MINOT, N.D. (AP) – Three of North Dakota’s four largest cities saw population growth last year, but most cities connected to the oil patch saw decreases.

The new U.S. Census Bureau population estimates as of July 2017 show that Fargo grew nearly 1.7 percent from the previous year, Bismarck grew 0.7 percent, Grand Forks was up 0.4 percent, and Minot was down 1.9 percent.

Minot Mayor Chuck Barney cites a slowdown in the western oil patch as the reason for the drop. He expects the city’s population to go back up when activity increases in the Bakken.

In the oil patch, Dickinson’s population was down 2.3 percent and Williston’s was down 2.7 percent. Watford City bucked the trend, with an increase of 1.6 percent.