Montanans report shock decline in quality of life after huge influx of homeowners sparked by hit Yellowstone TV series

A shock report has detailed how Montanans see their quality of life as declining over the past five years. 

In a new poll released by the University of Montana pool, sixty-two percent of those in the state say their quality of life has dipped in recent years. 

That's up seven percent compared to the results in 2022, when the Crown of the Continent and Greater Yellowstone Initiative put the question to voters.

Respondents said the changing character of the state, crowding and more people in outdoor areas and the increase in developments is fueling the decline. 

Ninety percent of those polled said sprawling development into what used to be open lands and ranches is a serious problem in the state. 

Two goats stand on an overlook near a lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

Kevin Costner stars as rancher John Dutton in Paramount Network's Western drama 'Yellowstone

84 percent said the state's character was changing - nine percent blamed drought, and 78 percent said it was due to decreasing snowpack. 

Rick Graetz, director of the Crown of the Continent and Greater Yellowstone Initiative, said: 'It's quite clear that residents all over the state — even out on the prairie — are struggling with growing pains, and our quality of life is down this year, according to the results.

'This could be one reason why preserving our natural beauty and access to public lands and water is so popular. 

'Conservation can help keep things the way they are, and there seems to be a big demand for that.'

Pollster Lori Weigel points to a 'big jump' in concerns over sprawl, drought, and the changing character of the state, which may be contributing to the reported decline in quality of life. 

'We see a big jump this year in the number of Montanans who say they are concerned by development and the changing character of the state,' said Weigel. 

'While the number of residents who say growth is happening too quickly has remained stable at fifty-seven percent, residents are growing more concerned about the impacts of this growth in their communities.'

Kevin Costner as John Dutton and Kelsey Asbille as Monica Long-Dutton in hit show Yellowstone 

A National Scenic Byways All-American Road on the border of Montana and Wyoming

The Kevin Costner starring cowboy drama brought in an estimated 2.1 million visitors and $730 million in tourist dollars according to a report last year 

The 2024 Public Lands Survey polled 500 voters by phone and online March 23-28, with a margin of error of +/- 4.38%.

Hit TV series Yellowstone helped contribute to a boom in the state that saw housing prices soar. 

The Kevin Costner starring cowboy drama brought in an estimated 2.1 million visitors and $730 million in tourist dollars according to a report last year. 

The show has been a monster hit for the network, and tells the story of the Dutton family, and their battles over their gigantic Montana ranch.