The Other Side of the North Dakota Oil Boom: Evictions
April 02, 2024 by The article discusses the impact of North Dakota’s fracking boom on housing in Williams County, particularly in Williston. As oil production surged, the population doubled, leading to a severe housing shortage and skyrocketing rents. This resulted in an eviction crisis, with rates comparable to large cities like New York. The study by Princeton University’s Eviction Lab highlights how rapid economic growth from oil production led to rural gentrification and displacement. Despite the construction of new housing units, weak tenant protections and a swift eviction process exacerbated the problem. The article suggests that future economic booms should include better housing planning and stronger tenant protections to mitigate such issues.