HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-20-17 Correspondence - H. Grenier (HRDC) to Taylor - HRDC Funding RequestFrom:Anna Rosenberry
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: Additional information regarding our funding request
Date:Monday, June 26, 2017 4:37:14 PM
Attachments:COB_170620072013_0001.pdf
HRDC CNA_Final.pdf
From: Heather Grenier [mailto:hgrenier@hrdc9.org]
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 8:12 AM
To: Carson Taylor <CTaylor@BOZEMAN.NET>
Cc: Anna Rosenberry <ARosenberry@BOZEMAN.NET>; Dennis Taylor <DTaylor@BOZEMAN.NET>
Subject: Additional information regarding our funding request
Good Morning,
Per Ms. Andrus' statement during the June 12, 2017 meeting, I am providing some follow up
information regarding HRDC's new funding request. Please see attached.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns.
Best Regards,
Heather Grenier
President/CEO
HRDC
32 S Tracy Avenue, Bozeman | 406.587.4486
111 S 2nd Street, Livingston | 406.333.2537
www.thehrdc.org
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT 2017
ACkNOwlEDgEMENTS
The HRDC Community Needs
Assessment project team would like to
thank all of our partners, volunteers, and
customers who took the time to take the
survey and participate in our townhall
discussions.
A special thanks to those who let us use
space for our townhall Discussions:
• The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts
• Belgrade Senior Center
• Meagher County Community Center
• Three Forks United Methodist Church
• Big Sky Chapel
• Bozeman Public Library
• Manhattan Community Library
• Gardiner Community Center
• West Yellowstone Povah Community
Center
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT | 2016
TABlE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements ...............................................................................ii
Executive Summary ...............................................................................2
Introduction .........................................................................................3
Scope of Study and Assessment Background ...............................................................3
Community Needs Assessment Data or Overall Data ................................................3
Assessment Methodology .....................................................................5
Community Needs Assessment Data Overview .......................................6
Introduction ..............................................................................................................................6
Community Profiles and the Community’s Voice ........................................................10
Introduction ..............................................................................................................................10
Overall Survey Results ...........................................................................................................11
Belgrade Community Profile ...............................................................................................15
Big Sky Community Profile ..................................................................................................22
Bozeman Community Profile ..............................................................................................29
Gardiner Community Profile ...............................................................................................36
Livingston Community Profile ............................................................................................43
Manhattan Community Profile ...........................................................................................50
Three Forks Community Profile ..........................................................................................56
West Yellowstone Community Profile ..............................................................................63
White Sulphur Springs Community Profile ....................................................................70Key Findings ..........................................................................................77
References and Sources ..........................................................................79
Appendices ............................................................................................80
2
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Our tri-annual needs assessment helps inform the work
we do. Our charter as a Community Action Agency
is to respond to our community’s needs. Whether
that affordable housing, transportation, childcare, or
workforce development, etc., HRDC’s current services
are all uniquely designed to meet an identified need in
the community. This study translates into our strategic
plan that will guide our organization for the next three
years in tackling the underlying issues affecting persons
facing poverty. As identified in the needs assessment, our
three largest focus areas will be housing, transportation,
and access to health care, specifically mental health care
services.
It is evident, more than ever, there is an established
need for HRDC services in the region of study. The
work, programs, and initiative being carried out by the
HRDC is meaningful and answering a need. This was
confirmed across multiple levels of data as described in
the introduction. It is the overall data received from the
Community Needs Assessment survey that gives support
and confirms the continued need or expansion of existing
sectors as it relates to housing, transportation and health
care.
Housing
Affordable housing, if it be for purchase or rent is a
consistent issue across all of the geographies. Whether
it be a more affluent community like Big Sky or a more
rural community like Three Forks affordable housing was
a common concern. It appears wages are not supporting
housing costs. The rental market is particularly strained
both in the number of units available and affordability
throughout the region. Ultimately, there is an imbalance
between supply and demand.
Transportation
The Community Needs Assessment survey showed that
there is a demonstrated need for increased trips and
opportunities to use public transportation. Several public
transit services are used and could potentially be utilized
more if some barriers were overcome to allow more
flexibility in riding options and scheduling.
ExECUTIvE SUMMArY
Health Care
There appears to be large disparities in the availability
and quality of health care, especially as it relates to
mental health. In some communities there is a lot of
confidence in health care facilities and availability though
access can be hindered by cost. In other communities,
access is a barrier due to remote facilities.
Despite the ability to access general healthcare,
mental health appeared to be of greater concern.
Overwhelmingly, results show that access to affordable
mental health care is lagging behind demand. Challenges
and stigmas around mental health also arose as results,
and appear to be contributing to ease of access.
3
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Scope of Study and Assessment Background
The Human Resource Development Council was
established in 1975 and serves Park, Gallatin, and
Meagher counties. As a private, not-for-profit Community
Action Agency, the organization is dedicated to
strengthening community and advancing the quality of
peoples’ lives. HRDC works to achieve this by developing
resources; both talent and capital, to help people of all
ages and situations confront and overcome obstacles
so that they can improve their lives. HRDC focuses
on seven strategic challenges and operates multiple
programs and initiatives to address these pressing human
needs. HRDC serves communities in seven areas: Food
and Nutrition; Housing and Homelessness; Child and
Youth Development; Senior Empowerment; Community
Transportation; Home Heating, Efficiency, and Safety; and
Community and Economic Development. Through our
programs and initiatives, we foster sustainable results
through practical, comprehensive approaches to social
and economic challenges.
The HRDC includes the following communities:
• Belgrade
• Amsterdam/Churchill/Manhattan
• Logan/Three Forks/Willow Creek
• Four Corners/Gallatin Gateway
• West Yellowstone
• Livingston
• Gardiner/Cook City/Silvergate
• Emigrant/Pray/Corwin Springs
• Clyde Park/Sedan/Wilsall
• Big Sky
• White Sulphur Springs/Martindale
• Bozeman
INTrODUCTION
In 2012 a Community Needs Assessment was completed.
This comprehensive community assessment was
structured according to the National Association for
State Community Services Programs: A Community
Action Guide to Comprehensive Community Needs
Assessments. The assessment helped give the organi-
zation the understanding to address both emerging and
ongoing needs by providing a snapshot of households
in the service area, including their current economic
well-being and welfare.
Since the completion of the 2012 assessment, the organi-
zation has tried to make strides in creating meaningful
changes to the organization’s existing framework,
programs and plans. As a result HRDC felt it was
important to build upon the existing study by analyzing
three new levels of information that was obtained
through several outreach efforts and surveys. These
efforts included new customer data, stakeholder data and
face-to-face interactions in focus groups held throughout
the HRDC region. The data is described in the subsequent
sections.
Community Needs Assessment Data or Overall Data
As an effort related to this needs assessment, a 75
question survey was created and sent to the public,
customers, partners and interested parties for feedback
related to what people feel are the most pressing needs
facing their community. Along with seeking other
general demographic data, this survey allowed for
data to be collected across all economic indicators for
a community. In total 840 surveys were collected. The
information collected is presented by community and
as a whole for the region (Gallatin, Park, and Meagher
counties).
4
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Customer Data
For the purposes of this needs assessment report,
customer data represents demographic data from
persons currently accessing any of HRDC’s programs
or services. The information included in this report is
made up of three data sources: US Census data for each
community, demographics from the survey respondents,
and demographics from HRDC customers in the specific
community. This communicates two things: how closely
related to our customer base is the population that
completed the survey and how representative are both of
those segments of the entire community demographics
themselves.
Stakeholder Data
HRDC relies on more than 500 partners annually to
continue to meet the needs of the community. These
partners are considered important stakeholders in
the planning process for HRDC. A stakeholder survey
was conducted as part of this process to gain valuable
insight into pressing needs for our community and
what roles partners see value in HRDC pursuing to
meet the community need. Surveys were distributed
to partners from the private sector, local government,
faith community, other local non-profits and community
organizations. 85 responses were collected.
Focus Groups
Townhall discussions were held to provide an
environment where partners or community members
could openly dialogue with HRDC regarding the specific
findings from that community. Findings were either
validated or amended based on public input. Full
townhall discussion notes can be found in the Appendix.
Townhall style meetings were held within each individual
community with Gallatin, Park, and Meagher counties.
Survey findings were mostly supported by town hall
discussions with slight nuances in some communities.
5
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Multiple methods were employed to ensure the quality
and diversity of data, including:
• A survey instrument of 76 questions distributed in
paper and online formats and delivered via email. The
survey was sent to community residents and partners
and was hosted online for several months to reach
the broadest population possible.
• Townhall focus groups with community members,
program participants, and representatives from local
social service providers and community partners.
• A survey instrument designed for community stake-
holder groups, also administered online.
• A data set representative of from HRDC customers.
• US Census Bureau estimates.
• Anecdotal evidence.
It is noted that each of the above methods were
carried out using purposeful, convenience sampling
techniques. A convenience sample surveys individuals
by chance. There is no way to guarantee representa-
tiveness. By comparing the demographics of those who
participated with the larger population (those who did
not participate) no significant differences were found.
It is noted in the demographic comparison, the data
collected from survey participants and HRDC customers
is from 2016, however the US Census Bureau data is from
2014, as it was the most recent general population data
available. Descriptive statistics methods were chosen to
analyze data within each community.
Surveys were analyzed as a whole in the overall results
section, while each individual community was analyzed
using the ZIP code as the primary geography. Geographic
Information Systems were used to combine geographies
where a community spanned across several ZIP code
tabulation areas. The Stakeholder Survey was the only
data set that was not analyzed by ZIP code, but rather
by communities (e.g. Belgrade, Livingston) served and
self-reported by each individual stakeholder.
ASSESSMENT METhODOlOgY
This assessment process exhibits both flexibility and
a richness of data that could not have been achieved
by other sampling techniques (e.g., random, stratified,
proportionate). Accordingly, the HRDC Community
Needs Assessment acknowledges concerns dealing with
the ability to make inferences from the results of this
assessment to the general population. However, given
the changing nature of demographic, economic, and
social conditions in local communities, this assessment
illustrates a representative, living document which places
value on actual experiences and stories of respondents as
much as on facts, figures and statistics.
6
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Introduction
The following provides context for demographic and
socioeconomic conditions in Gallatin, Meagher, and Park
Counties. The reports are generated by the Community
Action Partnership from the most recent US Census
American Community Survey (ACS) data.
At the time of this publication, reports compare 2014
ACS data to 2000 decennial census outcomes, as well as
data from other sources including the US Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the US
Department of Labor (USDOL), and the National Center
for Education Statistics (NCES). Outcomes are reported
by community, and include: population, employment,
education, housing, income, nutrition, and health care.
Additionally, side by side county comparisons for Gallatin,
Park and Meagher counties are included,
The following details findings for the overall region and
side by side county profiles, and following are detailed
community profiles in each county as listed above. The
detailed report can be found in the Appendix.
Population
From 2010 to 2014, the three county region of Gallatin,
Park and Meagher experienced a significant growth rate
of nearly 30%. This rate is triple the statewide growth rate
for the same period. While Montana mirrors the national
growth rate of about 11%, the three country region
is growing at a much faster rate. Many findings in this
report detail the impact of this significant growth, and
managing this growth effects each community in this
report.
Report Area Total Population,
2014 ACS
Total Population,
2000 Census
Population Change
from 2000-2014
Census/ACS
Percent Change
from 2000-2014
Census/ACS
Report Area 110,776 85,457 25,319 29.63%
Gallatin County,
MT
93,108 67,831 25,277 37.26%
Meagher County,
MT
2,026 1,932 94 4.87%
Park County, MT 15,642 15,694 -52 -0.33%
Montana 1,006,370 902,195 104,175 11.55%
United States 314,107,083 281,421,906 32,685,177 11.61%
Note: This indicator is compared with the state average.
Data Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey . US Census Bureau, Decennial Census. 2010-14. Source
geography: County
Gallatin County was a significant majority of this growth,
experienced 37% increase over the fourteen year
period. Meagher County also experienced growth, at
a rate of almost 5%. In comparison, Park County saw
an insignificant decline of 0.33%, which equates to 52
people over this time period.
Population change within the report area is shown below
for the 14-year period.
Employment
Employment data for September 2016 in the three
county area is detailed above. US Department of
Labor data is used to provide labor force availability,
employment, and unemployment statistics by county,
and for the state of Montana. Overall, the report area
experienced an average 2.4% percent unemployment
rate in September 2016. This is significantly lower than
the national unemployment rate of 4.9%, or the statewide
unemployment rate of 3.5%. The natural or “normal”
unemployment rate trends around 4% over time. An
unemployment rate lower than 4% tends to suggest that
businesses may struggle filling job openings or finding
workers to meet their demand .
Gallatin County has the lowest unemployment rate for
September 2016, reported at 2.2%. An unemployment
rate this low begins to restrict business growth because
employers are unable to find people to fill positions,
which in turn limits their ability to produce enough
product to meet demand.
Report Area Labor Force Number Employed Number
Unemployed
Unemployment
Rate
Report Area 71,294 69,608 1,686 2.4%
Gallatin County,
MT
61,957 60,591 1,366 2.2%
Meagher County,
MT
865 833 32 3.7%
Park County, MT 8,472 8,184 288 3.4%
Montana 519,550 501,382 18,168 3.5%
United States 160,765,502 152,959,578 7,805,924 4.9%
Note: This indicator is compared with the state average.
Data Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics . 2016 - September. Source geography: County
7
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Park and Meagher Counties have unemployment rates
at 3.4% and 3.7% respectively. These unemployment
rates are considered to be healthy, where there is a
healthy balance between businesses finding employees
to fill job openings, and workers being able to easily find
employment. These rates are similar to that of Montana
(3.5%) and are lower than that of the nation (4.9%).
Manufacturing Economy
From 2010 to 2014, the State of Montana as a whole saw
increases in the manufacturing industry. 2015 was the
first year since the recession that the state experienced
a decline in manufacturing jobs. All the communities
in Gallatin County, except Bozeman and Manhattan,
reflect this decline. There are several possible reasons
this decrease could have occurred. The first is due to a
shortage in the labor market. Anecdotally, manufacturers
report a chronic shortage in both entry-level positions
and specialized skill positions. This workforce shortage
could be forcing manufacturers to either relocate, or
increase automation. The manufacturing industry is a
highly automated industry, and with the advancement
of technology, automation could be displacing workers
to increase efficiency or to compensate for a workforce
shortage.
Additionally, two macroeconomic forces created
challenges for manufacturers in late 2014. This includes
a strong U.S. dollar that decreases foreign imports, and
a slowing of foreign markets in both China and Europe.
This may have caused Montana manufacturers exports to
drop from 10 to 8 percent of total shipments. These forces
could account for the decreases across the region under
in this study.
Lastly, there are significant increases in the manufacturing
industry in Bozeman, Manhattan, and Livingston. A
possible reason for the increases could include continued
growth in a sub-category of the manufacturing industry
that may be located in these communities, which would
reflect the overall growth of the manufacturing industry
in Montana and be catalyzed by the same factors.
Anecdotally, manufacturers report that their businesses
have seen growth in both domestic and foreign markets,
which has demanded an increase in efficiency, which
in turn demands an increase in the number of people
employed with the company.
Education
The table below uses Census ACS data from 2010-2014
to examine educational attainment rates. In the three-
county area, only 3.87% of people did not have a high
school diploma, compared to the statewide rate of 7.56%
and the national rate of 13.67%. Of the three county area,
50.12% have an associate’s degree or higher. It is worth
noting that the Office of the Commissioner of Higher
Education predicts that by 2018, 62% of Montana’s jobs
will require some form of postsecondary education .
Report Area
Percent
No High
School
Diploma
Percent
High School
Only
Percent
Some
College
Percent
Associates
Degree
Percent
Bachelors
Degree
Percent
Graduate or
Professional
Degree
Report Area 3.87%21.95%24.06%6.17%29.29%14.66%
Gallatin County,
MT
3.6%19.6%24.1%6%31.2%15.5%
Meagher County,
MT
9.28%40%24.2%8.1%14%4.5%
Park County, MT 4.57%31.6%23.8%6.7%21.6%11.8%
Montana 7.56%29.8%25.3%8.3%19.9%9.2%
United States 13.67%28%21.2%7.9%18.3%11%
Note: This indicator is compared with the state average.
