WASHINGTON — Montana’s economy grew a strong 3.5 percent in the third quarter of 2015, the seventh-best showing in the nation, the U.S. Commerce Department reports.
The state benefited from its heavy dependence on farming and outdoor activities, with agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting contributing 1.8 percentage points in gross domestic product during the period. Montana also posted strong growth in construction, retail trade, health care, and real estate.
“It certainly bodes well for Montana that the economic growth was diversified across numerous sectors,” said Jeremy Johnson, associate professor of political science at Carroll College in Helena. “The more that you can diversify your economy, you tend to be in a stronger position to weather the storm and attract outside investment.”
