If I told you there were places in the United States of America where it is harder to find a place to stay than it is to find a job, you probably would not believe me.

But according to multiple sources and many media reports, that is exactly what is happening in the city of Williston in North Dakota, as the Bakken oil source provided numerous job opportunities for the locals and completely transformed the business landscape of the region.

The Oil Industry

The main industry in North Dakota is oil, which even though it has reduced its capacity this year, still stands strong. In July last year, oil drillers pumped out 1.11 million barrels of oil per day (bpd), but this year the production decreased, thanks to lower oil prices.

Still, the effects of this booming industry are visible in other areas. First of all, jobs and wages have grown in all areas, from fast food workers to government jobs to construction crews.

According to a CNBC report, fast food workers can make $11-20 per hour, which is twice as much as the federal average.

The Housing Issue

The booming oil industry has also created a housing shortage in parts of North Dakota, though. A few years back prices have soared, and finding a place to stay in North Dakota could sometimes mean you have to pay more than $3,000 a month. Williston was ranked the most expensive city to rent a small apartment in during 2014.

A few years ago, when no one was really prepared for the boom the oil industry would create, housing was an enormous problem. People were sleeping in tents and even cars, just to stay in the city. However, things are looking up in 2015.

Housing is still difficult, and finding a job is still easy in North Dakota, however it is not impossible to find a place to live – whether that’s an accessory dwelling unit that someone has built within their existing property, or an apartment, whatever it is you’re looking for, there will be something out there for you.

According to a recent Reuters report, there are still about 1,800 energy-related jobs unfilled in the No. 2 U.S. oil-producing state, and there is still demand for apartments.

But the accommodation shortage is nothing like it was when the state’s oil boom began six years ago. As new developments start leasing, tenants are able to negotiate lower rents, Reuters says.

Williston issued building permits for 1,290 apartment units in 2014, 10 times the rate in 2009. The city issued 333 home building permits in 2014, the highest in the city’s history and more than double 2013.

Still, if you’re thinking about moving to North Dakota in search of employment, be prepared for a long search for housing. Also be prepared to hear some shock prices for those apartments, as high demand drives prices up in an insane matter.

Still, as we can see from all the media reports, new houses and apartments are being built every day and the local government is addressing the problem which might potentially halt the growth of the industry.