Bakken and Big Mountain: How Oil and Untouched Landscapes are Stimulating the Montana Economy

Big oil has come to Montana in a big way. The Bakken boom has brought thousands to Billings, Montana and is giving a boost to an already growing state economy.

With 25 rigs drilling across the state and a population that has doubled in the past 4 years, Billings and other cities in Montana are seeing incredible increases in sales of high priced goods. From Rolex watches and diamonds to new trucks, Montana consumers are spending their hard earned oil money on the finer things in life.

It is not only the consumer goods sector that is seeing the growth however. Montana’s forest products industry is poised for an explosion in demand. With new houses and other structures being built, the demand for building materials is expected to increase exponentially. The industry expected to see the most growth according to a study by Headwater Economics is the service industry. From nurses and real estate agents to technical tradesmen and women, Montana’s growing population will soon be in need of thousands of more service employees.

Jobs are not the only thing drawing people to Montana however. With a well known university system, students come for an education, get hooked on the beauty and end up sticking around, finding a job and settling into the beautiful Montana landscape. Tourism continues to be a driver of Montana’s economy with the Flathead Valley offering untouched wilderness within reach of Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain Resort, more traditional Montana destinations.

As it did in North Dakota, the oil boom is changing the landscape of the Montana economy. As more people continue to flood the state, businesses will continue to grow and prosper. Sunbelt Networks is excited to be a part of this rapid growth and is proud to announce it’s newest office in Billings, Montana. Its partnership with Scott Phillips and Damian Forrester brings a wealth of professional business experience to Sunbelt’s new office. “Billings consistently ranks as one of the best places in America to start a business. The population continues to grow and with the boom of the oil industry, the area shows no sign of slowing down.” says Phillips.

You can read more about the brand new Billing, MT office in this press release.