Gallatin County's Economy, Growth, and Open Space

Overall, Gallatin County’s economy is performing well. From 2001-2016, Gallatin County’s employment increased by 55 percent while total real personal income increased by 111 percent. Compared to Montana, Gallatin County’s real per capita income grew 12 percent faster.
As Gallatin County’s economy diversifies, all sectors of the economy are growing, except farm.
Since 1990, Gallatin County has lost more open space than any other county in Montana.

Gallatin County Is Growing Faster Than Montana

Gallatin County vs. Montana, Percent Change, 2001-2016 — From 2001–2016, Gallatin County’s population, employment, total real personal income, and real per capita income increased substantially faster than Montana as a whole.

From 2001-2016, Gallatin County’s population grew 3x faster than the state

Gallatin County’s high quality of life and natural amenities attract entrepreneurs, workers, retirees, and tourists. While the economy diversifies, the rapid pace of growth threatens the open space and natural amenities that draw and keep people here.

Gallatin County’s Population Has Doubled Since 1990

Gallatin County Population Trends, 1990-2016

Average Annual Source of Population Change, 2001–2016

Gallatin County added more than 50,000 residents since 1990. The population in 2016 was 104,502. Nearly three-quarters of the population growth is from the arrival of new residents in the last 15 years.

All Sectors of the Economy Are Growing Except Farm

Farm is the only sector that lost jobs since 2001. Every other industry is growing. Professional and technical services, real estate and rental and leasing, accommodation and food services, health care and social assistance, and retail trade are growing the fastest.