Community Profile

Watford City is located in western North Dakota, surrounded by the Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea and the Yellowstone River in eastern Montana. With a population of 1450 residents, Watford City serves the community of 6,300 rural county residents.  The community is heavily dependent on natural resource based economies such as ranching, farming, tourism and oil exploration.  With over 500,000 acres of public land in the Little Missouri National Grasslands and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Lake Sakakawea and the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, the community has a sizable base of federal employees as well.

The community has developed an extensive community plan focusing on telecommunication and recreational infrastructure to attract new industry and wage earners. The physical beauty and ample recreational opportunities have been attractive to a select group of telecommuters and information technology companies, energy companies and financial and service companies.

Demographics

Watford City, North Dakota

McKenzie County Seat

Demographic Data: 2,735 sq. miles

County Population: 6,360                                                                      

Per Capita Income: $26,100

Median Age: 33

City Population: 5,000

Location

Distance in Miles from:

Bismarck          190

Minot               125

Minneapolis      575

Denver             600     

Regina              245

Climate

Annual Average: 41 degree F

Monthly Average:

• January 18 degrees  F
• July       84 degrees F         

Annual Rainfall:    14"

Annual Snowfall:  39"

Education

• Elementary: 3 Schools     34 Teachers  K-6   452 Students                                                                                                        
• High School: 1 school 33 Teachers  7-12   351 Students

Libraries

Community Library

Free Public Internet Access

Medical

1 Hospital 28 Beds

2 Physicians

Visiting Surgeons

1 Clinic

1 Dentist

1 Optometrist

1 Chiropractor

Community Ambulance, First Responders and Enhanced 911 Emergency Service

Recreation Facilities:

• Indoor Multipurpose Arena - Ice Skating, Riding, Special Events, 
• Community Recreation Center - Basketball, Archery, Racquetball, Volleyball, Event Center
• Indoor Basketball Courts -3
• Skating Rinks - 3
• Ball Fields-3
• Children’s Play Park
• Skate Park
• Nature Park and Fishing Pond
• Golf Course – 1- 9 hole, grass greens, clubhouse
• Swimming Pool and Water Park
• Walking Paths
• Wellness Center
• Number of Parks- 6
• Other Recreational
•  Lake Sakakawea
•  Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Communications

Reservation Telephone

Digital

Fiber Optic

Type of Government

Mayor/ City Council

Police Department 3 full time, Sheriff 7 full time

Fire Department - 23 Volunteer

Planning Commission - Yes

City Engineer - Yes

Financial Institutions

3 Banks, 1 Credit Union