McKenzie County economy shows resilience and growth in July
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
Despite a dip in oil prices and production, McKenzie County’s economy remains robust, driven by strong growth in its labor force and construction sector, according to the “McKenzie County Economy At a Glance” July 2025 report.
While the price of West Texas Intermediate oil fell to $62.17 per barrel in May 2025–a significant drop from $80.02 a year earlier–the local job market has not only held steady but has also expanded. The county’s unemployment rate was a low 2.0 percent in May, matching its rate from the previous year and remaining below the state’s rate of 2.1 percent. The labor force has also grown, climbing from 8,006 in May 2024 to 8,244 in May 2025.
Other key indicators of a healthy local economy include:
Construction Boom: The value of building permits in Watford City saw a dramatic increase in June, reaching over $3.4 million, up from $1.4 million in June 2024. For the year to date, the value of permits has risen from $7.7 million to over $8.6 million.
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