September 2021
Sales increase in 2021Q2

According to data recently released by the North Dakota State Tax Commissioner's office, McKenzie County had $59.8 million in taxable sales and purchases for April-June (Q2) 2021. That is up from the pandemic-induced low of $45.4 million in 2021Q1, but still well behind the all-time high of $107.4 million in 2019Q2.
Economy at a Glance

The September Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

  • Year to date visits to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park are up. For 2021 the visit count was 75,611, in 2020 the visit count was 64,871 at the same point in the year.

  • McKenzie County's unemployment rate dropped from 6.7% in June 2021 to 5.5% in July 2021.

  • Watford City's taxable sales increased from $38,068,798 in 2020Q2 to $52,324,598 in 2021Q2.
Largest employers for 2020

Delta Constructors LLC remained atop the 2020 list of largest employers in McKenzie County for the third year in a row as compiled by Job Service North Dakota. Rounding out the top five employers include ONEOK, McKenzie County School District, McKenzie County Healthcare Systems and Kinder Morgan. See the top 25 employers in 2020 and years prior here.
Housing units increase most in nation

Just like the population growth detailed in the US Census, housing units are putting McKenzie County on the top of national charts when it comes to the increase in housing units in the county. From 2010 to 2020 McKenzie County's housing units increased from 3,090 to 7,661 which represents a 147.9% growth rate--the highest percentage growth in the nation. See more from the Census here.
NDRA Rodeo

Cowboys and cowgirls from across the state will be coming to McKenzie County this weekend for the State Finals of the North Dakota Rodeo Association. The rodeo will take place at the McKenzie County Fairgrounds Multipurpose Building at 7pm on September 24 and 6pm on September 25th.
Voices of Dakota Prairie

Voices of Dakota Prairie-- a play that tells the extraordinary stories of courage, perseverance, humor and faith of the first North Dakota homesteaders--is coming to McKenzie County. The play will be performed by the University of Mary theater department and is being sponsored locally by the Long X Arts Foundation and the Pioneer Museum of McKenzie County. Free admission with reception to follow. The event will be at at the Watford City High School Performing Arts Center on Sunday, October 10, at 3pm.
Olson named state star

Keith Olson, Regional Director of the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), has been named the organization’s 2021 State Star. Olson has been with the Williston State College SBDC office for the past 19 years. He spreads his time between offices in Williston and Watford City where he helps new and existing business owners with all facets of owning and operating businesses such as business plans, cash flows, loan preparations, research and more.
Grant deadline approaches

Local organizations are invited to apply for the McKenzie County Community Foundation annual grant. Over $8,000 was awarded in 2020 to local organizations including the Long X Arts Foundation, BIO Girls, Rough Rider Center, Bakken Oil Rush Ministry, McKenzie County Heritage Association and Badlands Gymnastics Club. Grant applications are accepted from September 1-September 28, 2021.

For more information visit their website.