National interactive map and charts show Medicaid-dependent counties and populations at risk.
Local Studies
Economy Surprisingly Dependent on Non-Labor Income
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
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
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
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
Six dam removal case studies on the fiscal, economic, environmental, and social benefits of dam removal.
Survey Finds Trails Valued Across Bonner County
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
Report on the economy of the Olympics Peninsula and impact of the Wild Olympics proposal.
Carey, Idaho and Economic Recovery
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.