First thing I'd look at is the regional population density, then if data is available the existing industrial density?
The population of Dodge City went from 5,000 in 1920 to 10,000 in 1930. Does that count as a boom? Yet, after having natural gas (1930-1940) they 1,600 people. I suppose the decline could be due to the great depression.
Furthermore, Seward County where natural gas was discovered in 1922 had less people than Dodge City. Lastly, Hugoton had about one eighth the population of Dodge City. Thus, the region was about as sparsely populated as would be expected. The only reason I can think of why this would be the case is a relative shortage of water. As mentioned earlier, the great depression may have occurred at the worst possible time, stunting the growth of the region.
Even still, it seems things could have went differently. Natural gas could have been utilized earlier, and more industry could have developed before the great depression. Same goes for the rest of the country.
East Texas, north Louisiana, and the border between West Virginia and Pennsylvania are of particular interest. Earlier development of their natural gas resources could have led to greater industrialization.