Data Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey . 2010-14. Source geography: County
8
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Gallatin County has the highest rates of individuals
holding an associate’s degree or higher (52.7%), which is
significantly higher than the state rate (37.4%). Gallatin
County also has the lowest rates of individuals without
a High School diploma (3.6%), lower than both the
statewide and national averages.
Park County has 40.8% of individuals with an associate’s
degree or higher, and only 3.6% of people without a
high school diploma. This is significantly lower than the
statewide or national rate.
Meagher County has the highest rate of people with
no diploma, reporting 9.28%, which is higher than
the statewide average, but lower than the national
average. Meagher County has significantly lower rates
of individuals with an associate’s degree or higher,
26.6%, which is lower than both Montana and the nation
(37.2%).
Education needs were not a prominent finding among
our survey and customer data. While the need for
childcare was a frequent request, and HRDC operates a
Headstart (a low-income childcare program) we do not
find significant results outside of those areas that are
related to educational attainment.
Housing
Throughout this entire publication, housing needs are a
pressing issue in each community. The largest impacts
of the regional population growth seem to be on a
community’s infrastructure, particularly housing afford-
ability and availability. The overall residential vacancy
rate is 1.5%, which is lower than both the statewide
and nationwide rates. Extreme difficulty in finding
available rentals housing are reported across virtually all
communities in this study.
In Gallatin County, there is a 1.1% residential vacancy rate,
and the youngest housing stock (22 years) of all three
counties. In Park County, there is a residential vacancy
rate of 3.9%, which is higher than both the statewide and
national average. Park County has a housing stock with a
median age of 39, which is also older than Montana and
the United States (both 37 years old). In Meagher County,
there is a 0% residential vacancy rate, and the oldest
housing stock of any area reported (41 years old).
When examining the business vacancy rate, Park County
has the highest rate (9.1%), Gallatin County comes in second
(5.8%), and Meagher County has the lowest rate (0%).
Income
The income measure used in this report is median
household income based on U.S. Census Bureau
estimates. As shown in the table below, Gallatin County
has the highest median household income, at $51,569,
which is higher than the statewide average, but lower
than the national average. Both Park and Meagher
County have median household incomes ($42,942 and
$36,903 respectively) lower than the state and national
averages.
Report Area Residential
Addresses
Vacant
Residential
Addresses
Residential
Vacancy
Rate
Business
Addresses
Vacant
Business
Addresses
Business
Vacancy
Rate
Report Area 56,792 847 1.5%8,541 533 6.2%
Gallatin County,
MT
47,678 510 1.1%7,402 430 5.8%
Meagher County,
MT
396 0 0%10 0 0%
Park County, MT 8,718 337 3.9%1,129 103 9.1%
Montana 459,472 10,761 2.3%53,642 3,872 7.2%
United States 142,865,596 4,520,991 3.2%13,410,665 1,334,421 10%
Note: This indicator is compared with the state average.
Data Source: US Department of Housing and Urban Development . 2015-Q1. Source geography: County
Report Area Median Household Income
Gallatin County, MT $51,569
Meagher County, MT $36,903
Park County, MT $42,942
Montana $46,608
United States $53,657
Report Area Median Household Income
Gallatin County, MT $51,569
Meagher County, MT $36,903
Park County, MT $42,942
Montana $46,608
United States $53,657
Montana ranks 6th in the nation for the fastest wage
growth from 2005 to 2015, which equates to $10,900
over the last ten years. The factors contributing to this
growth include a stronger economy, industry mix, and a
shortage in labor markets. Typically, one effect of a labor
force shortage as discussed above includes faster wage
growth for workers. High performing industries with
an increasing demand maintains upward pressure on
worker’s wages. Despite this growth, Montana’s wages
are only equal to 76% of the national average wage (MT
Labor Day Report).
Throughout this study, affordability is a common theme
that arises. Workers in Montana report struggling with
affordable housing and transportation, but do not report
struggling with affordability of any other items such as
food or clothing.
9
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Report Area
Insurance
Population
(2014 Estimate)
Number Insured Number Uninsured Percent Uninsured
Report Area 110,776 83,500 14,166 12.79%
Gallatin County, MT 93,108 72,069 11,530 13.8%
Meagher County, MT 2,026 1,081 279 20.5%
Park County, MT 15,642 10,350 2,357 18.5%
Montana 1,006,370 692,997 139,768 13.89%
United States 314,107,084 229,973,140 36,013,970 11.47%
Note: This indicator is compared with the state average.
Data Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey . US Census Bureau, Small Area Health Insurance Estimates .2014. Source geography: County
Report Area Total Students Number Free/Reduced
Price Lunch Eligible
Percent Free/Reduced
Price Lunch Eligible
Report Area 14,224 3,895 28.25%
Gallatin County, MT 12,081 3,029 26.01%
Meagher County, MT 197 110 55.84%
Park County, MT 1,946 756 38.85%
Montana 144,129 59,717 42.06%
United States 50,195,195 26,012,902 52.35%
Note: This indicator is compared with the state average.
Data Source: National Center for Education Statistics, NCES - Common Core of Data . 2013-14. Source geography: Address
Nutrition
The National Center for Education Statistics lists figures
for 2013-2014 for each county in the area of study.
Within the entire report area, 3,895 students (27.4%)
were eligible for free or reduced price lunches during the
2013 -2014 school year, which is more than the national
average of 52.35%. In Gallatin County, only 26.01% of
students were eligible for free and reduced price lunch,
which is lower than the statewide average and lowest of
all the report areas. Park County has 38.85% of students
that are eligible for free and reduced price lunch, which
is lower than the Montana average. Meagher County has
55.84% students eligible for free and reduced price lunch,
which is higher than both state and national averages.
Health Care
M. Lavin
2
0
0
9
To analyze the health care status of the three county area
of study, the number of insured and uninsured people
are reported US Census Bureau data for 2014. Montana
reports 13.89% of individuals without insurance, which is
nearly equivalent to the percent of uninsured individuals
in Gallatin County (13.8%). Meagher and Park Counties
both had an above average percent of uninsured
population, with Meagher County having the highest
rate, 20.5%, and Park at 18.5%, significantly higher than
the state rate. All of the report areas are higher than
the national average of 11.47% uninsured individuals.
The uninsured population is calculated by estimating
the number of persons eligible for insurance (generally
those under 65) minus the estimated number of insured
persons.
10
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
COMMUNITY PrOFIlES and the Community’s Voice
Havre
Helena
Billings
Missoula Lewistown
Kalispell
Miles City
Medora
Great Falls
MT ND
59301
59645
59457
5904759730
59053
59046
59030
59901
59714 59715
58645
59716
59752
59758
59718
59020
59027
5901859741
59642
59647
59102
1
1
40
3
1
1
1
58
1
7
7
14
56
313
152
2
1
1
1
14410 1
59716
ZIP Code Number
Number of
Survey Responses
13
1 Survey
152 Surveys
LEGEND
ZIP Code Area
Survey responses by ZIP code
Introduction
The Community Needs Assessment survey was oriented
to collect the largest amount of information possible from
public sources, and the key mechanism for gathering
this information was a survey instrument designed to be
distributed through both digital and hardcopy formats
to the largest group of public participants, potential
stakeholders, or otherwise interested parties as possible.
The survey was hosted online for several months and
was sent to all potential email recipients, and included
incentives for completion.
Over the period the survey was administered, 840 surveys
were received from a large geographic and demographic
area. Most surveys were taken online and a few were
delivered in hardcopy.
The map below illustrates the geographic distribution of
received surveys.
11
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Overall Survey Results
There were 840 total survey responses, which were
geared to collecting general demographics and emerging
trends data from communities that HRDC is tasked with
serving. Emerging trends from the overall results include
strong responses regarding education, housing, transpor-
tation, and health care. General demographic data is
illustrated on the right. The following reports outcomes
from the survey responses.
Demographics
Most respondents were young adults. Of the total, just
over 25% were in the 25 to 34 year old age group. Only
3% of respondents were over the age of 75. At 78%,
respondents were overwhelmingly female.
About 37% of respondents lived in two-person
households. Respondents self-reported household income,
with outcomes mostly consistent with or below the state’s
median of $44,222. Most responses (32%) reported in the
$25,000 to $49,999 range. Almost a quarter of responses
reported a household income of below $25,000.
Race/Ethnicity
Five hundred twenty-nine of the 804 respondents
reported a race/ethnicity, and of these, 95% were White/
Caucasian, 2.6% selected Multiple Ethnicity/Other, 1%
selected American Indian or Alaskan Native, and another
1% reported Hispanic as their race/ethnicity. Black or
African American were chosen by two respondents.
Geography
As shown on the “Survey Respondents by ZIP Code”
map, the majority of respondents were from the two
Bozeman-area ZIP codes of 59715 and 59718. These ZIP
codes split the City of Bozeman into east and west halves,
and extend to the north of Gallatin County and include
the Four Corners community. This geography accounted
for 296 responses, or about 35% of the total. Park
County, including Livingston and parts of Paradise Valley
account for about 7% of responses, while the Belgrade
area comprised 6.6%. White Sulphur Springs and north
Meagher County accounted for just under 5% of total
responses, while a few responses came from as far away
as Flathead County and Medora, North Dakota.
122
164
109
63
33
15
7$150,000 to $174,999
$150,000 to $174,999
$125,000 to $149,999
$100,000 to $124,999
$50,000 to $99,999
$25,000 to $49,999
$0 to $24,999
6$175,000 and up
78%Female 22%Male
White/Caucasian
Mixed Race/Other
American Indian/Alaskan Native
HispanicBlack/African American0.4%
1%1%
3%
95%
race/Ethnicity
household Income
gender
12
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Employment
When asked how their current employment situation
could improve, 68% of respondents said “better pay”, 49%
said “increased benefits”, and 43% claimed “opportunities
for advancement” would improve their employment.
Location of job, physical work environment, and
reduction in required overtime scored the least among
options.
Almost all respondents (92%) believed that skills gained
from work experience was the largest strength to their
employability, while dependable childcare was chosen
the least (18%) as a strength regarding their employ-
ability. Almost a quarter of respondents claimed that
high quality educational opportunities were available in
their community, while 20% claimed opportunities were
lacking in their community.
Adult and Early Childhood Education
When asked to select from a list of educational services
needed, most survey respondents selected “Pell grants/
financial aid”, followed by “career guidance”, “community
college/university”, and “specialized skills training.”
When asked “Please select the option that is most true
about the availability of early childhood (0-3 years
old) services in your community;” 28% of respondents
were unsure, while 24% claimed it was lacking in their
community. 62% of respondents, however, did not have
children who were minors. Of those who did have young
children, 71% strongly agreed they were aware of the
importance and impact of quality early childhood care
and education (0-8 years) on long lasting health, behavior
and social/emotional abilities.
Housing
The perceived availability of housing, both for rent and
purchase, was measured among respondents. Overall,
about half of respondents found that rental housing was
lacking in their community, while 30% perceived rental
housing was available, but of poor quality and or too
costly. These were also the top two choices regarding the
availability of homes for purchase.
The biggest perceived problems by respondents
regarding housing in their community were the cost
of rent or housing payment, followed by the lack of
availability of affordable housing, and lastly, the cost
of utilities/rent deposit. Other challenges included
lack of short-term housing, and the size of housing
compared to family needs. The need for weatherization
and emergency shelters were among the lowest ranked
housing challenges.
Regarding the availability and security of housing, most
strongly disagreed that the interests of the low income
community were considered during the development
and planning of community projects. Conversely most
respondents strongly agreed they were able to stay in the
same dwelling from year to year.
Health Care, Mental Health, and Wellness
Among the challenges respondents perceived with
securing health care in their community, lack of income
for medical emergencies was selected by almost half of
respondents, followed by lack of health insurance.
Based on research by the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration in 2009, about 25% of the
homeless population in the United States suffers from
severe mental illness. Among HRDC survey respondents,
almost 50% perceived the availability of homeless
services lacking in their community, while another 16%
were unsure of the availability of homeless services.
Under 5% perceived homeless services were available to
most in their community and of high quality.
Nutrition and food security were a lower concern among
survey respondents. 32% claimed food was available
and of high quality; only 4% perceived food security was
lacking in their community.
13
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
1-5
5-10
10-30
30-45
Number of Responses
Butte
Helena
Bozeman
Belgrade
Four Corners
Manhattan
Three Forks
Livingston
West Yellowstone
Gardiner
Big Timber
White SulphurSprings
BEAVERHEAD
MADISON
CARBON
MEAGHER
LEWIS & CLARK
JEFFERSON
STILLWATER
SWEET GRASS
WHEATLAND
PARKGALLATIN
BROADWATER
GOLDEN VALLEY
SILVER BOW
Most frequently mentioned transportation routes for Streamline
expansion from the overall survey results.
Transportation
Transportation was found to be a key issue across every
surveyed community and was particularly evident in the
overall results. The map above illustrates the frequently
requested route expansions for the Streamline transpor-
tation system. Origins in Bozeman to nearby destinations
had the highest request rates, particularly Bozeman to
Belgrade and Bozeman to Livingston. White Sulphur
Springs to Helena and Helena to Bozeman were also
repeatedly mentioned.
Perceived transportation challenges among respondents
included the cost of car repairs and the cost of buying
or owning a car, including down payments and repairs.
Lack of help acquiring a driver’s license was found to be
the least challenging transportation issue with 4% of
responses.
The availability of transportation was largely perceived
to be inadequate, with 29% of respondents claiming
transportation was lacking in their communities.
Conversely, 28% perceived transportation to be available
in their community and of acceptable quality. Another
20% of survey takers reported transportation was
available in their community and improving rapidly.
When asked to respond to the statement: “Public
transportation routes cover all areas of my community”,
most respondents generally disagreed.
14
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Income
In general, there was a perceived income imbalance in
communities. This was related to the cost of living and
opportunities for low-income families. About 60% of
respondents strongly agreed with the statement, “The
cost of living in my community requires families to have
more than one stream of income.” Comparatively, 39% of
respondents disagreed that there were opportunities for
low-income persons to participate in savings programs
in their communities. Over half of survey respondents
agreed or somewhat agreed that their income
adequately supported their lifestyles.
Summary
Geographically most respondents were from areas
closer to the Bozeman/Belgrade area, with surveys
received from most ZIP codes in the tri-county area
served by HRDC.
Demographically survey respondents were similar
in race/ethnicity and gender. While young adults in
two-person households were well-represented, there
remains an evident diversity in age grouping.
The availability and quality of housing, transportation,
and health care were the most predominant emerging
key issues among survey responses.
Community Profiles by Area
The following community profiles compare and contrast
three data sources: responses to the community needs
assessment conducted by HRDC, HRDC customer data
specific to that community, and overall US Census data
from 2014.
Responses to the community needs assessment survey
were aggregated by ZIP code to better understand
the specific needs of each community. In addition, the
following Community Profiles compile information
received from the thousands of individual HRDC
customers, served and living in the specific community,
as well as the stakeholder groups that partner with
HRDC.
Furthermore, the input received from town hall
meetings hosted by HRDC Community Needs
Assessment team members is synthesized to
state emerging concerns and trends following the
stakeholder survey information.
