An Economic Profile of Montana in 2008

December 16, 2008

The Wilderness Society studied economic conditions and trends across Montana, including employment and population growth, small business climates, and the role of natural and human amenities. The Federal Reserve Bank's Regional Asset Indicators were used to measure counties' abilities to meet the challenges of mobile populations, changing technologies, and new rural business climates.

The study finds marked differences across counties. Some counties are experiencing population growth and in-migration; many others are losing population. The economic benefits of recreation and tourism, two major Montana industries, are concentrated in a few counties. Most counties lack adequate communications infrastructure. The link between employment and people is two-way. People attract jobs and jobs attract people, with amenities playing a key role by attracting and retaining people and businesses.

Montana's future economic successes lie in an educated and skilled workforce to encourage high-skill industry, support for small businesses, protection and expansion of amenities, and investment in communication and transportation infrastructure.

photo: Rafters in Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana. By Jeff Fox.