Cities and Towns in Williams County, North Dakota
Founded in 1890, Williams County is one of 53 counties in the state of North Dakota. The city of Williston is the county seat. With FIPS code of 105, Williams County has a population of 38,484 and area of 2,071 square miles (5,364 km²).
List of all cities in Williams County, ND alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alamo, ND | 58830 | 701 |
| Alkabo, ND | 58845 | 701 |
| Appam, ND | 58830 | 701 |
| Bonetraill, ND | 58801 | 701 |
| Buford, ND | 58801 | 701 |
| Corinth, ND | 58830 | 701 |
| Epping, ND | 58843 | 701 |
| Grenora, ND | 58845 | 701 |
| Hamlet, ND | 58795 | 701 |
| Hanks, ND | 58856 | 701 |
| Marmon, ND | 58856 | 701 |
| McGregor, ND | 58755 | 701 |
| Ray, ND | 58849 | 701 |
| Round Prairie, ND | 58801 | 701 |
| Springbrook, ND | 58843 | 701 |
| Temple, ND | 58852 | 701 |
| Tioga, ND | 58852 | 701 |
| Trenton, ND | 58853 | 701 |
| Westby, ND | 58845 | 701 |
| Wheelock, ND | 58849 | 701 |
| Wildrose, ND | 58795 | 701 |
| Williston, ND | 58801 | 701 |
| 58802 | 701 | |
| Zahl, ND | 58856 | 701 |
Major Cities and Towns in Williams County, North Dakota
Williston
Overview
- Area: 716.09 square miles
- Population: 34,921 residents
- ZIP Codes: 58801, 58802, 58803
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.2235° N, 103.7639° W
Location and History
Williston, the largest city and county seat of Williams County, is strategically located at the intersection of the Missouri River and U.S. Highways 2 and 85. The city was founded in 1887 with the expansion of the Great Northern Railway and named after Daniel Willis James, a railway financier. Initially an agricultural hub, Williston’s fortunes changed dramatically with the discovery of oil in the Williston Basin during the 1950s. This development brought significant population growth, urban development, and economic prosperity, particularly during the recent shale oil boom. Despite the challenges of rapid expansion, Williston has evolved into a key energy hub in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Williston High School and the new Williston Basin School District 7 are at the heart of local education, serving thousands of students with robust academic and extracurricular programs. Landmarks include the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, a reconstructed 19th-century trading post of historical significance, and the James Memorial Art Center, offering cultural exhibitions and community events. The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center provides insight into the area’s rich history and geography, making it a must-visit destination.
Tioga
Overview
- Area: 1.08 square miles
- Population: 2,822 residents
- ZIP Code: 58852
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.3981° N, 102.9399° W
Location and History
Tioga, located southeast of Williston, was established in 1902 along the Great Northern Railway. Named after Tioga, New York, the town’s early economy centered on farming and ranching. This changed in the 1950s with the discovery of oil, earning Tioga the title “Oil Capital of North Dakota.” Its development accelerated as an oil field service center, drawing workers and businesses to the area. The community’s close-knit culture remains evident despite its evolution into a modern energy hub.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Tioga Public School District provides quality education, with Tioga High School known for its community-focused approach. Key landmarks include the Tioga Theater, a vintage movie house that continues to entertain residents, and the annual Tioga Farm Festival, celebrating the town’s agricultural roots. The Tioga Medical Center is a critical healthcare provider in the region, underscoring the town’s resilience and community spirit.
Ray
Overview
- Area: 0.81 square miles
- Population: 1,226 residents
- ZIP Code: 58849
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.3425° N, 103.1663° W
Location and History
Ray is situated east of Williston along U.S. Highway 2. Founded in 1902, the town was named after a Great Northern Railway official, Al G. Ray. Initially, agriculture drove Ray’s economy, with wheat farming particularly dominant. The mid-20th-century oil boom introduced new opportunities, making Ray a small yet vital player in the region’s energy industry. Despite its modest size, Ray retains a blend of rural charm and modern development.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ray Public School District caters to local students, with Ray High School recognized for its strong academic and athletic programs. Notable landmarks include the Ray Museum, preserving artifacts of the town’s early days, and the Ray Opera House, a historic venue hosting community events. Ray’s proximity to the scenic plains and its rich history make it a unique destination.
Grenora
Overview
- Area: 0.25 square miles
- Population: 392 residents
- ZIP Code: 58845
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.6178° N, 103.9385° W
Location and History
Grenora, located near the Montana border, was founded in 1916 as a railway town. Its name is a blend of “Great Northern Railway,” highlighting its origins. Grenora grew as an agricultural community, focusing on grain and cattle farming. Over the years, the town has preserved its rural character while adapting to the changes brought by regional oil developments.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Grenora Public School offers comprehensive K-12 education, fostering a close student-teacher relationship. The Grenora Centennial Park celebrates the town’s history with recreational facilities and events. Nearby, the Writing Rock State Historic Site features ancient petroglyphs, attracting visitors intrigued by the area’s indigenous heritage and cultural significance.
Epping
Overview
- Area: 0.17 square miles
- Population: 743 residents
- ZIP Code: 58843
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.2731° N, 103.3413° W
Location and History
Epping, positioned west of Ray, was established in 1905 and named after Epping, New Hampshire. Like many small towns in the region, it began as an agricultural settlement focused on grain and livestock. The discovery of oil introduced new opportunities, though the town has retained its small-town charm and close-knit community atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Epping Public School District provides primary education, with older students attending nearby institutions. The Epping Lutheran Church is a central community landmark, serving as a gathering place for events and services. The town is also known for its peaceful environment and surrounding natural beauty, attracting those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.
