County was fastest growing county in the U.S.
By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor
McKenzie County had the notable distinction of being the fastest-growing county in the United States, according to population data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The county’s population increased from 6,360 residents in the 2010 census to 14,704 over the last 10 years, a whopping 131 percent.
During the same 10-year period, Watford City’s population grew from 1,744 to 6,207 people, a 336 percent increase.
The county and city’s population increases were attributed to the growth of the oil and natural gas industry in western North Dakota where McKenzie County is the largest oil-producing county in the state. The county consistently produces over 40 percent of the state’s oil and 50 percent of North Dakota’s natural gas.
For the full story, subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer