Jamestown – Valley City populations expected to decline

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A new housing study predicts North Dakota’s population will grow to 891,000 people by 2029.

North Dakota Housing Finance Agency Executive Director Jolene Kline told the state Industrial Commission on Tuesday that the 20 percent population increase will continue to put pressure on affordable housing for low-income residents.

Kline told the panel that North Dakota’s economy is still strong, despite a downturn in oil and crop prices.

The state Housing Finance Agency commissioned the study done by North Dakota State University researchers. The study says North Dakota’s urban centers will see the most growth.

Kline says the region that includes Jamestown and Valley City is the only area where the population is predicted to decline by 2029.  She says the Devils Lake area is forecast to remain flat.