ND’s Bakken Oil Boom Means Lots More Jobs (And Big Macs)

While the continuing story of high fuel prices gets a lot of attention in the national press and with consumers at the pump, the Bakken Oil Boom in North Dakota has quietly been adding significantly to the nation’s energy resources and providing the state with a thriving economy.

With the statistics in this graphic, we get a good feel for the situation, however some might want to put a little “meat on the bones.” If that’s you, consider this: According to the New York Times, little Williston, North Dakota, with its population of just over 14,000 has one of the busiest McDonald’s outlets in the country. (Thankfully, we will refrain from making any connection between the oil in the hamburger joint’s food with that being pumped from the Bakken shale formation.)

Of course, it’s not just fast food jobs that have been created. There are needs for all kinds of services and professionals, which has driven a huge increase in the job market. Thanks, in large part, to the Bakken oil boom, North Dakota has the lowest rate of unemployment in the nation.

Graphic via http://bakkenresidencesuites.com/oil-rush-infographic.html