BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota State University is planning a demographic survey to better understand the workforce in the state’s western oil patch.
Nancy Hodur is an assistant research professor at NDSU. She says oil patch communities need to understand who lives and works there to better plan for the future.
Hodur says research is essential to preventing these communities from turning into just outposts for workers. She says identifying lifestyle habits of the workforce will also help businesses know what kinds of goods and services workers need.
The study will begin in June. Hodur says the survey will require creative methods of polling due to the somewhat transient nature, unconventional hours and living arrangements of the workers.
Hodur on Tuesday spoke at the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference and Expo.
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