0%25%50%75%100%
Unsure
Available to most in your communityand improving rapidly
Available to most in your communityand of acceptable quality
Available to most in your community butof poor quality and/or too costly
Available to most in your communityand of high quality
Lacking in your community
Percent of responses
3.8%
4.4%
7.4%
30%
51%
2.9%
Percent of responses
0%25%50%
No medical providers in my community
Hospital/emergency room not available in my community
Lack of transportation to health care services
Lack of resources for alcohol or drug abuse treatment
Lack of resources for mental health treatment
Not Applicable
Doctors will not accept Medicaid
Existing health conditions
Lack of income to pay for prescriptions
Lack of health insurance
Waiting list for services is long
Lack of income for medical emergencies
4%
4%
17%20%
28%
29%
Available to most in yourcommunity and improving rapidly
Available to most in your community andofacceptable quality
Available to most in your community andofhigh quality
Lacking in your community
Unsure
Available to most in your communityand of poor quality and/or too costly
Please rate the availability of rental housing in your community:
Please select the option that is most true about the availability of transportation in your community:
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with securing health care in my community:
15
BELGRADE | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Belgrade Community Profile
Demographics
Needs Assessment Survey
Fifty-three survey responses were
submitted from within the Belgrade
ZIP code of 59714. Respondents had
mostly lived in Belgrade between
6 and 20 years, were between
25 and 44 years old, and were
overwhelmingly female (82%).
Age range
2
17
13
8
10
3
3
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 64
65 to 74
75 or older
Customer Demographics
Customers from Belgrade were
largely between the ages of 34 and
44, which was generally younger
than survey respondents. Gender was
split 60% female to 40% male, while
although largely white (58%) many
customers left race unspecified.
Census Demographics
US Census estimates were
more congruent with customer
demographics than survey responses.
Estimates show an equal amount of
males and females in the Belgrade
ZIP code, and a large cohort of 25- to
44-year olds.
82%18%
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2014 US Census Estimates
2014 US Census Estimates
816
50
49
38
37
16
13
39
35
85
Up to 50%
51% - 75%
76% - 100%
101% - 115%
116% - 125%
126% - 135%
136% - 150%
151% - 175%
176% - 200%
201% and Over
4
84
271
34
54
731
Grade 0-8
Grade 9-12/Non-Grad
H.S. Grad/GED
Grade 12 + Post Sec.
2 or 4 yr. College Grad
Unspeci ed
89
41
34
97
493
173
176
75
0 to 5
6 to 11
12 to 17
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
Gender
CUSTOMER DATA ANALYSIS: Belgrade (59047, 59018)
1,178 Total Customers
Race
Finances
Age Range
Poverty Level
Highest Grade
0.3%0.8%Native Hawaiian/Pacic Islander
Black/African American
White
Unspecied
No Income
SSI
Employment + Other
Unemployment Insurance
TANF
Other
1.1%Multi-Race0.8%Other
1.4%American Indian/Alaska
Female Male
0.2%
3.6%
1.7%
1.9%
Employment Only
19%
71%
2.3%
60%40%
38%
58%
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 HRDC Customers
50%50%
gender
Male
Female
89
41
34
97
493
173
176
75
0 to 5
6 to 11
12 to 17
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
530
589
672
1078
2530
925
1022
279
0 to 5
5 to 9
10 to 14
15 to 24
25 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70 +
16
BELGRADE | COMMUNITY PROFILE
White
Black/African American
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Hispanic or Latino
Multi Race
Other
Unspecified
816
50
49
38
37
16
13
39
35
85
Up to 50%
51% - 75%
76% - 100%
101% - 115%
116% - 125%
126% - 135%
136% - 150%
151% - 175%
176% - 200%
201% and Over
4
84
271
34
54
731
Grade 0-8
Grade 9-12/Non-Grad
H.S. Grad/GED
Grade 12 + Post Sec.
2 or 4 yr. College Grad
Unspeci ed
89
41
34
97
493
173
176
75
0 to 5
6 to 11
12 to 17
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
GenderCUSTOMER DATA ANALYSIS: Belgrade (59047, 59018)1,178 Total Customers
Race
Finances
Age Range
Poverty Level
Highest Grade
0.3%0.8%Native Hawaiian/Pacic IslanderBlack/African American
White
Unspecied
No Income
SSI
Employment + Other
Unemployment Insurance
TANF
Other
1.1%Multi-Race0.8%Other
1.4%American Indian/Alaska
Female Male
0.2%
3.6%
1.7%
1.9%
Employment Only
19%
71%
2.3%
60%40%
38%
58%
94%
2%
2%
2%
1.6%0.3%
4%0.6%
16%
40%
20%
13%
9%
2%
0%
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
$0-24,999 21%
34%
22%
14%
7%
3%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
Ethnicity
Income
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2014 US Census Estimates
2014 US Census Estimates
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 HRDC Customers
81%
19%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
17
BELGRADE | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Housing Community Conditions
Like other communities in Gallatin County,
Belgrade is struggling to handle the
implications of rapid growth, particularly
among households seeking affordable
housing options outside of Bozeman. The
city limits have increased in population
by 5% from 2010 to 2015 (American
Community Survey 2015). Within the
boundaries served by the Belgrade school
district, which includes unincorporated
areas, the population has grown by 6.8%
in the same time period (Belgrade School
District 2016).
Despite the population increase,
commercial development, particularly in
the downtown, has lagged. Residential
development is strong, with median
home prices increasing to $240,000, a 31%
increase from 2014. Public services are
feeling the crunch; the City of Belgrade
reports that calls for service to the police
department have increased from 9,183
in 2009 to 11,946 in 2016, more than a
30% increase (Bozeman Daily Chronicle,
February 6, 2017), with increased assaults,
DUI’s and drug cases stretching police
services.
Housing
Rental housing was perceived to be lacking
by just over half of respondents. There
were zero respondents who perceived
rental housing to be available to most and
of high quality.
Similar to the overall survey responses,
the cost of rent/housing payment was
perceived to be a major challenge.
Affordability in general resulted in the
largest challenges for Belgrade survey
respondents. Neighborhood conditions
and weatherization were perceived as the
least encountered challenges related to
housing.
80%
53%
Available to most in your communityand improving rapidly
Lacking in your community
Available to mos t in your communitybut of poor quality and/or too costly
Available to mos t in your communityand of acceptable quality 13%
25%
Please rate the availability of rental housing in your community:
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with housing in my community:
0 25 50
Cost of rent housing/payment
Cost of utility rent/deposit
Housing size doesn’t meet family needs
Lack of temporary energency housing
Short term housing not available
Landlords are too restrictive with screening
Need weatherization
Need repairs (roof, foundation, plumbing, etc.)
Lack of shelters for emergency situations
Not Applicable
Other (please specify)
Number of Selections
1
1
10
11
11
12
13
13
18
22
29
42
46
Where housing is available, neighborhood conditions are not acceptable
18
BELGRADE | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Transportation
3.8%
21%
34%
22%
Lacking in your community
Available to most in yourcommunity and improvingrapidly
Available to most in your community andof acceptable quality
Available to most in your community and of high quality 19%
Available to most in your communityand of poor quality and/or too costly
1
2
1
2
1
18Responses
6
4
1 Four Corners
Manhattan
Airport
river rock
2 Three Forks
Montana State University1North 7th1west Yellowstone
within BelgradeRoute/Place
Bozeman
higher Frequen cy
Express routes
4
3
6
19
21
23
24
26
30
0 10 20 30 40
Lack of help in learning to drive or getting driver’s license
Not Applicable
Lack of knowledge on how to buy a car
Cost of gasoline
Lack of credit to buy a car
Cost of buying/downpayment for a car
Cost of maintaining a car
Limited public transportation
Cost of car repairs
Number of Selections
If you could pick the most needed route expansion for Streamline, what would it be?
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with transportation in my community:
Transportation
Transportation was found to be
somewhat more available than
in other communities, as 34% of
respondents found it to be available
to most in their community and of
acceptable quality.
By a large margin the most
requested routes for Streamline
program expansion were those
that supplied more stops to more
destinations within the Belgrade
community. Routes between
Belgrade and Bozeman were the
second-most mentioned, followed
by a higher frequency of routes.
Cost of car repairs were the most
encountered challenge regarding
transportation among Belgrade
respondents. This was followed by
limited public transportation, and
the cost of a down payment/buying
a car. Lack of help in learning to drive
or getting a driver’s license was the
least encountered challenge.
Please select the option that is most true about the availability of transportation in your community:
19
BELGRADE | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Health Care and Wellness
Food Security
Primary care providers who participate in health insurance plans
are located in areas accessible to my community.
Routine inpatient, outpatient and ambulatory procedures
are available at hospitals serving my community.
Specialists are available in my community.
Individuals are able to choose a primary care provider that they will establish and maintain a relationship(as opposed to reporting to a clinic and seeing whoever is available on any given day).
Strongly
Agree
Agree Somewhat
Agree
Disagree Stongly
Disagree
100%
Percent of responses
0%25%50%75%
Growing Food
Hunting
Fishing
Harvesting Natural Food (Berries, Herbs, Etc.)
Not Applicable
Trading Foods with Friends
Number of Selections
3
3
3
4
6
7
8
10
16
18
21
22
25
No medical providers in my community
spital/emergency room not available in my community
Lack of transportation to health care services
Lack of resources for alcohol or drug abuse treatment
Lack of resources for mental health treatment
Not Applicable
Doctors will not accept Medicaid
Existing health conditions
Lack of income to pay for prescriptions
Lack of health insurance
Waiting list for services is long
Lack of income for medical emergencies
5 10 15 200
Ho
Health Care and Wellness
Heath care responses showed large
disparities in availability and quality
of services. The most encountered
challenge was the lack of income for
medical emergencies, long waiting
lists for specialists, and respondents’
lack of health insurance.
Other Issues or Trends
Although in general food quality and
security was perceived to be high in
Belgrade, trends illustrated that many
respondents acquired food from
alternative sources, such as growing
food or hunting.
Please rate the following statements:
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with securing health care in my community:
I/my family increase my/our food supply through other means, including:
20
BELGRADE | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Belgrade Stakeholder Data
Twenty-one percent of community stakeholder groups
serving Belgrade identified as Service Organizations/Non
Profits, followed by Educational Services (9.5%), and State
Government (9.5%). About 40% of individual stakeholder
survey respondents held a Management role within their
organization.
Stakeholders in Belgrade ranked the following top five
areas in relative importance:
1. Employment
2. Housing
3. Family/child abuse
4. Education
5. Literacy
Regarding assistance to the elderly population in the
community, the following were ranked in order of relative
importance by stakeholders:
1. Access to transportation
2. Home repairs
3. Yard work/snow removal
4. Financial assistance
5. Grocery shopping
Stakeholders serving Belgrade also served Gallatin
Meagher, and Park Counties, as well as the Bozeman
community.
21
BELGRADE | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Belgrade Townhall—10/17/16
Housing
Responses from Townhall attendees confirmed the survey
results that rental housing is lacking in Belgrade, partic-
ularly for lower income households. Affordability issues
were recognized for both rental- and owner-occupied
units. In particular, housing was under-supplied for the
elderly, young families, and those with physical or mental
disabilities. Facilities and support for the homeless was
also confirmed as a major issue.
Transportation
Townhall attendees concurred with the survey
respondents that the expansion of Streamline/Galavan
was needed—particular the frequency and number of
stops. Townhall participants respondents both suggested
similar routes for expansion, the River Rock area and
destinations within Belgrade being the most mentioned.
Perceived need for a bike path on the frontage road.
Mental Health/Wellness
There was a consensus among participants and survey
respondents that health care facilities were adequate and
of good quality, but mental health facilities and services
were inadequate. Cost was a barrier to accessibility. Most
people prefer to go to Bozeman for all services, making
appointments with specialists difficult due to long wait
lists.
Food security topics including the importance of
community gardening opportunities, SNAP disquali-
fications, and high-quality nutritional education
programming at schools were reinforced at the Townhall
meeting.
Childcare
Townhall comments reflected findings from the needs
assessment survey, with the biggest issue concerns being
the monthly expense and the lack of qualified providers,
particularly on weekends. Townhall participants noted
a critical shortage of foster families. In addition, there
is a need for respite care for people caring for disabled
children and family members.
“
“
I think there should be more help for single mom’s
who aren’t getting any help and are just barely
above your income guidelines. It’s not fair that some
people have an extra person in their household who
increases the allowable income per household and
they only work part time or not at all but it allows
them to qualify for assistance.
“What struggle have you experienced regarding
your current job or ability to get a job?”
22
BIG SKY | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Big Sky Community Profile
Demographics
Needs Assessment Survey
Sixteen survey responses were
received in the two ZIP codes
encompassing the unincorporated
community of Big Sky (59716 and
59730). Most respondents had lived
in the Big Sky area between eleven
and 20 years, and were between 35
and 44 years old. Respondents were
largely female (79%).
201
26
21
12
3
15
34
1
23
Up to 50%
76% - 100%
101% - 115%
116% - 125%
126% - 135%
136% - 150%
151% - 175%
176% - 200%
201% and Over
4
5
1
68
211
22
30
6
1
0 to 5
6 to 11
12 to 17
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
Unspeci ed
2
14
75
22
52
183
Grade 0-8
Grade 9-12/Non-Grad
H.S. Grad/GED
Grade 12 + Post Sec.
2 or 4 yr. College Grad
Unspeci ed
Unemployment Insurance
0.3%
2.6%2.6%
SSIPension0.6%
Other
0.3%
0.6%American Indian/Alaksan
Black/African American
CUSTOMER DATA ANALYSIS: Big Sky (59730, 59716)
348 Total Customers
Unspecied
No Income
Employment + Other
Female Male
Employment Only
62%38%
Other
0.3%
White
59%
15%
6%
38%
50%
Gender
Race
Finances
Age Range
Poverty Level
Highest Grade
79%21%
0
3
2
2
3
9
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 64
65 or older
Customer Demographics
Compared to survey respondents,
HRDC customers in Big Sky were
slightly younger, with most
customers between the ages of
24 and 44. Sixty-two percent of
customers were female. The majority
of customers did not specify their
race, while 59% of customers
selected white.
Less than 1% specified American
Indian/Alaskan or Black/African
American. Of those who specified the
highest grade they completed, many
had graduated High School or passed
GED exams.
Census Demographics
US Census estimates regarding
gender were less congruent with
customer demographics and survey
responses. Estimates show more
males than females in the Big Sky ZIP
code. Similar to the customer data,
there was a large cohort of 25- to
44-year olds.
45%55%
gender
Male
Other
Female
194
133
155
309
876
447
349
149
0 to 5
5 to 9
10 to 14
15 to 24
25 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70 +
Age range
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents 2014 US Census Estimates2016 HRDC Customers
4
5
1
68
211
22
30
6
1
0 to 5
6 to 11
12 to 17
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents 2014 US Census Estimates2016 HRDC Customers
23
BIG SKY | COMMUNITY PROFILE
White
Black/African American
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Hispanic or Latino
Multi Race
Other
Asian
Unspecified
0.3%
0.6%
59%
15%
94%
0.3%
0.2%
5.7%
100%
17%
19%
20%
13%
21%
6%
4%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
0%
31%
38%
15%
8%
8%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 Needs Assessment Survey
2016 Needs Assessment Survey
2014 US Census Estimates
2014 US Census Estimates
Ethnicity
Income
74%
26%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
24
BIG SKY | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Community Conditions
The unincorporated community of Big Sky
is experiencing rapid commercial growth.
This is due, in large part, to the expansion
of the Big Sky Ski Resort and the town
center (New York Times 2017). The growth
of the town center is how the resort
community packages itself as a destination
to visitors and would-be buyers. However,
with all of this growth comes the issue of
affordable housing for the, often seasonal,
work force. Due to limited housing stock,
Big Sky has extremely low vacancy rates,
especially on a seasonal basis. The work
force often reside in hotels, (“company
housing”) located in Gallatin Canyon,
Four Corners or Bozeman; forcing them
to commute for work. These workers also
must rely on services outside of the Big
Sky community to address their needs.
Anecdotally, smaller year round businesses,
such as restaurants, are experiencing
a decrease in employment pools as
workers take advantage of opportunities
in Bozeman. Big Sky is not governed
through a town council and Mayor, but
utilizes special purpose districts to oversee
parks, schools, and other community
infrastructure. Despite the continued
growth in the commercial and tourism
sectors, the Big Sky community currently
does not have a comprehensive plan
to address its housing needs and other
growth management.
