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Economic Development

As the economy changes, understanding major drivers of change—such as shifts in migration, a growing outdoor recreation economy, and the significance of nonlabor income—is critical to making sound decisions about how to improve economic performance.

Featured Research

Is rural America really doing so badly?

Nearly half of rural communities have grown so much since the 1970s they are now classified as “urban.” Those that remain are diverse, but often have more specialized economies.

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Explore COVID-19 unemployment by county

As U.S. jobless claims reach historic levels from the coronavirus pandemic, find the latest county-level unemployment numbers.

Wind Turbines sit atop a hill with low clouds.

The Changing Geography of U.S. Electricity Generation

Most U.S. states are adding electricity generation capacity faster than capacity is being retired. Renewable energy adds the most capacity in 18 states.

Split image with trucks driving down into coal mine on one side and wind turbines atop a green hill at sunset on the other.

The Evolution of U.S. Electricity Generation Capacity

The capacity to generate electricity has transitioned from coal to natural gas to renewable energy, a trend projected to continue.

Montana Losing Open Space

Recently updated data show that from 1990 to 2018, the number of single-family homes in Montana grew by more than 50% and 1.3 million acres of undeveloped land was converted to housing.

recreation counties, outdoor recreation

Recreation Counties Attract New Residents and Higher Incomes

Recreation counties, especially in non-metro places, draw new residents and have higher incomes and faster earnings growth than places without recreation.

The Outdoor Recreation Economy by State

The outdoor recreation economy is large, growing faster than the overall economy, and consists of jobs in many industries. Explore data by state.

Recent Economic Development Research

Is rural America really doing so badly?

Nearly half of rural communities have grown so much since the 1970s they are now classified as “urban.” Those that remain are diverse, but often have more specialized economies.

Fiscal policy is failing rural America

State and federal fiscal policies hurt rural communities by limiting how local governments can grow, diversify, and invest revenue.

Montana wildfire risk is widespread and growing

The number of western Montana homes in areas with high wildfire hazard has doubled, outpacing development rates in areas with low wildfire hazard.

Explore COVID-19 unemployment by county

As U.S. jobless claims reach historic levels from the coronavirus pandemic, find the latest county-level unemployment numbers.

Wind Turbines sit atop a hill with low clouds.

The Changing Geography of U.S. Electricity Generation

Most U.S. states are adding electricity generation capacity faster than capacity is being retired. Renewable energy adds the most capacity in 18 states.

Split image with trucks driving down into coal mine on one side and wind turbines atop a green hill at sunset on the other.

The Evolution of U.S. Electricity Generation Capacity

The capacity to generate electricity has transitioned from coal to natural gas to renewable energy, a trend projected to continue.

Hikers visit Arches National Park in Utah.

The health and fiscal vulnerability of rural recreation counties

Where rural recreation counties rely on public funding for health care, fiscal solutions should diversify the ways local governments can save and spend.

Aerial view of rural town in Montana. (Martinsdale, MT)

Tension as Catalyst: Public Lands and the Rural West

View a presentation given at the Our America’s Rural Opportunity forum about the context of public lands and the rural west.

The Outdoor Recreation Economy by State

The outdoor recreation economy is large, growing faster than the overall economy, and consists of jobs in many industries. Explore data by state.

Solutions for Transitioning Coal-Dependent Communities

The most effective fiscal policies for communities facing transition away from coal dependency are those that build wealth over time and strengthen community capacity.

See all research under Economic Development

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