Dickinson is a city in Stark County, North Dakota, United States. It is the county seat of Stark County. The population was 25,679 at the 2020 census. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that the 2020 population is 25,679.Since the North Dakota oil boom the city has become one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. According to 2015 census estimates, the city is estimated to have a population of 23,765, however, other sources have estimates of the population at 30,372 or possibly exceeding 35,000. The rapid growth of the city led to an increase in crime and homelessness within the city limits. Also, the city has seen an increase in diversity, with increases in the Latino, Asian and African American populations. Dickinson is the principal city of the Dickinson Micropolitan Statistical Area, a micropolitan area that covers Billings and Stark counties and had a combined population of 24,982 at the 2010 census.

Watford City (Hidatsa: abaʔaruʔush), founded in 1914, is a city in and the county seat of McKenzie County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 1,744 at the 2010 census. and the Census Bureau gave the 2020 estimated population as 7,944, making Watford City the tenth largest city in North Dakota. Because Watford City is part of the Bakken field, the North Dakota oil boom has significantly increased population and construction since the 2010 census.The main offices of Frontier Energy Group, First International Bank, and the headquarters of McKenzie Electric Cooperative are in Watford City. The local newspaper is the McKenzie County Farmer.

Williston is a city in and the county seat of Williams County, North Dakota, United States. The 2010 census gave its population as 14,716, and the Census Bureau gave the 2020 estimated population as 29,749, making Williston the sixth-largest city in North Dakota. The North Dakota oil boom is largely responsible for the sharp increase in population. Williston's newspapers, both in print and online, are the daily Williston Herald and the weekly The Williston Trader. Williston is the home of Williston State College and the Miss North Dakota Scholarship Pageant.

Hazen is a city in Mercer County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 2,411 at the 2010 census. Hazen was founded in 1913. Hazen has a K-12 school system. It is located about fifteen minutes south of Lake Sakakawea, the largest lake in North Dakota and the third largest man-made lake in the United States.