Housing
Rental housing was perceived to be lacking
by the large majority of respondents (84%).
Another 11% of respondents claimed
rental housing was available but was of
poor quality and/or too costly. Just over
half (53%) claimed homes for purchase
were lacking in their community, while
37% perceived that homes were of poor
quality or too costly.
53%Lacking in your community
37%Available to most in yo ur communityand of poor quality and/or too costly
Available to most in yo ur communityand of acceptable quality5%
Unsure5%
84%Lacking in your community
11%Availabl e to most in your communityand of poor quality and/or too costly
Available to most in your communityand of acceptable quality5%
Housing
Please rate the availability of rental housing in your community:
Please rate the availability of homes for purchase in your community:
0 155 20
Cost of rent housing/payment
Cost of utility rent/deposit
Short term housing not available
Need repairs (roof, foundation, plumbing, etc.)
Landlords are too restrictive with screening
Lack of shelters for emergency situations
Need weatherization
Lack of temporary emergency housing
Where housing is available, neighborhoodconditions are not acceptable
Housing size doesn’t meet family needs
Not Applicable
Other (please specify)
Number of Selections
1
1
1
4
5
7
5
7
8
8
12
16
17
10
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with housing in my community:
25
BIG SKY | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Transportation
All Responses
gallatin gateway
gardiner
livingsto n
More Funding
Emigrant
Paradise valley/Along highway 89
within Big Sky
0
2
4
5
5
7
7
8
9
0 642 8 10
Lack of help in learning to drive orgetting driver’s license
Not Applicable
Lack of knowledge on how to buy a car
Cost of gasoline
Lack of credit to buy a car
Cost of buying/downpayment for a car
Cost of maintaining a car
Limited public transportation
Cost of car repairs
Number of Selections
42%
Available to most in your community and improving rapidly
Lacking in your community
21%
21%
Available to most in your community and of acceptable quality
Available to most in your community and of high quality
16%
Congruent with the overall survey
results, housing affordability was the
preeminent issue, with high housing
costs and lack of affordable housing
being the two most encountered
challenges in Big Sky. The cost of
monthly payments such as rent or
utility costs was mentioned as the
third-most encountered challenge.
In comparison, unacceptable
neighborhood conditions were
perceived as less challenging in Big
Sky.
Transportation
Forty-two percent claimed transpor-
tation was available to most in the
community and of acceptable quality,
while 21% of respondents found
it to be available to most in their
community and of acceptable quality,
and another 21% found it to be
lacking in their community. The most
mentioned
Streamline program expansions
included more routes to nearby
destinations in the Gallatin River
Valley and Bozeman statistical
area. Additional funding was also
mentioned.
Car ownership and associated
costs—down payments, repairs,
and maintenance—were the most
encountered challenges related
to transportation. Limited public
transportation was mentioned as a
challenge by seven respondents in
Big Sky.
If you could pick the most needed route expansion for Streamline, what would it be?
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with transportation in my community:
Please select the option that is most true about the availability of transportation in your community:
26
BIG SKY | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Health Care and Wellness
Just over half (53%) of the
respondents said mental health/
suicide prevention services were
lacking in their community.
Twenty-one percent perceived
mental health services to be available
and improving rapidly.
Lack of income for emergencies,
lack of resources for mental health
treatment, lack of health insurance,
and lack of income to pay for
prescriptions were the top challenges
encountered by respondents.
Big Sky Customer Data
About half of customers in Big Sky
supported themselves financially
through their employment only, and
38% earned no income. Six percent of
customers were financially supported
by unemployment insurance.
Of those customers who specified
their highest grade achieved, most
graduated from high school or
received their GED.
Health Care and Wellness
16%
5%
Lacking in your community
Available to most in your communityand of acceptable quality
Unsure
Available to most in your community but ofpoor quality and/or too costly5%
21%Available to most in your communityand improving rapidly
53%
Ho
Number of Selections
0
1
2
2
2
2
3
4
5
5
6
10
No medical providers in my community
spital/emergency room not available in my community
Lack of transportation to health care services
Lack of resources for alcohol or drug abuse treatment
Lack of resources for mental health treatment
Not Applicable
Doctors will not accept Medicaid
Existing health conditions
Lack of income to pay for prescriptions
Lack of health insurance
Waiting list for services is long
Lack of income for medical emergencies
0 2 4 6 8 10
Please rate the availability of mental health/suicide prevention services in your community:
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with securing health care in my community:
27
BIG SKY | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Big Sky Stakeholder Data
Of the 86 stakeholders surveyed, 21 served the Big Sky
community. Six of these stakeholders identified as Real
Estate or Rental and Leasing organizations, followed by
Finance or Insurance, and Educational Services. About
43% held a Professional Services role within their organi-
zation.
Stakeholders in Big Sky ranked the following top five
areas in relative importance:
1. Housing
2. Employment
3. Education
4. Job training
5. Family/child abuse
Regarding assistance to the elderly population in the
community, the following were ranked in order of relative
importance by stakeholders:
1. Home repairs
2. Financial assistance
3. Access to transportation
4. Yard work/snow removal
5. Grocery shopping
The majority (62%) of Big Sky stakeholders were very
familiar with the HRDC in general and were mostly
familiar with HRDC’s programs related to housing
followed by food and nutrition. Stakeholders who served
Big Sky also served Bozeman, Belgrade, and Gallatin
County.
28
BIG SKY | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Big Sky Townhall 10/24/16, 15 attendants
Housing
Responses from Townhall attendees confirmed the
survey results that rental housing is lacking in Big Sky,
particularly for workforce housing. Housing issues affect
seasonal workers, but they are also affecting full-time
residents working as teachers, fire fighters and more.
Transportation
Townhall attendees concurred with the survey partic-
ipants that the expansion of Streamline was needed—
particularly the frequency and number of stops. Townhall
participants suggested similar routes for expansion to
Belgrade and the airport. At peak hours, seats are in high
demand and oftentimes people will have to wait for the
next bus.
Mental Health/Wellness
There was a consensus among participants and survey
respondents that health care facilities and mental health
facilities and associated services were inadequate. Travel
was a barrier to accessibility. Most people must travel to
Bozeman for all services. Participants also noted drug and
alcohol abuse as prevalent in the community.
The topic addressing challenges among those who are
in great need was a reinforced topic of the townhall
meeting.
““Increased homelessness due to
lack of affordable housing.
““
Fast growth without
thoughts of what to do with
waste - ie gallatin river spill.
“What are the most serious environmental
problems that exist in your community?”
29
BOZEMAN | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Bozeman Community Profile
Demographics
Needs Assessment Survey
297 total surveys were collected for
the two Bozeman area ZIP codes of
59718 and 59715. Many respondents
were relatively new to the Bozeman
area, with 109 respondents having
lived there less than five years. Most
respondents were between 24
and 44 years old, and a majority of
respondents were female (79%).CUSTOMER DATA ANALYSIS: Bozeman (59715, 59718)
3,741 Total Customers
1.4%
0.2%
0.9%
2.8%
Multi-Race
Native Hawaiian/Pacic Islander
Black/African American
Other
White
Unspecied
No Income
Employment Only
SSI
Employment + Other
Unemployment Insurance
TANF
Other
0.4%Asian
3.3%American Indian/Alaska
52%48%
0.1%Other
FemaleMale
200
76
88
490
1642
486
526
222
11
0 to 5
6 to 11
12 to 17
18-23
24-44
45-54
55-69
70+
Unspeci ed
37
193
864
148
314
2185
Grade 0-8
Grade 9-12/Non-Grad
H.S. Grad/GED
Grade 12 + Post Sec.
2 or 4 yr. College Grad
Unspeci ed
40%
51%
0.1%
1.3%
2.2%
3.4%
4.0%
24%
65%
2663
174
239
130
67
46
54
89
43
236
Up to 50%
51% - 75%
76% - 100%
101% - 115%
116% - 125%
126% - 135%
136% - 150%
151% - 175%
176% - 200%
201% and Over
Gender
Race
Finances
Age Range
Poverty Level
Highest Grade
79%21%
CUSTOMER DATA ANALYSIS: Bozeman (59715, 59718)
3,741 Total Customers
1.4%
0.2%
0.9%
2.8%
Multi-Race
Native Hawaiian/Pacic Islander
Black/African American
Other
White
Unspecied
No Income
Employment Only
SSI
Employment + Other
Unemployment Insurance
TANF
Other
0.4%Asian
3.3%American Indian/Alaska
52%48%
0.1%Other
FemaleMale
200
76
88
490
1642
486
526
222
11
0 to 5
6 to 11
12 to 17
18-23
24-44
45-54
55-69
70+
Unspeci ed
37
193
864
148
314
2185
Grade 0-8
Grade 9-12/Non-Grad
H.S. Grad/GED
Grade 12 + Post Sec.
2 or 4 yr. College Grad
Unspeci ed
40%
51%
0.1%
1.3%
2.2%
3.4%
4.0%
24%
65%
2663
174
239
130
67
46
54
89
43
236
Up to 50%
51% - 75%
76% - 100%
101% - 115%
116% - 125%
126% - 135%
136% - 150%
151% - 175%
176% - 200%
201% and Over
Gender
Race
Finances
Age Range
Poverty Level
Highest Grade
20
25
6
88
53
43
62
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 64
65 to 74
75 or older
Customer Demographics
3,741 customers were served in the
Bozeman community. Just over half
of these (52%) were female, 51%
were white, and 40% did not specify
their race. Most (1,642) customers
were between the ages of 24 to 44.
Of the customers who specified
their highest grade achieved, 864
graduated from High School or had
passed GED exams.
Census Demographics
US Census estimates were slightly
more comparable with customer
demographics than survey responses.
Estimates show slightly more females
(52%) than males (48%) in Bozeman
ZIP codes, and a large cohort of 15-
to 24-year olds as well as 25- to 44
year olds..
Age range
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents 2014 US Census Estimates2016 HRDC Customersgender
Male
Female
52%48%
1,994
1,938
1,199
12,111
12,433
3,264
3,934
2,250
0 to 5
5 to 9
10 to 14
15 to 24
25 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70 +
“
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents 2014 US Census Estimates2016 HRDC Customers
30
BOZEMAN | COMMUNITY PROFILE
White
Black/African American
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Hispanic or Latino
Multi Race
Other
Asian
Unspecified
Ethnicity
Income
1.4%
0.2%
0.9%
2.8%
0.4%
3.3%
40%
51%
95%
0.01%0.01%2.4%
0.5%
1.5%
2.1%
2.4%3.0%
90%
25%
27%
22%
13%
10%
1%
1%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
28%
25%
19%
13%
9%
3%
3%
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2014 US Census Estimates
2014 US Census Estimates
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 HRDC Customers
86%
14%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
31
BOZEMAN | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Housing
0%75%25%100%
Cost of rent housing/payment
Cost of utility rent/deposit
Short term housing not available
Need repairs (roof, foundation, plumbing, etc.)
Landlords are too restrictive with screening
Where housing is available,neighborhood conditions are not acceptable
Need weatherization
Other
Lack of shelters for emergency situations
Lack of temporary emergency housing
Housing size doesn’t meet family needs
Not Applicable
Percent of responses
50%
Please rate the availability of rental housing in your community:
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with housing in my community:
Community Conditions
Bozeman has experienced high growth
over a number of years, a notable increase
of 2,700 residents from 2012 to 2015, with
a corresponding increase in housing units
during that same time period of only 1,193.
Montana State University’s enrollment
continues to increase annually, drawing
talent to the area yet simultaneously having
a significant impact on the housing market.
Other housing impacts include an increase
in short term rentals and non-owner
occupied investment properties. Simply,
supply is not meeting demand, driving
up home prices to a new median price
of $359,500 in 2016 (Gallatin Association
of Realtors). Further, median household
incomes have grown by 30% since 1990,
while median home values have more
than doubled during that same timeframe.
Unemployment continues to remain low,
posing continued challenges to the food
and hospitality industries.
Housing
Over half of respondents (56%) claimed
rental housing was available but was of
poor quality and/or too costly. Rental
housing was perceived to be lacking by
32% of respondents. The remaining 12%
perceived rental housing to be available but
of varying quality.
Survey results in the Bozeman community
were comparable with the overall results,
as most of the respondents were from
the two Bozeman-area ZIP codes. The
cost of rent or the housing payment was
perceived to be the largest challenge
among survey respondents, followed by
the lack of affordable housing. The cost of
deposit to secure rental housing was the
third-most encountered challenge. The
need for weatherization was the least cited
challenge.
Available to most in your community and of poor qualityand/or too costly
Lacking in your community
2%3%Available to most in your community and of acceptable quality Unsure
56%Available to most in your community and of high-quality
1%Available to most in your community and improving rapidly
6%
32%
32
BOZEMAN | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Transportation
Lack of help in learning to drive or getting driver’s license
Not Applicable
Lack of knowledge on how to buy a car
Cost of gasoline
Lack of credit to buy a car
Cost of buying/downpayment for a car
Cost of maintaining a car
Limited public transportation
Cost of car repairs
0%75%25%
Percent of responses
50%
6
12
7
11
5
22
2115
7
livingston
19th Ave
Blueline to Cattail
Three Forks9Four Corners9west Bozeman9within Bozeman
gallatin valley Food Bank
3 hospital
2 kagy Blvd2MSU
2 South Cottonwood
higher FrequencyBelgradeNorth 7th Ave
Airport
Transportation
Needs assessment survey results
regarding transportation availability
and services in Bozeman were similar
to those of the overall survey results.
Thirty percent of respondents found
that transportation was available
to most in their community and of
acceptable quality. Another 27%
perceived transportation to be
improving rapidly, while 24% claimed
transportation was available to most
and of high quality.
The most mentioned Streamline
program expansion or change was
the increased frequency of routes or
stops. Expanded routes to Belgrade
was frequently mentioned, as well
as stops near shopping and other
destinations on North 7th Avenue.
In general, the cost of car repairs, the
cost of purchasing vehicles, and the
cost of car maintenance were the
largest challenges faced by Bozeman
survey respondents regarding
transportation. The least mentioned
challenge was a lack of assistance in
learning to drive.
If you could pick the most needed route expansion for Streamline, what would it be?
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with transportation in my community:
Please select the option that is most true about the availability of transportation in your community:
11%
27%
3%
Available to most in yourcommunity and improving rapidly
Available to most in your community andof acceptable quality
Available to most in your community andof high quality 24%
Lacking in your community
4%Unsure
30%
Available to most in your communityand of poor quality and/or too costly
33
BOZEMAN | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Health Care and Wellness
Lack of income for emergencies, lack
of income for prescriptions, and lack
of health insurance were the top
challenges listed by respondents.
Mental health and suicide prevention
services were perceived as available
to most and of high quality although
19% of respondents reported these
services to be lacking.
Health Care and Wellness
Percent of responses
0%10%20%30%40%50%
No medical providers in my community
Hospital/emergency roomnot available in my community
Lack of transportation to health care services
Lack of resources for alcohol or drug abuse treatment
Lack of resources for mental health treatment
Not Applicable
Doctors will not accept Medicaid
Existing health conditions
Lack of income to pay for prescriptions
Lack of health insurance
Waiting list for services is long
Lack of income for medical emergencies
26%
6%
19%
14%
16%
19%
Available to most in your community but of poor quality and/or too costly
Available to most in your community and improving rapidly
Available to most in your community and of high-quality
Available to most in your community and of acceptable quality
Unsure
Lacking in your community
Please rate the availability of mental health/suicide prevention services in your community:
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with securing health care in my community:
34
BOZEMAN | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Bozeman Stakeholder Data
Of the 86 stakeholders surveyed, 36 served the Bozeman
community. Seven of these stakeholders identified
themselves as Real Estate or Rental and Leasing organi-
zations, followed by Services Organization/Non-Profit,
Finance or Insurance, and Educational Services. About
47% had a Professional Services role within their organi-
zation.
