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Newcomers Research – Community Development | Montana State University

Newcomer Research – MSU Extension Office

Who are the newcomers and why are they coming?

People moving into Montana communities is nothing new. Newcomers have always replaced those that move away or pass away to stabilize or grow the total population of a community. The fast growth of Montana’s population has drawn our attention to this decades long trend. This study provides research-based information about our new neighbors.

Research objective: Learn more about who is moving to Montana communities, why they are choosing these places and how satisfied they are once they arrive. Read the entire Montana Newcomers report here>> https://www.msuextension.org/communitydevelopment/montanamovers.html.

Top five reasons for moving to Montana communities:

To find a desirable natural environment (better access to the outdoors)

To find a less congested place to live

To take advantage of a slower pace of life

To live in a smaller community

To find a safer place to live

Learn more about movers here:

Tax data says California and Washington were the top origin states for new Montana residents in 2020. https://montanafreepress.org/2022/03/08/tax-data-montana-pandemic-migration/

About the rural “Brain Gain” an https://extension.umn.edu/economic-development/rural-brain-gain-migration
Source: Newcomers Research – Community Development | Montana State University