
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,012 52.9% 9.1%
Owner occupied 5,348 47.1% -6.3%
Unoccupied housing units
24.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Williston housing costs

Housing costs in Williston come to a median of $1,102 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,122.

Median housing costs per month
$1,102/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Williston
$1,122/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Williston

Williston education at a glance

About 41.6% of the population in Williston went to high school, while 19.6% pursued college studies. Another 13.6% earned an associate degree and 16.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 341 1.7% -21.1%
High school diploma 8,444 41.6% -1.5%
College diploma 3,983 19.6% 13.1%
Associate degree 2,759 13.6% 1.3%
Bachelor's degree 3,435 16.9% 18.7%
Graduate degree 1,351 6.6% -18.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Williston

How much people earn in Williston

The average annual household income in Williston was $110,618 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $79,381, reflecting a -5.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Williston
$110,618/year
-2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Williston
$79,381/year
-5.8% year-over-year change

Williston income by age

In Williston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $73,607. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $119,412 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $81,974, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,341 in earnings. Overall, 91.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $81,974 -10.8%
25 - 44 $73,607 -2.5%
45 - 64 $119,412 2.4%
Over 65 $50,341 23.0%
Above poverty level
25,264
Below poverty level
2,244
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 25,264 91.8% 1.5%
Below poverty level 2,244 8.2% -5.8%

Average renter income in Williston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Williston, their median household income was $61,603 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$61,603
Rent-to-income ratio
21.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Williston

Workforce and job types in Williston

The job market in Williston is powered by 15,097 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.4% run their own businesses, 67.9% are employed by private companies, and 15.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
15,097
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
11,093
Blue collar
4,004
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,093 73.5% 11.7%
Blue collar 4,004 26.5% -20.5%
Employer type
Self employees
11.4%
Private companies
67.9%
Governmental workers
15.4%
Not for profit companies
5.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,714 11.4% 25.3%
Private companies 10,256 67.9% -2.2%
Governmental workers 2,321 15.4% 11.9%
Not for profit companies 806 5.3% -22.2%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
94.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Williston stands at 4.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Williston

How people get around in Williston

Commuting methods vary: 92.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 13,932 92.5% 0.8%
Subway or elevated 32 0.2% N/A
Ferryboat 21 0.1% 23.5%
Walk 475 3.2% 8.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Williston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
58801 34,277 12,983 $84,702 $118,034

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FAQs about Williston demographics 

What is the total population of Williston?

Williston has a total population of 28,056 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Williston?

The gender ratio in Williston is as follows:
  • 51.7% males (14,495 residents)
  • 48.3% females (13,561 residents)

What is the median age in Williston?

The median age in Williston is 32.

What is the age distribution of the population in Williston?

The age distribution in Williston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.6% (6,633 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.7% (3,566 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 36.9% (10,348 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.8% (4,699 residents)
  • Over 65: 10% (2,810 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Williston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Williston is as follows:
  • White: 78% (21,872 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.4% (1,806 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.8% (780 residents)
  • Asian: 1.7% (472 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (47 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.8% (1,922 residents)
  • Other: 4.1% (1,157 residents)

What percentage of the population in Williston are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.1% of the population in Williston.

How many housing units are there in Williston?

There are 15,107 housing units in Williston, reflecting a +1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Williston and what is the average household size?

Williston has a total of 11,360 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Williston?

Williston has a median household income of $79,381, representing a -5.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Williston?

The employment rate is 95.1% in Williston, with a workforce of 15,097 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.5% (11,093 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.5% (4,004 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.4% (1,714 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.9% (10,256 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.4% (2,321 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.3% (806 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025