MONTROSE, CO RANKED TOP 25 MOST DYNAMIC MICROPOLITANS 2022

“We ranked the economic dynamism of 536 micropolitan areas across the United States by studying changes in key economic conditions from 2015 through 2020. We also examined one indicator—the change in employment from September 2020 through September 2021—that reflects communities’ ability to rebound from the early months of the pandemic.

Natural amenities remain a key characteristic of success. Areas offering a mix of broadband connectivity and access to the outdoors became a respite from the difficulties of pandemic-era city life. When COVID19 shuttered the urban amenities that draw many residents to large metropolitans and forced desk-based employees to work from home, the intrigue of an outdoor-centric small town with sufficient internet quality only increased.

Food-producing communities emerged as a new micropolitan archetype at the top of the rankings. Metropolitans driven by food production and processing found success, in part, because such operations remained open throughout the pandemic to prevent food shortages.

Overall, the changes in fortunes for micropolitan dependent on a single industry provide a reminder of the stabilizing benefits of a diversified economy”.

- Heart Land Forward

To view the full article, visit: https://heartlandforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Most-Dynamic-Micros_7.pdf

Locale

Montrose County (pop. 40,713) runs roughly from the western slope of the San Juan Mountains to the Utah border across a geologic transition zone between the mountains and desert. Ouray County (pop. 4,557) claims the gateway to the San Juans.

The San Juan Mountains are famous for their rugged peaks, steep canyons, and deep river valleys. Southwestern Colorado is also home to thirteen peaks above 14,000 feet above sea level, known by climbers as “Fourteeners.” This region also claims the headwaters of the famous Rio Grande, San Miguel, and Dolores rivers.

Much of Colorado’s mining history was written here with famous gold strikes at the Idarado, Camp Bird, and Smuggler Union mines. The 19th century mining towns of Telluride, Ouray, Durango, and Silverton have been reborn as vibrant centers for art, music, and tourism. Winter sports, including skiing at Telluride 58 miles south of the ranch, and ice-climbing in Ouray, are major engines for the local economy.