Also known as the “Bitterroot Valley,” Ravalli County lies between the Sapphire Mountains on the East and the Bitterroot Mountains on the West. Ravalli is Montana’s 7th most populous county with an estimated 40,582 residents as of July 1st, 2006. Hamilton, the county seat, is the state’s 19th largest city with a population of 4,644 in 2006.1 Other towns in Ravalli County include Stevensville, Darby, and Pinesdale. In the 1990’s, Ravalli County was the fastest growing county in Montana, with a population increase of 43% (25,010 to 35,811 residents) from 1990 to 1999.2
Ravalli County contains 1,850 square miles of public forest lands, which has played a significant role in its economic development. Historically, these lands have primarily contributed to the economy through lumber and wood products manufacturing. Today, these public forests are considered an important draw for tourism and migration to the area. Lumber and wood products manufacturing still play an important role, however, and Ravalli County was one of only a few counties to experience growth in this economic subsector in recent years.2 Another draw to the area is its proximity to Missoula. Estimates suggest that roughly 15 to 20 percent of employed Ravalli County residents work in Missoula County.2
1 U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program 2 “The Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana Area Economic Profile” by Dr. Larry Swanson of the University of Montana