Stakeholders in Bozeman ranked the following top five
areas in relative importance:
1. Education
2. Employment
3. Housing
4. Family/child abuse
5. Literacy
Regarding assistance to the elderly population in the
community, the following means of assistance were
ranked in order of relative importance by stakeholders to
keep the elderly in their homes:
1. Access to transportation
2. Home repairs
3. Access to transportation
4. Grocery shopping
5. Managing medications
35
BOZEMAN | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Bozeman Townhall 10/26/16, 13 attendants
Housing
Responses from Townhall attendees confirmed the survey
results that affordable rental housing is lacking. Afford-
ability and lack of availability issues were recognized for
rentals. In particular, housing was under-supplied for the
elderly, low-income families, and students. Facilities and
support for the homeless was also cited as a major issue.
Transportation
Townhall attendees concurred with the survey
respondents that the expansion of Streamline was
needed—particular the frequency and number of
stops as the public transportation is meeting a need for
part-time employees, and students, but does not offer
enough flexibility for full-time workers.
Mental Health/Wellness
There was a consensus among participants and survey
respondents that health care facilities were adequate
and of good quality, but mental health facilities and
services were inadequate. It was suggested there is a lack
of information about mental health services and mental
health resources in the community.
Childcare
Townhall comments reflected findings from the needs
assessment survey, with the biggest issue concerns being
the monthly expense and the lack of providers for infants.
Townhall participants noted the greatest needs are in
infant to two year old care, ESL, and part-time care. In
addition, there is a need for respite care for people caring
for disabled/special needs children and family members.
““Rapidly depleting
water supply.
“What are the most serious environmental problems
that exist in your community?”“Expansive development
and water rights/
conservation.“
36
GARDINER | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Gardiner Community Profile
Demographics
Needs Assessment Survey
For the ZIP code encompassing
the unincorporated community of
Gardiner (59030), 14 total needs
assessment surveys were received.
Seventy-one percent of respondents
were homeowners rather than
renters. The number of years
respondents lived in the community
was widely distributed with many
respondents having lived in Gardiner
from one to five years, and several
who have been there for over 30
years.
Employment Only
SSI
Employment + Other8%
8%
1
2
4
2
3
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
CUSTOMER DATA ANALYSIS: Gardiner (59030)
12 Total Customers
White Unspecied
No Income Other
Female Male
17%
19%
71%
67%33%
17%83%
1
7
2
2
Grade 9-12/Non-Grad
H.S. Grad/GED
Grade 12 + Post Sec.
2 or 4 yr. College Grad
4
2
3
1
2
Up to 50%
51% - 75%
76% - 100%
176% - 200%
201% and Over
Gender
Race
Finances
Age Range
Poverty Level
Highest Grade
54%46%
0
1
0
5
3
3
1
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 64
65 to 74
75 or older
Customer Demographics
Sixty-seven percent of customers
were female, 83% were white, and
17% did not specify their race.
Customer’s age ranges varied widely,
but most were over the age of 45.
Of the customers who specified
their highest grade achieved, most
graduated from High School or
had passed General Education
Development exams.
gender
Male
Female
Age range
1
2
4
2
3
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
52%48%
62
63
84
173
258
264
291
67
0 to 5
5 to 9
10 to 14
15 to 24
25 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70 +
Census Demographics
US Census estimates show an almost
equal amount of males and females
in the Gardiner ZIP code. Gardiner
has an older population, with most
people living in the ZIP code area
being above 25 years old.
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2014 US Census Estimates
2014 US Census Estimates
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 HRDC Customers
37
GARDINER | COMMUNITY PROFILE
White
Black/African American
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Hispanic or Latino
Multi Race
Other
Asian
Unspecified
Employment Only
SSI
Employment + Other8%
8%
1
2
4
2
3
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
CUSTOMER DATA ANALYSIS: Gardiner (59030)12 Total Customers
White Unspecied
No Income Other
Female Male
17%
19%
71%
67%33%
17%83%
1
7
2
2
Grade 9-12/Non-Grad
H.S. Grad/GED
Grade 12 + Post Sec.
2 or 4 yr. College Grad
4
2
3
1
2
Up to 50%
51% - 75%
76% - 100%
176% - 200%
201% and Over
Gender
Race
Finances
Age Range
Poverty Level
Highest Grade
0.6%0.8%
9.3%89%
100%
0%
31%
46%
23%
0%
0%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$174,999
$200,000 +
22%
29%
16%
22%
9.1%
2.7%
0.0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$174,999
$200,000 +
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 Needs Assessment Survey
2016 Needs Assessment Survey
2014 US Census Estimates
2014 US Census Estimates
Ethnicity
Income
75%
25%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$174,999
$200,000 +
38
GARDINER | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Housing
0 5 15
Cost of rent housing/payment
Cost of utility rent/deposit
Short term housing not available
Need repairs (roof, foundation, plumbing, etc.)
Landlords are too restrictive with screening
Where housing is available,neighborhood conditions are not acceptable
Need weatherization
Other
Lack of shelters for emergency situations
Lack of temporary emergency housing
Housing size doesn’t meet family needs
Not Applicable
Number of Selections
10
Lacking in yourcommunity
79%Lacking in yourcommunity
For Purchase:For Rent:
21%Available to most butpoor quality or toocostly 100%
Community Conditions
Like many seasonal, tourism-focused
communities, Gardiner has struggled to
meet their demand for affordable housing.
A small community of approximately 900
residents, the town experiences an influx
of over 650,000 Yellowstone visitors each
summer, a number that increases annually.
Growth in Park visitation has resulted
in increased demand for service sector
employees. Gardiner has added housing
units in an effort to meet increased need,
however; a number of factors continue
to contribute to affordable housing
challenges. Most notable are the physical
boundaries of Yellowstone National Park
and Forest Service lands, which limit
available property for development.
Second, the conversion of rental units that
were previously available on a seasonal
or year-round basis to vacation rentals
has severely reduced the rental housing
stock. From 2000-2010, the share of units
in the community designated for seasonal,
recreational or occasional use increased
by 159%. This has implications not only for
households seeking affordable rentals and
properties for purchase, but for employers
who struggle to fill open year round
positions in the community, impacting
the availability of critical services, such as
healthcare and childcare.
Housing
Almost 80% of respondents perceived
homes for purchase were lacking in their
community, and 100% of respondents
acknowledged homes for rent were lacking
in Gardiner. Most survey respondents
(71%) owned the home in which they lived.
The cost of housing/rent payment and
the lack of affordable housing were the
two largest challenges encountered by
respondents or someone they knew. An
inadequate housing size for family needs
was the third most encountered challenge.
Do you own or rent the place you live?
RentOwn71%29%
Please rate the availability of rental housing in your community:
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with housing in my community:
39
GARDINER | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Transportation
“Bozeman to Mammoth hot Springs”
“gardiner to livingston and Bozeman”
“Airport to downtown Bozeman”
“gardiner to Bozeman ”
“Commuter route gardiner to livingston at least. Bozeman.”
Available to most in your communityand of acceptable quality 15%
85%Lacking in your community
Lack of help in learning to driveor getting driver’s license
Not Applicable
Lack of knowledge on how to buy a car
Cost of gasoline
Lack of credit to buy a car
Cost of buying/down payment for a car
Cost of maintaining a car
Limited public transportation
Cost of car repairs
0%75%25%100%
Percent of responses
50%
If you could pick the most needed route expansion for Streamline, what would it be?
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with transportation in my community:
Please select the option that is most true about the availability of transportation in your community:Transportation
Eighty-five percent of survey
respondents perceived transportation
availability to be lacking in Gardiner.
The other 15% felt that transpor-
tation was available to most in their
community and was of acceptable
quality.
Routes suggested for Streamline
expansion included routes to
Bozeman, Mammoth Hot Springs,
Livingston, and the airport.
Limited public transportation was
perceived to be the largest challenge
for Gardiner survey respondents,
followed by costs associated with
owning a car, such as repairs, gasoline,
and maintenance.
40
GARDINER | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Health Care and Wellness
Percent of responses
0%25%50%75%
No medical providers in my community
Hospital/emergency room not available in my community
Lack of transportation to health care services
Lack of resources for alcohol or drug abuse treatment
Lack of resources for mental health treatment
Not Applicable
Doctors will not accept Medicaid
Existing health conditions
Lack of income to pay for prescriptions
Lack of health insurance
Waiting list for services is long
Lack of income for medical emergencies
7.7%
31%
46%Lacking in your community
Available to most in your community but of poor qualityand/or too costly
Available to most in your community andof high-quality
Unsure
7.7%Available to most in your community and of acceptable quality
7.7%
Please rate the availability of mental health/suicide prevention services in your community:
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with securing health care in my community:
Health Care and Wellness
The availability of mental health
care services was found to be
lacking in Gardiner by almost half of
respondents. Just under one third
of respondents were unsure of the
availability of mental health services.
Lack of health insurance was the
largest challenge regarding health
care, followed by a lack of income for
prescriptions, and a lack of income for
medical emergencies.
41
GARDINER | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Gardiner Stakeholder Data
Of the 86 stakeholders surveyed, 17 responded that
they served the Gardiner community. Most of these
stakeholders identified as a Services Organization/
Non-Profit followed by Real Estate or Rental and Leasing.
Most stakeholder held a Professional Services role in their
organization.
Stakeholders serving Gardiner ranked the following top
five areas in relative importance:
1. Education
2. Literacy
3. Housing
4. Family/child abuse
5. Medical care
Regarding assistance to the elderly population in the
community, the following were ranked in order of relative
importance by stakeholders to keep the elderly in their
homes:
1. Home repairs
2. Access to transportation
3. Financial assistance
4. Grocery shopping
5. Energy/utility costs
Stakeholders serving Gardiner also served Livingston and
Park County.
42
GARDINER | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Gardiner Townhall 11/07/16, 13 attendants
Housing
Responses from Townhall attendees confirmed the survey
results that rental housing is lacking in Gardiner and
new development opportunities are hindered by harsh
development constraints or lack of available property.
Generally, participants felt the housing situation is
“desperate” from both an availability and affordability
aspect.
Transportation
Townhall attendees concurred with the survey
respondents that the expansion of bus services was
needed—particular the service to Mammoth from
Bozeman. With the lack of housing the bus service from
Livingston to Mammoth is utilized.
Mental Health/Wellness
There was a consensus among participants and survey
respondents that general health care facilities were not
adequate. The rural lifestyle Gardiner offers requires
residents to travel to Livingston and Bozeman for small
services like prescription refills and other general services
like eye and dental care. Unlike other communities,
Gardiner did not focus on the lack of mental health
services.
Other topics reinforced include the need for general
community planning for projects five to ten years out.
These planning efforts should include key players like the
National Parks Service, Forest Service, and Xanterra.
““Leave town.
““Moving
““We need more year round work.
“What solutions might you have for addressing the
struggles with your current job?”
43
LIVINGSTON | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Livingston Community Profile
Demographics
Needs Assessment Survey
For the ZIP code encompassing
the City of Livingston and the
surrounding unincorporated areas in
Park County (59047), 58 total surveys
were received. Eighty-three percent
of respondents were female, and
most were between 45 and 54 years
old.
3
6
13
17
14
5
0
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 64
65 to 74
75 or older
83%17%
72
22
15
38
231
107
196
104
0 to 5
6 to 11
12 to 17
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
16
77
267
29
60
337
Grade 0-8
Grade 9-12/Non-Grad
H.S. Grad/GED
Grade 12 + Post Sec.
2 or 4 yr. College Grad
Unspeci ed
CUSTOMER DATA ANALYSIS: Livingston (59047, 59018)
786 Total Customers
3.7%
1.8%
Multi-Race
Other
White
Unspecied
No Income
SSI
Employment + Other
Unemployment Insurance
Pension
TANF
Other
0.1%Asian
0.3%American Indian/Alaska
Female Male
0.4%
0.6%
1.8%
3.2%
65%
Employment Only
482
52
70
49
12
9
14
28
17
53
Up to 50%
51% - 75%
76% - 100%
101% - 115%
116% - 125%
126% - 135%
136% - 150%
151% - 175%
176% - 200%
201% and Over
83%
12%
24%
51%
9.5%
8.8%
58%42%
Gender
Race
Finances
Age Range
Poverty Level
Highest Grade
Customer Demographics
There were 786 HRDC customers
who lived in a Livingston-area ZIP
code. These customers were mostly
female (58%), largely over the age
of 45, and 83% White. About 18% of
respondents selected a race other
than White, or did not specify their
race.
72
22
15
38
231
107
196
104
0 to 5
6 to 11
12 to 17
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
gender
Male
Female
Age range
50%50%
669
726
543
1,062
3,069
1,809
2,778
1,400
0 to 5
5 to 9
10 to 14
15 to 24
25 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70 +
Census Demographics
US Census estimates were
more consistent with customer
demographics than survey
responses. Estimates show an equal
amount of males and females in
the Livingston ZIP code, and a large
cohort of 25- to 44-year olds as well
as 55- to 69- year olds.
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2014 US Census Estimates
2014 US Census Estimates
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 HRDC Customers
44
LIVINGSTON | COMMUNITY PROFILE
White
Black/African American
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Hispanic or Latino
Multi Race
Other
Asian
Unspecified
Ethnicity
Income
3.7%
1.8%
0.1%
0.3%
83%
12%
0.2%
0.9%2.0%2.1%
94.7%
33%
33%
11%
11%
9%
3%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$174,999
$200,000 +
25.5%
33.7%
16.7%
10.8%
8.7%
1.9%
2.7%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$174,999
$200,000 +
4%
4%91%
1.0%
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2014 US Census Estimates
2014 US Census Estimates
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 HRDC Customers
83%
17%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$174,999
$200,000 +
45
LIVINGSTON | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Housing
0%25%50%75%100%
Available to most in your communityand of high quality
Available to most in your communityand of acceptable quality
Available to most in your communitybut of poor quality and/or too costly
Unsure
Lacking in your community
Community Conditions
Livingston is the county seat of Park
County, Montana. Livingston is the largest
incorporated community in Park County
with a population of 7,136. Relying heavily
on tourism, agriculture, and leisure
activities, this former railroad town has
experienced a modest 1% growth in
population over the last three years. This
lack of population growth has put pressure
on businesses to fill positions and produce
enough products and services to meet
an increasing demand. Despite minimal
overall population growth, Livingston’s
manufacturing industry has grown by
84% since 2012. Other industries that
have experienced healthy growth include
the real estate and rental industry (37%),
administrative and management services
(22%), and health care services (14%).
Although these industries have grown,
many commercial properties still remain
vacant in downtown Livingston. The
community of Livingston has minimal
access to public transportation, and has
many requests to expand these services
across the city. Despite the recent
construction of a new hospital, Livingston
HealthCare, additional mental health care
services are needed. With suicide rates far
exceeding the state and national averages,
the demand for mental health services
remains an urgent concern for community
residents.
Housing
Livingston survey respondents
overwhelmingly perceived that rental
housing was lacking in their community.
Rental housing was not seen by many
respondents to be available to most or of
high quality.
Please rate the availability of rental housing in your community:
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with housing in my community:
Percent of responses
0%25%50%75%100%
Cost of rent housing/payment
Cost of utility rent/deposit
Housing size doesn’t meet family needs
Lack of temporary emergency housing
Short term housing not available
Landlords are too restrictive with screening
Need weatherization
Need repairs (roof, foundation, plumbing, etc.)
Where housing is available, neighborhoodconditions are not acceptable
Lack of shelters for emergency situations
Not Applicable
Other (please specify)
Percent of responses
46
LIVINGSTON | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Transportation
1.7%
3.4%
10%
17%
66%
1.7%
Lacking in your community
Available to most in your community and improving rapidly
Available to most in your communityand of acceptable quality
Available to most in your community and of high-quality
Unsure
Available to most in your community and of poor qualityand/or too costly
3.
7.
5.
7.
5.
7.
1.2.
3.
