• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Headwaters Economics

Headwaters Economics

Independent Nonpartisan Research

  • Research
    • Economic Development
    • Equity
    • Natural Hazards
    • Public Lands
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Tax Policy
  • Tools
  • About Us
  • Search

Local Studies

Which Counties Are Most Reliant on Medicaid?

August 2017

National interactive map and charts show Medicaid-dependent counties and populations at risk.

Economy Surprisingly Dependent on Non-Labor Income

August 2017

Non-labor income sources such as investments, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid often are the largest and fastest growing sources of personal income for many counties. Rural counties especially are surprisingly dependent on non-labor income.

Rural Economic Development in Lincoln, Montana

June 2017

Hooper Park Pavilion, Lincoln, Montana

Many rural western towns face economic uncertainty. This report—informed by interviews and public meetings with residents—compares Lincoln to peer communities and outlines rural economic development options building on the town’s strengths.

Comparing Trends and Prosperity in Gunnison County

April 2017

Explore socioeconomic trends in Gunnison County and neighboring Colorado counties.

The Changing Role of Manufacturing in the U.S. and Insights for the Rural West

February 2017

Recent trends in manufacturing and what they mean for the people and communities of the American West, with insights for rural areas in particular.

Dam Removal Case Studies

October 2016

Six dam removal case studies on the fiscal, economic, environmental, and social benefits of dam removal.

Survey Finds Trails Valued Across Bonner County

March 2016

Survey provides information on Bonner County’s trail system and will help prioritize improvements based on resident usage, satisfaction, reasons for living in the area.

Planning for Montana’s Energy Transition

February 2016

While Montana is likely to experience relatively small impacts, coal-dependent communities in Eastern Montana are likely to feel the acute effects of job losses and declining tax revenue in the coming decades.

Home Construction in the High Divide

August 2015

The High Divide region, recognized as one of the most intact biological areas in the lower 48 states, is attracting many new residents and home construction is changing the landscape.

Bonner County, Idaho’s Resilient Economy

May 2015

scenic vista of Bonner County, Idaho

Analysis shows that Bonner County’s economy has grown steadily and been resilient, despite recessions and losing several large employers, and many local businesses are committed to the community and its high quality of life.

Economic Development Opportunities in Wheeler County, Oregon

April 2015

Wheeler County vista

Like many rural counties in the West, Wheeler County faces economic difficulties. It also has untapped resources and opportunities, which suggest the possibility of a brighter economic future.

The Economic Value of Public Lands in Grand County, Utah

March 2015

economic grand county

This updated report analyzes the economic value of public lands in Grand County, Utah and the important role that these lands play for local businesses and the well-being of the region’s economy.

Economic Opportunities in the Blackfoot Watershed

December 2014

This report provides an overview of the Blackfoot River watershed’s economy and summarizes the findings from six focus groups that explored potential economic opportunities.

The Tongass Transition Framework: A New Path Forward?

December 2014

This report examines whether the Tongass Transition Framework, which proposed a “new path forward,” is working to enhance economic opportunities in southeast Alaska while conserving the National Forest.

The Economic Impacts of Restoration in Central Idaho

April 2014

This report provides a way to calculate the economic impacts of natural resource restoration activities to nearby communities that should be helpful to local officials, agency staff, and policy analysts.

Owyhee Canyonlands Hold Economic Potential

December 2013

This report provides an initial analysis of the potential economic impact of protecting the Owyhee Canyonlands area in Malheur County, Oregon.

Restoring the Clark Fork River

December 2012

men working at restoration site

Headwaters Economics worked with the Clark Fork Coalition, U.S. Forest Service, and others to create an interactive tool that describes many of the stories behind the ongoing recovery of the Clark Fork River.

Reports Show Economic Potential of a New Maine National Park

February 2012

Headwaters Economics completed two reports on the economic costs and benefits of a possible new National Park and Recreation Area for Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties, Maine.

Olympic Peninsula Economy and Potential Impact of Draft Wild Olympics Proposal

November 2011

Report on the economy of the Olympics Peninsula and impact of the Wild Olympics proposal.

Carey, Idaho and Economic Recovery

September 2011

This report summarizes interviews with local government and business leaders on obstacles to and opportunities for local economic recovery in Carey, Idaho from the last recession.

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to Next Page »

Footer

Independent Nonpartisan Research

Contact

© 2022 Headwaters Economics, all rights reserved

  • Sitemap
  • Terms of Use
  • Photo Credits
  • Media Coverage
  • Slides
  • Contact
  • Twitter