Economic Development

Unaffordable housing came to a head during the pandemic as communities across the country saw unprecedented rises in housing costs.

The unprecedented rise in housing prices since 2020 has affected renters more than homeowners—especially in places that were already unaffordable.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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