FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Census figures released late Wednesday show the number of children living in North Dakota's oil patch is on the rise.

Eight counties in or near the oil patch in western North Dakota saw the number of preschoolers increase by 20 percent or more in the last decade, with estimates showing most of that growth in the
last few years.

Statewide, the number of preschoolers went up from 39,400 in 2000 to 44,595 in 2010.

While it's not known how long those families will stay, the state's demographer calls the youth movement surprising and fascinating. Richard Rathge calls it a "very different North
Dakota."

Rathge said the new details may help civic leaders map out strategies for the future, especially with schools changing the focus from consolidation to expansion.