Population declines in oil patch cities

WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) - Oil patch cities in North Dakota are experiencing a declining population in contrast to rapid growth in the recent past.

The population in Dickinson and Williston dropped about three percent last year.

KXMB (https://bit.ly/2o1H1cg ) reports the exodus of people is largely due to fewer job opportunities, as the state’s energy sector continues to try and rebound amid the price slump of oil.

Dickinson Convention and Visitor’s Bureau director Terri Thiel says she’s starting to get calls again from people looking for work in the oil industry.

She says even though she advertises for visitors, the bureau tried to market Dickinson as a permanent home to those who came during the oil boom.

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Information from: KXMB-TV, https://www.kxnet.com