7.
higher Frequency
North 7th (Bozeman)
hospital
Big Timber
reliabili ty
Unsure
7.weekends
within livingstonBozeman
gardiner
general riders (not just seniors and disabled)
3
7
9
27
31
34
37
37
38
0 10 20 30 40
Lack of help in learning to drive or getting driver’s license
Not Applicable
Lack of knowledge on how to buy a car
Cost of gasoline
Lack of credit to buy a car
Cost of buying/downpayment for a car
Cost of maintaining a car
Limited public transportation
Cost of car repairs
Number of Selections
Similar to survey results in other
communities, the cost of rent/
housing payments, the general lack
of affordable housing, and cost of
rent/utility deposit were the largest
challenges respondents perceived.
The need for weatherization was lower
on the list of housing challenges.
Transportation
Sixty-six percent of respondents noted
that transportation was lacking in
the Livingston community while 17%
perceived that transportation was
available to most in their community
and of acceptable quality.
The most frequently-mentioned route
or program expansion for Streamline
was to increase destinations and stops
within the Livingston community. The
second-most frequently mentioned
response was additional routes to
Bozeman. Frequency and reliability
were mentioned in general as areas
for expansion/improvement. The cost
of buying a car and limited public
transportation were the biggest
challenges Livingston respondents
faced.
If you could pick the most needed route expansion for Streamline, what would it be?
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with transportation in my community:
Please select the option that is most true about the availability of transportation in your community:
47
LIVINGSTON | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Health Care and Wellness
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with securing health care in my
community: (please check all that apply)
70%Yes 30%No
1.8%
7%
16%
65%
5.3%
Lacking in your community
Available to most in your communityand ofacceptable quality
Available to most in your community and of high-quality
Unsure
Available to most in your community and of poor quality and/or too costly
5.3%Available to most in your communityand ofacceptable quality
Please rate the availability of homeless services in you community:
Number of Selections
0
4
5
6
9
13
16
20
21
24
29
34Hospital/emergency room not available in my community
No medical providers in my community
Lack of resources for alcohol or drug abuse treatment
Not Applicable
Doctors will not accept Medicaid
Lack of transportation to health care services
Waiting list for services is long
Existing health conditions
Lack of resources for mental health treatment
Lack of income to pay for prescriptions
Lack of health insurance
Lack of income for medical emergencies
Health Care and Wellness
About 70% of respondents had
been affected by suicide, either by
the loss of a family member, friend,
or community member. Homeless
services were perceived to be lacking
in Livingston by 65% of respondents.
A perceived lack of hospital/
emergency room facilities, and a lack
of medical providers were thought to
be the biggest health care challenges
faced by Livingston community
members.
A perceived lack of resources for
alcohol or drug abuse treatment
indicates an unmet need for such
services in the community.
0 10 20 30 40
48
LIVINGSTON | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Livingston Stakeholder Data
Twenty-seven of the 86 stakeholders who responded
served Livingston and surrounding communities. Most
of these stakeholders identified as a Service Organi-
zation/Non-Profit, followed by Real Estate or Rental and
Leasing organization, and Educational Services. Most
stakeholders held a Professional Services role in their
organization.
Stakeholders serving Livingston ranked the following top
five areas in relative importance:
1. Housing
2. Employment
3. Education
4. Family/child abuse
5. Medical care
Regarding assistance to the elderly population in the
community, the following were ranked in order of relative
importance by stakeholders to keep the elderly in their
homes:
1. Access to transportation
2. Home repairs
3. Financial assistance
4. Yard work/Snow removal
5. Grocery shopping
Stakeholders serving Livingston also served Bozeman,
Belgrade, and Park County. Among HRDC’s services,
stakeholders were mostly familiar with those related
to housing (emergency shelter, rental assistance,
affordable rentals, home ownership, affordable housing
development).
49
LIVINGSTON | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Livingston Townhall Meeting, 10/13/16
Housing
Responses from Townhall attendees confirmed the survey
results that rental housing is lacking in Livingston. Afford-
ability issues were again recognized for both rental and
owner occupied units. The increased pressure is largely
due to displaced populations from Bozeman that are
living in Livingston and working in Bozeman.
Transportation
Townhall attendees concurred with the survey
respondents that the expansion of bus services for local
travel was needed—routes to grocery stores and medical
facilities were particularly needed.
Mental Health/Wellness
There was a consensus among participants and survey
respondents that mental health facilities and services
were inadequate. There is a negative stigma associated
with these types of services and there is a very real
community fear related to suicide. There is also a belief
that suicide prevention and mental health services are
highly needed for school aged children and teenagers.
Community Support and Coordination
Townhall comments reflected findings from the needs
assessment survey, with the biggest concerns being the
monthly expense and the lack of qualified providers,
particularly on weekends. Townhall participants noted
a critical shortage of foster families. In addition, there is
a need for respite care for those who support disabled
children and family members.
Faith Community
Townhall comments believe the faith community has a
role to fulfill in meeting community needs, especially as it
relates to homeless populations.
““I live in a rental and it has serious
code violations. Who monitors this?
““We are loving our river to death
“What are the most serious environmental
problems that exist in your community?”
50
MANHATTAN | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Manhattan Community Profile
Demographics
Needs Assessment Survey
Ten surveys were received in the
ZIP code encompassing the Town
of Manhattan and the surrounding
unincorporated communities (59741).
Eighty-three percent of respondents
were female and most were between
45 and 54 years old.
70%30%
3
0
1
3
0
2
1
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 64
65 to 74
75 or older
Customer Demographics
Customer data showed that there
were 130 Manhattan-area HRDC
customers. Of these, most were
female (56%), between the ages of
24 and 44, and largely white (61%).
About 39% of respondents selected
a race other than White, or did not
specify their race.
gender
Male
Other
Female
Age range
49%51%56%43%
1%
263
380
352
370
1,038
665
916
581
0 to 5
5 to 9
10 to 14
15 to 24
25 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70 +
5
6
7
53
24
21
14
0 to 5
6 to 11
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
Census Demographics
US Census estimates show a close to
equal amount of males and females
in the Manhattan ZIP code, and
an older cohort, with many being
above 25 years old.
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2014 US Census Estimates
2014 US Census Estimates
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 HRDC Customers
51
MANHATTAN | COMMUNITY PROFILE
White
Black/African American
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Hispanic or Latino
Multi Race
Other
Asian
Unspecified
Ethnicity
2%
61%
37%
10%90%
0.2%0.3%0.6%1.0%1.8%
96%
30%
50%
10%
10%
0%
0%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +$200,000 +
12%
29%
26%
16%
11%
3.6%
3.1%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
Income 2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2014 US Census Estimates
2014 US Census Estimates
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 HRDC Customers
77%
23%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
52
MANHATTAN | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Community Conditions
Manhattan became an incorporated
community in 1911, and is located in the
northwestern part of Gallatin County. In
2015, Manhattan had a modest population
of 1,191, which was a 17% decline since
2012. Despite the reduction in population,
Manhattan has seen an 86% increase in
their Hispanic population since 2012.
Manhattan’s main industries include seed
potatoes, dairy and wheat farms, and
commercial ranching operations. From
2012 to 2015, Manhattan saw a 35%
increase in their manufacturing industry, a
17% increase in their service and tourism
industry, a 31% increase in real estate
and rental industry, and a 33% increase
in administrative and management
services. Industries in decline from 2012
to 2015 include construction (54%) and
agriculture (27%). Many residents live
in Manhattan and commute to work in
surrounding communities such as Belgrade
and Bozeman. There is currently no public
transportation offered in Manhattan,
unless constituents qualify to access
elderly and disabled services. In addition to
lacking public transportation, Manhattan
also does not have access to emergency
care services or primary care physicians
and must seek those services in Belgrade
or Bozeman.
Housing
Rental housing was perceived to be lacking
by just over half of respondents. Forty
percent of respondents felt like rental
housing was available to most, but was
either poor in quality or too expensive.
Compared to other communities
surveyed, Manhattan had a relatively large
percentage of home owners.
50%
Available to most in your community and of poor quality and/or too costly
Lacking in your community
10%Available to most in your communityand of acceptable quality
40%
Housing
Cost of rent housing/payment
Cost of utility rent/deposit
Short term housing not available
Need repairs (roof, foundation, plumbing, etc.)
Landlords are too restrictive with screening
Where housing is available, neighborhoodconditions are not acceptable
Need weatherization
Other
Lack of shelters for emergency situations
Lack of temporary emergency housing
Housing size doesn’t meet family needs
Not Applicable
Number of Selections
0 2 4 6 8 10
Please rate the availability of rental housing in your community:
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with housing in my community:
Do you own or rent the place where you live?
70%30%RentOwn
53
MANHATTAN | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Transportation
Cost of gasoline
Lack of credit to buy a car
Cost of buying/downpayment for a car
Cost of maintaining a car
Limited public transportation
Cost of car repairs
0%75%25%100%
Percent of responses
50%
1
4
3
N 7th Ave
Three Forks
Manhattan
30%
Available to mos t in your communityand improving rapidly
Available to most in your communityand of acceptable quality
Available to most in your co mmunity and of high quality 40%
10%
20%
Lacking in your community
As with the overall survey results, the
cost of rent/housing payment was
perceived to be the most-encountered
challenge, followed by the low
availability of affordable housing. The
third-most encountered challenge
was that housing size did not meet
family needs. Of all communities
surveyed, this finding was unique
to the top three for the Manhattan
community.
Transportation
Transportation was found to be to
be available to most people in the
community and of high quality by
40% of respondents. Thirty percent of
respondents found transportation to
be lacking in Manhattan. The lack of
public transportation suggests these
responses are largely geared toward
private vehicles and public road and
street network.
The most frequently mentioned
program expansion for Streamline
was to Three Forks. Expanded stops
and frequency within Manhattan and
routes to N. 7th Avenue in Bozeman
were also mentioned.
The cost of car repairs and limited
public transportation options were
mentioned as the two most frequently
encountered challenges in Manhattan.
The cost of gasoline was also
expressed as a challenge.
If you could pick the most needed route expansion for Streamline, what would it be?
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with transportation in my community:
Please select the option that is most true about the availability of transportation in your community:
54
MANHATTAN | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Health Care and Wellness
Responses regarding health care and
mental health services showed large
disparities in availability and quality.
The largest perceived challenges
were the lack of income and lack of
health insurance. Long waiting lists,
affordable prescriptions, and lack of
medical providers in the community
were other top ranking responses.
Just under 80% of respondents have
been affected by suicide, either by
the loss of a family member, friend,
or a community member, which
was the highest percentage among
communities surveyed.
Health Care and Wellness
78%Yes 22%No
Number of Selections
No medical providers in my community
Hospital/emergency room not availablein my community
Lack of transportation to health care services
Lack of resources for alcoholor drug abuse treatment
Lack of resources for mental health treatment
Not Applicable
Doctors will not accept Medicaid
Existing health conditions
Lack of income to pay for prescriptions
Lack of health insurance
Waiting list for services is long
Lack of income for medical emergencies
0 1 2 3 4
have you been affected by suicide, either by the loss of a family member, friend or community member?
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with securing health care in my community:
55
MANHATTAN | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Manhattan Stakeholder Data
Twenty-two of the 86 stakeholders surveyed served
Manhattan and nearby communities. Most of these
stakeholders identified as a Real Estate or Rental and
Leasing organization, Service Organization/Non-Profit,
followed by Finance or Insurance organization. Most
stakeholders held a Professional Services or Management
role in their organization.
Stakeholders serving Manhattan ranked the following top
five areas in relative importance:
1. Education
2. Housing
3. Employment
4. Family/child abuse
5. Job training
Regarding assistance to the elderly population in the
community, the following were ranked in order of relative
importance by stakeholders to keep the elderly in their
homes:
1. Home repairs
2. Access to transportation
3. Financial assistance
4. Yard work/Snow removal
5. Managing medications
Stakeholders serving Manhattan also served Bozeman
and Belgrade.
““Manhattan needs an after school program
“What struggles have you had with child care
needs, jobs, or abilities to get a job?”
56
THREE FORKS | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Three Forks Community Profile
0
2
3
1
1
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 54
55 +
Demographics
Needs Assessment Survey
Seven surveys were received from
the 390-square mile ZIP code (59752)
surrounding Three Forks. Most
respondents were over the age of 55.
Fifty-seven percent of respondents
were women. Sixty-five percent
of participants stated they had no
income.
2
9
70
9
9
131
Grade 0-8
Grade 9-12/Non-Grad
H.S. Grad/GED
Grade 12 + Post Sec.
2 or 4 yr. College Grad
Unspeci ed
149
5
25
8
2
3
3
4
2
29
Up to 50%
51% - 75%
76% - 100%
101% - 115%
116% - 125%
126% - 135%
136% - 150%
151% - 175%
176% - 200%
201% and Over
Other
Unemployment Insurance
1.7%
1.7%
3.9%
5.7%
1.7%Multi-Race0.9%American Indian/Alaksan
0.4%Asian
7
9
13
102
40
38
21
0 to 5
6 to 11
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
CUSTOMER DATA ANALYSIS: Three Forks (59752)
230 Total Customers
White
Unspecied
No Income SSI
Employment + Other
Female Male
65%
Employment Only
54%
44%
22%
61%39%
Gender
Race
Finances
Age Range
Poverty Level
Highest Grade
57%43%
Customer Demographics
The HRDC customer data showed that
there were 230 HRDC customers from
the Three Forks area. Of these, most
were female (61%) between the ages
of 24 and 44 (44%), and mostly white
(61%). About 39% of respondents
selected a race other than White, or
did not specify their race.
Census Demographics
US Census estimates show an equal
amount of males and females in the
Three Forks ZIP code, and an older
cohort, with most being between 25
and 55 years old.
50%50%
gender
Male
Female
Age range
0 to 5
5 to 9
10 to 14
15 to 24
25 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70 +
117
235
305
259
664
577
587
385
7
9
13
102
40
38
21
0 to 5
6 to 11
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2014 US Census Estimates
2014 US Census Estimates
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 HRDC Customers
57
THREE FORKS | COMMUNITY PROFILE
White
Black/African American
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Hispanic or Latino
Multi Race
Other
Asian
Unspecified
Ethnicity
0.2%0.6%1.0%1.7%1.9%
95%
1.7%0.9%0.4%
54%
44%
86%14%
42%
29%
0%
0%
29%
0%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
23.7%
22.4%
23.2%
16.1%
11.1%
1%
2.4%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
Income 2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2014 US Census Estimates
2014 US Census Estimates
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 HRDC Customers
81%
19%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
58
THREE FORKS | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Community Conditions
Three Forks is located in the northwestern
edge of Gallatin County. While it has
a small population, 1,926 in 2015, it is
experiencing a moderate growth rate of
around 1.3 %. However, Three Forks serves
as a hub and provides services for many
rural communities in the area, including
Pony, Harrison, Willow Creek, Logan and
Clarkston. This can tax local infrastructure
and resources. For example, while Three
Forks has experienced a modest growth
rate, the school district has seen an
increase in enrollment from 560 in 2015
to 650 this year (NBC Montana 2017). The
community is also lacking in an effective
mechanism for communications and
local information. The local paper, The
Three Forks Herald, went out of circulation
last year, and the current print resource
Lewis and Clark Journal, is only produced
once a month. Three Forks, like many SW
Montana communities, is also experiencing
a housing supply deficit. Housing stock is
limited in both quantity and quality. Many
seniors and young adults are priced out of
the limited market.
Housing
Both homes to rent and homes to own
were perceived to be lacking by nearly half
of survey respondents. Although there
were very few surveys received in the
Three Forks ZIP code, more than half of
respondents owned the place where they
lived.
The cost of rent or housing payment, lack
of availability of affordable housing, and
the lack of available short-term housing
options were the top three challenges
related to housing identified by Three
Forks respondents. The need for weather-
ization and acceptability of neighborhood
conditions were low on the list of
challenges encountered.
Housing
Lacking in your
community
Available to most in your community but of
poor quality and/or too costly
0%50%100%
For Rent
For Purchase
0%75%25%
Cost of rent housing/payment
Cost of utility rent/deposit
Short term housing not available
Need repairs (roof, foundation, plumbing, etc.)
