Compensation rates for the lignite industry are often considerably higher than similar occupations in other industries . Also workers in the lignite industry tend to reside near their place of work. These two statements were once again proven out in a recent from North Dakota Job Service which showed that the three counties that comprise Coal Country — Oliver, Mercer and McLean — were among the top 10 in 2020 for highest average wages . The three counties are home to five lignite mines and five lignite-based power plants.