Southeastern Montana Development Corporation

The population has consistently decreased since the ’70s;  Treasure County has seen the most significant population loss. Between 2000-2003 the Census showed Treasure County to have the 2nd highest percentage of population loss in the country. However, Rosebud and Custer Counties recently had a slight increase, with a 0.6% population increase between 2008 and 2009. The southern portion of Rosebud County is home to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation; other than the Northern Cheyenne community; there is very little ethnic diversity in this area. There has been a consistent decline in the youth population and an increase in this region’s senior population.

Between the years 2000-2008, business establishments in Treasure and Rosebud counties decreased, while business establishments in Powder River and Custer counties increased. Agriculture and coal mining/energy production is the region’s primary industries. Health, education, government services, and small businesses also make up an essential part of the economy. Other industries such as hunting, camping, and tourism bring in a significant amount of revenue to this region.

Over the past four years, there has been a slight rise in the poverty level and the unemployment rate. This region has a relatively low average wage compared to the state and national averages: In 2008, the USA National Average Wage per job was $45,716; Montana Average Wage per job was $33,299; Southeastern Montana Average Wage per job was $28,719. On average, women in this area get paid almost $10,000 less than men annually.

Housing on average in this region is aging; there is a shortage of low-income, senior, and temporary housing; and at least 1 in 5 households experience a cost burden with housing. Recognizing the increase in the senior population in the next 25 years, this could be an opportunity to develop senior housing and assisted living, which would bring more construction jobs and diversified job sectors to the area.

There is a high percentage of medically underserved communities and a high population of uninsured people. High school graduation completion rate is relatively average compared to the state; however, college and university completion is relatively low. Overall social services such as low-income energy assistance and TANF and SNAP distribution have increased between the years 2002-2009, even though the population had decreased

In dealing with the tax-base in rural communities and small populations is limited, which creates a lack of financial resources. Infrastructure such as paved roads, gravel roads, water and sewer lines, cell phone towers, internet service, dependable electricity, and plumbing services are often a need in this area. The Miles City Converter Station in eastern Montana is one of eight sites nationally that tie the National power grids together. It increases system reliability by connecting the separate grids and enhancing energy exchanges and system operating flexibility.