Landlords are too restrictive with screening
Where housing is available,neighborhood conditions are not acceptable
Need weatherization
Other
Lack of shelters for emergency situations
Lack of temporary emergency housing
Housing size doesn’t meet family needs
Not Applicable
Percent of responses
50%
0
0
0
Please rate the availability housing in your community:
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with housing in my community:
Do you own or rent the place where you live?
Homeless
2Rent
4 Own
1
59
THREE FORKS | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Transportation
0 21 43 5
Lack of help in learning to driveor getting driver’s license
Lack of knowledge on how to buy a car
Cost of gasoline
Lack of credit to buy a car
Cost of buying/downpayment for a car
Cost of maintaining a car
Limited public transportation
Cost of car repairs
Number of Selections
To and From Three Forks
(7 responses)
71%Lacking in your community
29%Available to most in your communityand of acceptable quality
Transportation
Respondents in Three Forks felt
transportation was challenging
from an affordability standpoint,
particularly owning and maintaining
their own vehicle, and securing
financing. Respondents also felt that
access to public transportation was
limited—71% perceived transpor-
tation options to be lacking in the
community. There appeared to be
issues with access and affordability
among all transportation modes and
options.
All respondents mentioned that
expanded routes to and from Three
Forks would be their most needed
expansion of the Streamline transpor-
tation program.
If you could pick the most needed route expansion for Streamline, what would it be?
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with transportation in my community:
Please select the option that is most true about the availability of transportation in your community:
60
THREE FORKS | COMMUNITY PROFILE
14%
58%Lacking in your community
Available to most in your communityand of acceptable quality
Unsure
Available to most in your communityand improving rapidly14%
14%
56%
Yes
43%
No
No medical providers in my community
Hospital/emergency room notavailable in my community
Lack of transportation to health care services
Lack of resources for alcohol or drug abuse treatment
Lack of resources for mental health treatment
Not Applicable
Doctors will not accept Medicaid
Existing health conditions
Lack of income to pay for prescriptions
Lack of health insurance
Waiting list for services is long
Lack of income for medical emergencies
Number of Selections
0 1 2 3 4
Health Care and Wellness
Health Care and Wellness
Heath care responses showed
substantial disparities in availability
and quality. The largest perceived
challenge was the presence of existing
medical conditions, lack of income,
and lack of health insurance.
More than half of respondents had
been affected by suicide in their
community. There also existed
a perception that mental health
services/suicide prevention services
were lacking in the community.have you been affected by suicide, either by the loss of a family member, friend or community member?
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with securing health care in my community:
Please select the option that is most true about the availability of
mental health services/suicide prevention in your community:
61
THREE FORKS | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Three Forks Stakeholder Data
Twenty-four of the 86 stakeholders surveyed served
Three Forks and nearby communities. Most of these
stakeholders identified as Real Estate or Rental and
Leasing organizations, Service Organization/Non-Profits,
followed by Faith-based organizations, and Finance
or Insurance organizations. Most stakeholders held a
Management or Professional Services role in their organi-
zation.
Stakeholders serving Three Forks ranked the following
top five areas in relative importance:
1. Education
2. Housing
3. Employment
4. Family/child abuse
5. Literacy
Regarding assistance to the elderly population in the
community, the following were ranked in order of relative
importance by stakeholders to keep the elderly in their
homes:
1. Home repairs
2. Access to transportation
3. Financial assistance
4. Yard work/Snow removal
5. Managing medications
Stakeholders serving Three Forks also served Belgrade
and Bozeman.
62
THREE FORKS | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Three Forks Townhall, 10/20/16
Housing
Responses from Townhall attendees confirmed the survey
results that rental housing is lacking in Three Forks,
particularly for lower income and elderly households.
Affordability issues were recognized for both rental- and
owner-occupied units. In particular, housing was under-
supplied for the elderly, young families, and those with
disabilities.
Transportation
Townhall attendees concurred with the survey
respondents that the expansion of Galavan was needed.
More frequent routes and more stops were specifically
mentioned by participants. Information related to
routes and times seemed to be a stumbling block which
supports the need for a communication avenue to make
residents aware of social services in the community.
Mental Health/Wellness
There was a consensus among participants and survey
respondents that the inability to choose a primary care
doctor created challenges for confidence in the health
services offered locally. Adequate facilities and services
require out of town travel to either Bozeman or Helena.
Mental Health services are not available in Three Forks.
Communication
With no local newspaper, communication of local services
is non-existent. In addition, there is no local cable or local
bulletin board. The Lewis and Clark Journal is receiving
too much information for the their monthly publication.
In today’s information age, the internet cannot be relied
upon because so few people have internet in Three forks
and the senior population does not use it.
Employment
Townhall comments reflected the lack of a skilled
workforce and lack of quality job opportunities offering a
living wage and career advancement opportunities.
“
“““
the less fortunate folks will be pushed out of Bozeman and into the more rural communities
Too many people crammed in too small of a space.
–Responses to: “With the increased and rapid growth of our
community, what environmental effects do you believe will
impact individual and community health?”
63
WEST YELLOWSTONE | COMMUNITY PROFILE
West Yellowstone Community Profile
Demographics
Needs Assessment Survey
17 surveys were received from the ZIP
code surrounding West Yellowstone
(59758). 7 respondents were between
the ages of 25 and 44. 59 percent of
respondents were women. 41 percent
of participants earned an income
between $25,000 and $49,999.
59%41%
0
0
1
7
2
4
3
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 64
65 to 74
75 or older
32
3
6
1
1
1
5
5
Up to 50%
51% - 75%
76% - 100%
101% - 115%
116% - 125%
126% - 135%
151% - 175%
201% and Over
1
10
10
3
6
24
Grade 0-8
Grade 9-12/Non-Grad
H.S. Grad/GED
Grade 12 + Post Sec.
2 or 4 yr. College Grad
Unspeci ed
Unemployment Insurance
4%
5%
2%American Indian/Alaksan
2
4
1
1
21
6
12
7
0 to 5
6 to 11
12 to 17
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
SSI
Other
Black/African American
22%
CUSTOMER DATA ANALYSIS: West Yellowstone (59758)
54 Total Customers
Unspecied
No Income
Employment + Other
Female Male
Employment Only
56%44%
White 59%
17%
11%
24%
43%13%
Gender
Race
Finances
Age Range
Poverty Level
Highest Grade
Customer Demographics
There were 54 HRDC customers
served in the West Yellowstone
community in 2016. Of these, most
were female (56%) between the ages
of 24 and 44 (44%), and mostly white
(59%). About 43% did not earn any
income in 2016.
gender
Male
Female
Age range
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents 2015 US Census Estimates2016 HRDC Customers
56%44%
0 to 5
5 to 9
10 to 14
15 to 24
25 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70 +
148
78
111
223
457
425
388
166
2
4
1
1
21
6
12
7
0 to 5
6 to 11
12 to 17
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
Census Demographics
US Census estimates show fewer
females (44%) than males (56%)
which differed from survey
respondents and customer data,
which were both majority female.
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents 2014 US Census Estimates2016 HRDC Customers
64
WEST YELLOWSTONE | COMMUNITY PROFILE
White
Black/African American
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Hispanic or Latino
Multi Race
Other
Asian
Unspecified
Ethnicity
Income
2%
22%59%
17%
91%4.7%2.4%1.0%0.4%0.3%
94%6%
12%
41%
23%
18%
6%
0%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
26%
44%
7%
16%
9.6%
3.9%
1.3%
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2014 US Census Estimates
2014 US Census Estimates
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 HRDC Customers
78%
22%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
65
WEST YELLOWSTONE | COMMUNITY PROFILE
88%
Available to most in your communityand of poor quality and/or too costly
Lacking in your community
12%
Housing
0%25%50%100%
Cost of rent housing/payment
Cost of utility rent/deposit
Short term housing not available
Need repairs (roof, foundation, plumbing, etc.)
Landlords are too restrictive with screening
Where housing is available,neighborhood conditions are not acceptable
Need weatherization
Other
Lack of shelters for emergency situations
Lack of temporary emergency housing
Housing size doesn’t meet family needs
Percent of responses
75%
Community Conditions
West Yellowstone continues to experience
challenges relating to housing,
transportation, and childcare. Land is in
short supply and the existing housing
stock is in need of significant repair.
Additionally, the community faces water
capacity challenges, impacting further
development. There are opportunities
on the horizon with the purchase of 80
acres west of town. The main childcare
provider serving the West Yellowstone
community was forced to close, leaving
many families without childcare options.
West Yellowstone is also experiencing a
cultural shift and significant changes in its
ethnic composition, with close to 35% of
the students reporting a Hispanic/Latino
ethnicity.
Housing
Eighty-eight percent of respondents
believed affordable housing was not
available in the West Yellowstone
community, which was the largest
percentage among communities surveyed.
Just over half of respondents rented the
place they lived, while about one third
owned their home.
The availability of affordable housing, the
(high) cost of rent or housing payments,
and lack of available short term housing
options were the top challenges related
to housing that respondents identified
which is similar to other tourism-centric
communities in the HRDC region.
Please rate the availability of rental housing in your community:
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with housing in my community:
Do you own or rent the place where you live?
53%Rent
12%Other
35%Own
66
WEST YELLOWSTONE | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Transportation
Lack of help in learning to driveor getting driver’s license
Lack of knowledge on how to buy a car
Cost of gasoline
Lack of credit to buy a car
Cost of buying/downpayment for a car
Cost of maintaining a car
Limited public transportation
Cost of car repairs
0%75%25%100%
Percent of responses
50%
“To/From Bozeman and West Yellowstone”
“Daily service from and to Big Sky and West Yellowstone”
“N/a - doesn’t run in my town”
“West Yellowstone to Big Sky/Bozeman”
“West Yellowstone”
“Rainbow Point to town”
“We don’t have any kind of public transportation. Not even Streamline.”
76%
Available to most in your communityand improving rapidly
Availabl e to most in your communitybut of poor quality and or/ too costly
Unsure6%
12%
6%
Lacking in your community
If you could pick the most needed route expansion for Streamline, what would it be?
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with transportation in my community:
Please select the option that is most true about the availability of transportation in your community:Transportation
Respondents overwhelmingly felt that
access to public transportation was
limited, ultimately creating challenges.
Seventy-six percent of respondents
perceived that transportation options
were lacking in the community.
In general, the high cost and afford-
ability of owning, repairing, or
maintaining a personal vehicle was
perceived as a challenge. The cost of
gasoline, while not typically a major
challenge encountered in other
communities, emerged in the top
three in West Yellowstone.
Regarding needed Streamline
expansion, the most frequently
mentioned responses were for routes
to and from Bozeman or within the
community.
67
WEST YELLOWSTONE | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Health Care and Wellness
75%Lacking in your co mmunity
Unsure
Available to most in your communityand improving rapidly6%
19%
Percent of responses
No medical providers in my community
Hospital/emergency room not available in my community
Lack of transportation to health care services
Lack of resources for alcohol or drug abuse treatment
Lack of resources for mental health treatment
Doctors will not accept Medicaid
Existing health conditions
Lack of income to pay for prescriptions
Lack of health insurance
Waiting list for services is long
Lack of income for medical emergencies
0%25%50%75%100%
Health Care and Wellness
Three quarters of respondents said
mental health/suicide prevention
services were lacking in West
Yellowstone.
Almost all respondents stated that a
hospital or emergency room was not
available in West Yellowstone, thus
creating a major challenge for access
of care. Beyond that, affordability of
health care was a perceived challenge.
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with securing health care in my community:
Please select the option that is most true about the availability of
mental health services/suicide prevention in your community:
68
WEST YELLOWSTONE | COMMUNITY PROFILE
West Yellowstone Stakeholder Data
Of the 86 stakeholders surveyed, 14 served the West
Yellowstone community. Most of these stakeholders
identified as Finance or Insurance organizations, Service
Organization/Non-Profits, Real Estate or Rental and
Leasing organizations, followed by Social and Human
Services organizations. Most stakeholders held a Profes-
sional Services or Management role in their organization.
Stakeholders serving West Yellowstone ranked the
following top five areas in relative importance:
1. Education
2. Substance abuse
3. Employment
4. Legal issues/services
5. Housing
Regarding assistance to keeping the elderly in the
community, the following were ranked in order of relative
importance by stakeholders:
1. Home repairs
2. Financial assistance
3. Access to transportation
4. Yard work/Snow removal
5. Grocery shopping
Stakeholders serving West Yellowstone also served
Belgrade, Bozeman, Gallatin County, Manhattan, and
Three Forks.
69
WEST YELLOWSTONE | COMMUNITY PROFILE
West Yellowstone 11/09/2016, 7 attendants
Housing
Responses from Townhall attendees confirmed the survey
results that affordable rental housing is lacking in West
Yellowstone. Those earning living wages from seasonal
jobs cannot afford the rental rates. Homeownership is
also unattainable. The perceived housing crisis is stifling
community growth as a whole.
Transportation
Townhall attendees concurred with the survey
respondents that Streamline services is needed. Townhall
participants believe Streamline is not a perfect fit due to
frequency issues and not allowing groceries on the bus
is prohibitive to many who would need public transpor-
tation to access food.
Mental Health/Wellness
In general both facilities and services are lacking in West
Yellowstone. Townhall participants report there are no
specialty health services, no primary care services, and
Urgent Care is very limited. Mobile and visiting health
services are well received and there is a need to increase
frequency.
Childcare
Townhall comments were congruent with findings from
the needs assessment survey, with the biggest concerns
being the lack of qualified providers, or even the
presence of any childcare facilities at all.
““More options for daycare in our town
““our town has [a] day care problem. it needs be addressed immediately.
“What struggles have you had with community
child care needs, jobs, or abilities to get a job?”
70
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS | COMMUNITY PROFILE
White Sulphur Springs Community Profile
Demographics
Needs Assessment Survey
The ZIP code encompassing the
area surrounding White Sulphur
Springs is 59645. There were 40
surveys received in this geographic
area. Twenty-six respondents were
between the ages of 25 and 44 and
24% of respondents were between
the ages of 55 and 69. 56 percent of
respondents were women. 65 percent
of participants stated they had no
income.
75%25%
38
2
25
4
2
1
2
6
3
5
Up to 50%
51% - 75%
76% - 100%
101% - 115%
116% - 125%
126% - 135%
136% - 150%
151% - 175%
176% - 200%
201% and Over
4
12
50
5
5
12
Grade 0-8
Grade 9-12/Non-Grad
H.S. Grad/GED
Grade 12 + Post Sec.
2 or 4 yr. College Grad
Unspeci ed
3
3
4
26
13
24
15
6 to 11
12 to 17
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70+
11%SSI
Other
Unemployment Insurance
1.1%
4.5%
4.5%
TANF
8%
1.1%Multi-Race1.1%Other
3.4%
CUSTOMER DATA ANALYSIS: White Sulphur Springs (59645)
88 Total Customers
Unspecied
No Income
Employment + Other
Female Male
65%
Employment Only
22%
58%42%
White 94%
Gender
Race
Finances
Age Range
Poverty Level
Highest Grade
Customer Demographics
There were 88 HRDC customers
served in the White Sulphur Springs
community in 2016. Of these, most
were female (58%), between the ages
of 24 and 44 (44%), and mostly white
(94%). About 40% of respondents
selected a race other than white, or
did not specify their race.
gender
Male
Female
Age range
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2015 US Census Estimates
2015 US Census Estimates
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 HRDC Customers
52%48%
0 to 5
5 to 9
10 to 14
15 to 24
25 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70 +
148
78
111
223
457
425
388
166
Census Demographics
With just slightly more females (52%)
than males, US Census estimates
were more similar to customer data
than survey respondents regarding
gender. All datasets indicated a large
population over the age of 24, and
fewer children and young adults.
