The NEed

Park County’s most pressing needs and opportunities.

Resident Informed, Data Driven

We Will is a resident-informed initiative that provides insight and guidance to inform the future of Park County. On an annual basis, we combine public opinion with hard data in our We Will Report to illuminate our most pressing needs and opportunities.

Based on our annual We Will reports, residents have identified five Community Priority Areas:

Landscapes & Natural Amenities

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Housing & Affordability

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Health, Safety & Education

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Small Town & Rural Lifestyle

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Economic Performance

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ThroughWe Will report data, Park County residents have told us:

Community Priority Areas

Landscapes and Natural Amenities

We Will remain one of the most beautiful places to live on earth.

Although Park County residents have differing opinions on many topics, the importance of our landscapes and natural amenities is nearly universally agreed upon.

94% Believe it’s important for the area to remain one of the most beautiful places to live on earth.

95% Believe it’s important to preserve natural resources — water, air, etc. — for future generations.

Three pie charts illustrate Community Opinions related to Landscapes and Natural Amenities from the We Will annual survey.

This table describes Yellowstone River recreation use for ten sites across Paradise Valley.

Housing and Affordability

We Will support good solutions that address affordability for all who choose to live and work here.

Housing and affordability have topped the list of concerns for Park County residents every year that we have conducted the survey.

34% Anticipate they will not stay in their current residence within the next five years.

30% Expect they will not be able to find, afford and/or remain in their preferred type of housing in Park County within the next five years.

Three pie charts illustrate Community Opinions related to Housing and Affordability from the We Will annual survey.

This line graph illustrates how property prices continue and upward trajectory since 2020.

This table describes how Livingston's rental rates have increased over the last five years, while outside of Livingston city limits they have decreased.

Health, Safety and Education

We Will continually strive to improve the well-being of all our residents.

The health, safety, and education are top issues in Park County, and residents have serious concerns.

78% Of respondents agree that there are not enough daycare providers.

62% Agree that there is an increase in mental health issues and/or suicides.

66% Agree that there are more people needing food assistance.

This line graph illustrates how the number of licensed child care providers has not met demand over the last ten years.

This line graph illustrates how local food distributions are growing over time.

This bar chart illustrates increasing concerns about loneliness and community connections from 2024.

Small Town and Rural Lifestyle

We Will embrace and nurture our sense of community.

Growth and change of Park County’s small town and rural lifestyle is a leading concern of residents.

60% Believe growth is one of our greatest challenges.

62% Believe that people are not able to put their political differences aside and work together.

62% Believe there is too much ranching and farming land being subdivided.

This line graph illustrates how new residential addresses in Park County have changed in the last five years.

This line graph illustrates how school enrollment has been declining outside of Livingston city limits over the past ten years.

This table highlights the population growth that has occurred in Park County since 2010.

Economic Performance

We Will support varied and viable economic opportunities consistent with the character of the community.

Consistent with national and statewide sentiment, concerns about the overall cost of living in Park County have increased over the years.

78% Believe the cost of living is a top concern.

Three pie charts illustrate Community Opinions as they related to Economic Performance in Park County.

This line graph illustrates an increase in median household income across Park County over the last decade.

This table highlights the annual cost of living in Park County for 2024, totaling $84,438 for two working adults and one child.

You talk, we listen.

The We Will Park County Community Survey is conducted annually, giving residents an opportunity to share their opinions and perspectives about life in Park County. Additionally, town halls and expert stakeholder meetings held across the county provide us the insight needed for deep community impact.

2024 Outreach Snapshot:

940 survey participants
4 Community Listening sessions - Livingston, Gardiner, Wilsall, virtual
4 Expert Stakeholder Meetings

Survey Demographics

40% live in rural Park County
66% are female
92% are fulltime residents
28% are retired
46% have lived in Park County more than 21 years

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

We Will is generously sponsored by Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, BNSF Railway Foundation, Basecamp Supply and Construction, Dan Bailey’s Outdoor Company, Montana Property Brokers, and Livingston HealthCare.

We Will Annual Reports

Click to view each report.