Latest research

Economic Impact of National Parks

Millions of national park visitors generate economic opportunities for gateway communities, spending money that creates jobs and income. See the trends for every national park service unit.

Public land ownership in the United States

Public lands influence the economy, demographics, and fiscal policies of communities. Explore maps and county-level data for the 828 million acres of federal, state, and municipal land in the U.S.

FieldNotes:

A look into the inner-workings of Headwaters Economics.

Kauaʻi sets new standard in protecting communities from wildfire

Kauaʻi county in Hawaiʻi is taking community wildfire risk reduction seriously, adopting one of the most forward-looking approaches that will embed home hardening and defensible-space standards into local codes. Headwaters Economics is honored to continue this partnership to reduce wildfire risks before a disaster happens.

2 weeks ago

We have a long-standing commitment to rebuilding after disaster. But why? Listen to Ryan, Doug, and Kris dive into why we rebuild after disasters.

2 months ago

This video of Patty’s presentation at the “Rebuilding with Resilience in L.A.” conference details how rebuilding homes to be wildfire resistant can save billions in the long run. The stage is at SnapChat’s headquarters in Los Angeles.

3 months ago

The latest Resources Radio podcast features Megan Lawson discussing how outdoor recreation has become a vital driver of many local economies, but sometimes also presents challenges for housing affordability, infrastructure, wildfire risk, and more. Learn how communities can balance the amenity trap.

3 months ago

Popular posts

Economic Impact of National Parks

Millions of national park visitors generate economic opportunities for gateway communities, spending money that creates jobs and income. See the trends for every national park service unit.

Public land ownership in the United States

Public lands influence the economy, demographics, and fiscal policies of communities. Explore maps and county-level data for the 828 million acres of federal, state, and municipal land in the U.S.

A rural capacity map

A new map helps identify communities where investments in staffing and expertise are needed to support infrastructure and climate resilience projects.

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About Headwaters Economics

Headwaters Economics is an independent, nonprofit research group that works to improve community development and land management decisions.

Our Data Tools

Headwaters Economics maintains free, easy-to-use tools to help you better understand socioeconomic data and trends. Find data from dozens of sources for thousands of places in the United States.

Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire

Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire (CPAW) works with communities to reduce wildfire risk through improved land use planning. The program is a program of Headwaters Economics, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service.