0
3
3
4
26
13
24
15
0 to 5
6 to 11
12 to 17
18 to 23
24 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 69
70 +
1
4
11
11
6
2
5
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 64
65 to 74
75 or older
71
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS | COMMUNITY PROFILE
1.1%1.1%3.4%
94%
White
Black/African American
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Hispanic or Latino
Multi Race
Other
Asian
Unspecified
Ethnicity
Income
0.2%0.2%
0.2%1.6%97.7%
100%
14%
42%
19%
5%
14%
3%
3%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$124,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
24%
40%
22%
8%
5%
0.5%
0.3%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$124,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2016 Needs Assessment Survey Respondents
2014 US Census Estimates
2014 US Census Estimates
2016 HRDC Customers
2016 HRDC Customers
78%
22%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
$0-24,999
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000-$199,999
$200,000 +
72
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Housing
0 2010 30
Cost of rent housing/payment
Cost of utility rent/deposit
Short term housing not available
Need repairs (roof, foundation, plumbing, etc.)
Landlords are too restrictive with screening
Lack of shelters for emergency situations
Need weatherization
Lack of temporary emergency housing
Where housing is available,neighborhood conditions are not acceptable
Housing size doesn’t meet family needs
Not Applicable
Other (please specify)
Number of Selections
1
4
6
8
11
12
12
14
14
16
17
18
23
55%Availabl e to most in your communityand of poor quality and/or too costly
Lacking in your community
20%
12.5%
Available to mos t in your communityand of acceptable quality
Unsure12.5%
Community Conditions
White Sulphur Springs, the only
incorporated community in Meagher
County, is facing a housing shortage due
to a lack of quality affordable housing in
the area. According to our survey findings,
as well as townhall discussions, there is
housing in the immediate area of the
community, however; it is marginally old
and of disparaging quality. Due to this
issue, residents are choosing to move to
the periphery of White Sulphur Springs in
order to purchase quality homes. Along
with a lack of housing, there is also a lack
of childcare in the area. At present, there
is only one licensed childcare facility. Thus
forcing working families to either leave their
children with unlicensed childcare providers,
work odd hours, or not work at all.
Among the evolving problems mentioned,
residents of White Sulphur Springs face
a lack of communication about available
services and upcoming events. Members of
the community are often unsure of where
to go for information or how to get started
on local initiatives, mental health services,
and nearby available amenities.
Lastly, White Sulphur Springs is lacking
dependable public transportation. As a
result, individuals–especially the senior
population which makes up 34% of the
total–are paying local volunteers for
a ride to doctor appointments and/or
large grocery stores in nearby Helena,
Livingston, or Bozeman, or are forgoing
their appointments and shopping entirely.
Housing
Of those who responded to the survey,
85% stated they owned their home
in White Sulphur Springs. For those
considering home ownership 55% felt that
homes in the community were of poor
quality and too costly.
Please rate the availability of homes for purchase in your community:
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with housing in my community:
Do you own or rent the place where you live?
2.5%
12.5%Rent
Other
85%Own
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WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Transportation
rtation in white Sulphur Springs
1
1
42
1
To outer communities
There is no public transpo
1 Three Forks
1 Townsend
helenaBozeman
More disabled access
3
3
8
12
13
14
14
16
22
0 10 20 30
Lack of help in learning to driveor getting driver’s license
Not Applicable
Lack of knowledge on how to buy a car
Cost of gasoline
Lack of credit to buy a car
Cost of buying/downpayment for a car
Cost of maintaining a car
Limited public transportation
Cost of car repairs
Number of Selections
79.5%
Available to most in your community and of poor qualityand/or too costly
Lacking in your community
10.3%
7.7%Available to most in your community and of acceptable quality
Unsure
2.6%
White Sulphur Springs was unique
among communities regarding the
housing challenges encountered by
respondents. Housing was perceived
to be low quality with the need for
repairs and weatherization being
the top two challenges mentioned.
These were followed by challenges
encountered by the high cost of rent
or housing payment.
Transportation
Respondents overwhelmingly felt
that access to public transpor-
tation was limited, with about 80%
of respondents stating that the
availability of transportation was
lacking in the White Sulphur Springs
community.
For many, the lack of transportation
trickled down to a perceived lack of
access to health care facilities and
appointments. The cost of maintaining
a car and lack of credit to purchase a
car were the second and third most
encountered challenge. Desired
transportation to Helena emerged as
the number one desired expansion for
the Streamline program, while routes
to Bozeman were the second-most
mentioned for expansion.
If you could pick the most needed route expansion for Streamline, what would it be?
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with transportation in my community:
Please select the option that is most true about the availability of transportation in your community:
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WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS | COMMUNITY PROFILE
Health Care and Wellness
5.0%
65%Lacking in your community
Available to mos t in yo ur communityand of acceptable quality
Unsure
Available to mos t in yo ur communityand improving rapidly2.5%
27.5%
56%Yes 43%No
Number of Selections
1
1
1
4
7
9
9
14
15
15
17
05 10 15 20
No medical providers in my community
Lack of transportation to health care services
Lack of resources for alcohol ordrug abuse treatment
Lack of resources for mental health treatment
Not Applicable
Doctors will not accept Medicaid
Existing health conditions
Lack of income to pay for prescriptions
Lack of health insurance
Waiting list for services is long
Lack of income for medical emergencies
have you been affected by suicide, either by the loss of a family member, friend or community member?
I, or someone I know, have encountered the following challenges with securing health care in my community:
Please select the option that is most true about the availability of
mental health services/suicide prevention in your community:
Health Care and Wellness
A lack of mental health services was
an emerging trend from the survey.
Of those responding, 56% said
they knew someone who had been
effected by suicide. Over one quarter
of respondents were unsure of the
availability of mental health services.
In general it was an emerging trend
that affordability of health care
services was a challenge for those
participating in the survey. Lack
of income for emergencies, lack of
resources for mental health treatment,
and lack of income for prescriptions
were the top three challenges related
to health care and wellness.
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WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS | COMMUNITY PROFILE
White Sulphur Springs Stakeholder Data
Twenty-seven of the 86 stakeholders served the White
Sulphur Springs community. These stakeholders
identified as mostly as Service Organizations/Non-Profits,
Private Businesses, the Federal Government, Social and
Human Services organizations, and Finance or Insurance
organizations. Most stakeholders held a Professional
Services, Customer service, or Management role in their
organization.
Stakeholders serving White Sulphur Springs ranked the
following top five areas in relative importance:
1. Literacy
2. Housing
3. Employment
4. Family/child abuse
5. Job training
Regarding assistance to the elderly population in the
community, the following were ranked in order of relative
importance by stakeholders to keep the elderly in their
homes:
1. Home repairs
2. Access to transportation
3. Yard work/Snow removal
4. Energy/Utility costs
5. House work
Stakeholders serving West Yellowstone also served
Meagher County, Ringling, and Martinsdale.
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WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS | COMMUNITY PROFILE
White Sulphur Springs Townhall, 10/18/16
Housing
Responses from Townhall attendees confirmed the survey
results that rental housing is lacking in White Sulphur
Springs. Unlike other communities, these townhall
participants saw a critical issue for home ownership
education as it relates to financing and first-time home
buyers. A critical need for housing improvements and
weatherization is needed in White Sulphur’s aging
housing stock.
Transportation
Townhall attendees concurred with the survey
respondents that the lack of transportation services
has a trickle-down effect. The elderly population has no
transportation network to reach health care facilities
and driving under the influence offenses are a prevalent
problem as there are no taxi services.
Mental Health/Wellness
There was a consensus among participants and survey
respondents that mental health facilities and services
were inadequate. There is a negative stigma associated
with these services in a small town, which may be leading
to privacy concerns. The community has been impacted
greatly by suicide and an open dialogue and services are
a dire need.
Food security topics including the importance of
community gardening opportunities, SNAP disquali-
fications, and high-quality nutritional education
programming at schools were reinforced at the townhall
meeting.
Childcare
Townhall comments reflected findings from the needs
assessment survey, with the biggest issue concerns being
the lack of qualified providers which will not accept
subsidies.
““Lack of clean drinking water!!!!!
““Agricultural chemicals
““Garbage
“What are the most serious environmental
problems that exist in your community?”
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COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Key Findings
The following key findings are a synthesis of all
information gathered from the needs assessment survey,
stakeholder survey, HRDC customer data, and notes from
townhall meetings in each community. The goal was to
find the greatest community needs that were not being
met sufficiently. A content analysis of the quantitative,
qualitative, and open ended questions related to the
respondents perceived needs were coded for emergent
themes.
Community Needs Assessment Survey
This comprehensive, 76-question survey provides a
snapshot of the people who are using and benefitting
from HRDC service sectors. In total, 840 surveys were
submitted. The survey is not representative of the district
as a whole since the majority of respondents were from
the two Bozeman-area ZIP codes of 59715 and 59718,
only one community of the many in the region. In general
the most trends and issues that emerged were related
to the inability of the community to effectively address
housing affordability (particularly rentals), transportation,
and health care needs and availability.
Overall, about half of respondents found that rental
housing was lacking in their community, while 30%
perceived rental housing was available, but of poor
quality and or too costly. Among the challenges
respondents perceived with securing health care in their
community, lack of income for medical emergencies was
selected by almost half of respondents. Transportation
was found to be a key issue across every geography
and was particularly evident in the overall results with
overwhelming need to expand public transportation
services. Across almost every community, the cost of
maintaining, owning, or buying a car was the most
encountered challenge.
The overall survey results, combined with the other
data sets, confirmed the unmet needs in housing,
transportation, health care and mental health. Similar
to information gathered for the 2012 Community Needs
Assessment, there are still substantial needs in the region
related to affordable housing, particularly availability
for specific cohorts such as low-earning households in
high-income areas.
kEY FINDINgS
Customer Data
During 2016, HRDC provided services to 8,720 customers.
Fifty-three percent of customers were female, 47% were
male, and most were in one-person households.
One key finding from the customer data was the
overwhelming percentage of customers (60%) who were
not receiving any income. In every community, poverty
level of customers was 50% or below the federal poverty
range.
7
12
150
178
313
381
2480
5198
Pension
TANF
Unemployment Insurance
Employment + Other Source
SSI
Other
Employment only
No Income
Source of Financial Support, hrDC Customers
household Size, hrDC Customers
12
90
160
296
635
7,527
Six
Five
Four
Three
Two
One
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COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Townhall Focus Group Meetings
In summary, the perceptions from the townhall meetings
mostly supported the information that was brought
forth from stakeholders, with slight nuances in some
communities. There were emerging trends that are
noteworthy. For instance, those communities most
affected by and dependent upon tourism have the same
housing crisis perceptions. This suggests that tourism as
an economic driver comes at the cost of a diverse housing
market which cannot sustain the needs of residents
and visitors alike. Furthermore, tourist communities like
West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Big Sky rely on services
located in larger outlying communities which ultimately
creates challenges when accessing services. Increased
public transportation is perceived to be a way in which
that barrier can be broken.
Transportation related needs are the common factor
that bind the tourist community’s needs to the rural
community’s need. The input at townhall focus group
meetings from the Region’s rural communities reflect that
transportation is one of the greatest needs and ultimately
the cost of personal transportation or lack of public
transportation was directly affecting one’s ability to have
access to quality paying jobs, quality healthcare and
other services that attribute to quality of life.
Stakeholder Data
Stakeholders were asked to select and rank areas of
highest importance. Education was found to be an area of
high need, as it was the top ranked by stakeholders from
five of the nine communities. Housing was ranked highest
in Big Sky and Manhattan, while stakeholders serving
White Sulphur Springs perceived literacy to be the top
area of importance. Stakeholders were also surveyed
regarding their familiarity and effectiveness of HRDC’s
existing programs. Most stakeholders were familiar with
HRDC’s housing and transportation programs, but also
perceived those to be the areas for program expansions.
Community Top Area of Importance
Belgrade Employment
Big Sky Housing
Bozeman Education
Gardiner Education
Livingston Housing
Manhattan Education
Three Forks Education
West Yellowstone Education
White Sulphur Springs Literacy
Top Area of Importance from Community Stakeholders
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COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Childcare in Montana: Access to Affordable and Quality Care.
Rep. Montana Budget & Policy Center, September 2016. Web.
November-December 2016.
Leland Consulting Group, Inc. Bozeman, MT: Economic
Development Strategy Update Draft. Rep. Bozeman: City of
Bozeman, 2016. Print.
Gallatin Early Childhood Community Council. Montana
Preschool Development Grant: Community-based Organi-
zation Administrator Survey Report. February 2016. Raw data.
Montana, n.p.
Gallatin Early Childhood Community Council. Montana
Preschool Development Grant: Parent Survey Report. February
2016. Raw data. Montana, n.p.
Gallatin Early Childhood Community Council. Montana
Preschool Development Grant: Preschool Providers Survey
Report. February 2016. Raw data. Montana, n.p.
Max, Sarah. January 2017. A Ski Resort Grows Under an
Expansive Montana Sky. The New York Times. Retrieved from
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/10/realestate/commercial/
a-ski-resort-grows-under-an-expansive-montana-sky.html?_r=0
Montana University System. Educational Attainment. Office of
the Commissioner of Higher Education. Retrieved from https://
mus.edu/data/briefs/Educational_Attainment-OnePage.pdf
Park County. Park County Public Transportation Survey.
Nov.-Dec. 2016. Raw data. Livingston.
Retana, Judith. February 3, 2017. Three Forks Schools Seek
Bond to Pay for Growth. NBC Montana. Retrieved from http://
www.nbcmontana.com/news/ktvm/three-forks-schools-look-
to-bond-to-pay-for-growth/308541604
State of Montana Labor Day Report. Sept. 6, 2016. State of
Montana, Dept. of Labor and Industry, Research & Analysis
Bureau. Retrieved from http://lmi.mt.gov/Portals/135/
Publications/LMI-Pubs/Labor%20Market%20Publications/
LDR16.pdf
U.S. Census Bureau. 2009-2014 American Community Survey
5-year estimates. Retrieved from https://factfinder.census.gov/
faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml.
Well-Being Index. Rep. Gallup-Healthways, 2015. Web. 2016.
rEFErENCES AND SOUrCES
Photo Credits
Community Needs Assessment Data Overview:
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Carl Foerster’ , Lavin 2009 (https://
flic.kr/p/6XcNkF)
Community Profiles and the Community’s Voice:
Food Pantry, (HRDC 2016)
HRDC Streamline, (https://www.thehrdc.org/how-we-help/
transportation/public-transportation/)
Belgrade: Jim Dolan Sculpture Under Stormy Montana Sky,
Nietert 2003 (https://flic.kr/p/9W1Q9X)
Big Sky: Big Sky Mountain Village. Gjerdingen 2012 (https://flic.
kr/p/cHjr6G)
Bozeman: The Bozeman Building (CTA 2017)
Gardiner: Roosevelt Arch, Grimmet 2007 (https://flic.
kr/p/2Ec8oz)
Livingston: Livingston Montana 001 - 2013-07-07, Evanson
2013 (https://flic.kr/p/fcbQHD)
Manhattan: Street view of Manhattan, Montana, simplein-
somnia 2016 (https://flic.kr/p/FtAXFd)
Three Forks: Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks, Evanson 2015
(https://flic.kr/p/BZAhXr)
West Yellowstone: West Yellowstone, Beebe 2008 (https://flic.
kr/p/5kTqj6)
White Sulphur Springs: Montana - White Sulphur Springs
Spencer & Co. General Merchandise, Washington State Library
2015 (https://flic.kr/p/qKQv7N)
Cover Images:
2011 08 06 Farmers Market, Billings 2011 (https://flic.kr/p/
aevQKM)
Young Adults, HRDC Website (https://www.thehrdc.org/
how-we-help/)
Streamline Bus, HRDC Website (https://www.thehrdc.org/
how-we-help/transportation/public-transportation/)
Parade People, “joe eats rocks” (https://flic.kr/p/9ZkyWq)
80
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
A. Community Action Partnership Reports
B. Survey Instruments
Community Needs Assessment Survey Instrument
Stakeholder Survey Instrument
C. Public Open House & Workshop Facilitation Agenda
D. Townhall Comments
E. Individual Community Needs Assessment Survey Results
APPENDICES