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Economic Development
The Economic Impact of Montana Artists
Table of Contents
Residency Desirability
The majority of respondents could be classified as long-term Montana residents. 50% of respondents have lived in Montana for 30 years or longer, while 11% have lived here 10 years or less. Chart 4 shows the distribution of longevity within the state.
Chart 4: Years of adult life spent in Montana
When asked whether artists were planning to stay in Montana, 90 percent of respondents indicated that they planned to stay in the state. Their reasons for staying were varied. Chart 5 summarizes the primary reasons for artists staying in Montana. Artists appear to appreciate the quality of life and natural environment that the state has to offer. Many artists have moved to Montana from different states and even different countries. While respondents stated they came from everywhere from Europe to Alaska, the vast majority came from California, Washington, Oregon, New York and Colorado (Chart 6). Compared to overall in-state migration patterns, more artists have moved here from the west and mid-west than the general population.(2)
Chart 5
Chart 6
The artists who stated they planned to move within the state of Montana gave many reasons as exemplified in the following chart (Chart 7).
Chart 7
Chart 8
Artists that indicated they planned to move outside of Montana in the near future listed the reasons displayed in Chart 8. The major reasons indicated for moving from the state, better business opportunities and their spouse's employment, are issues that may not be dealt with in the short run. A more robust economy within the state would assist with both of the issues and allow more artists to remain here. Despite these issues, the data indicates that artists prefer to remain in Montana
(2) U.S. Census 2000, Table 3: State of Residence in 2000 for the Population 5 years and over by State of Residence in 1995, August 2003.
