- 62 percent of the state’s residents say the quality of life has decreased in recent years.
- That’s a seven percent increase compared to the exact same poll results in 2022.
- Respondents said real estate developments had been driving a decline.
A shocking report has detailed how Montanans believe their quality of life has declined over the past five years.
In a new survey released by the University of Montana group, sixty-two percent of the state’s residents say their quality of life has decreased in recent years.
That represents a seven percent increase compared to the 2022 results, when the Mainland Crown and Greater Yellowstone Initiative put the question to voters.
Respondents said the changing character of the state, crowding and increased numbers of people in outdoor areas and increased development are fueling the decline.
Ninety percent of respondents said sprawling development on what used to be open lands and ranches is a serious problem in the state.
Two goats stand at a gazebo near a lake in Glacier National Park, Montana
Kevin Costner stars as rancher John Dutton in Paramount Network’s western drama ‘Yellowstone’
84 percent said the character of the state was changing; Nine percent blamed the drought and 78 percent said it was due to declining snowpack.
Rick Graetz, director of the Crown and Greater Yellowstone Initiative, said: “It’s pretty clear that residents across the state, even on the Prairies, are struggling with growing pains, and our quality of life has declined. this year. According to the results.
‘This could be one of the reasons why preserving our natural beauty and access to public lands and waters is so popular.
“Conservation can help keep things the way they are and there seems to be a big demand for it.”
Pollster Lori Weigel points to a “big jump” in concerns about sprawl, drought and the state’s changing character, which may be contributing to declining quality of life.
“This year we see a large increase in the number of Montanans who say they are concerned about development and the changing character of the state,” Weigel said.
“While the number of residents who say growth is happening too fast has remained stable at fifty-seven percent, residents are increasingly concerned about the impacts of this growth on their communities.”
Kevin Costner as John Dutton and Kelsey Asbille as Monica Long-Dutton in the hit show Yellowstone
An All-American National Scenic Byways on the border of Montana and Wyoming
The Western drama starring Kevin Costner attracted approximately 2.1 million visitors and $730 million in tourists according to a report last year.
The 2024 Public Lands Survey surveyed 500 voters by phone and online from March 23-28, with a margin of error of +/- 4.38%.
The hit television series Yellowstone contributed to a boom in the state that caused housing prices to skyrocket.
The Western drama starring Kevin Costner attracted approximately 2.1 million visitors and $730 million in tourists according to a report last year.
The show has been a huge hit for the network and tells the story of the Dutton family and their battles for their gigantic Montana ranch.