Montrose County at a Glance

Montrose County has many attributes that make it an attractive place to do business, including an excellent workforce, higher education opportunities, and developing business parks. The city was recently named the 18th fastest growing micropolitan area in the United States, thanks to our unique and progressive business atmosphere, friendly people, and outstanding quality of life. With a population of 16,000 in the city and 37,800 in the county, Montrose still maintains a small town atmosphere.

Businesses interested in relocating or expanding here will find plenty of support. The Montrose Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) serves as a “one stop” information and processing center. Eligible businesses can qualify for state and local financial incentives in the way of job training dollars and matching grants. In addition, Montrose County is classified as a State Enterprise Zone. The enterprise zone affords many State tax advantages to companies who locate here. As an added incentive, Montrose has a streamlined construction approval and permitting process that saves time and money.

Land packages are available in our business parks, including Aerospace Research Park, which has prime lots for aviation companies. MEDC has incentives available for qualifying companies who want to relocate. Current lease rates on existing facilities in the Montrose area are as follows:

• Industrial/Warehouse - $7 to $9 per SF

• Office - $10 to $20 per SF

• Retail - $9 to $22 per SF

Montrose has a vibrant manufacturing community with over 70 manufacturing companies. Some of our primary employers include Western Skyways, a piston and turbine engine overhauling facility; Russell Stover Candies; Scott Fly Rod, an internationally known fly fishing rod company; and Ross Reels, which manufactures fly-fishing reels.

Montrose is on the leading edge of workforce development with the Work-Keys Program, a professionally endorsed workforce education program that helps test workers and match them to jobs. This is a great tool that employers can use to limit trial and error in the hiring process. Local employers can also work with area schools in a “School to Career” program that helps students develop their skills in a real work environment.

In addition to offering a fertile business environment, Montrose boasts a unique mixture of community amenities that make it a great place to work and live. Consider just a few:

Location and Accessibility: The Montrose Regional Airport provides passenger service to major cities including Denver, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Newark, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles. Montrose connects to I-70, 65 miles to the north with a four-lane highway. We are also fully connected to the “digital highway” via Colorado’s high-speed digital network.

Recreation and Climate: With an average annual temperature of 50 degrees and nearly 300 days of sunshine, locals and tourists alike enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer, with spectacular scenic beauty and year-round recreational opportunities in abundance.

Housing: A wide range of housing options are available to suit a variety of tastes and budgets - from starter homes near the schools to elegant golf communities. Housing is very affordable compared to most metropolitan areas, with an average home price of $220,334 in 2007.

Education: Exceptional educational opportunities are available through our public school system as well as several private schools. The Montrose Campus of Mesa State College supports a variety of associate and bachelor degree programs. Additionally, the Montrose Campus works with area industry to develop customized technical certificate programs.

Healthcare: Residents here have access to first-rate healthcare. Montrose Memorial Hospital, a recently expanded, state-of-the-art regional medical center, provides an extensive range of healthcare services, including comprehensive cancer therapy by the San Juan Cancer Center.

When you make the decision to grow in Montrose, you’ll join an expanding list of businesses that have discovered the benefits of becoming part of a forward-thinking community!  And, if you don't find what you need, we're just an e-mail away at info@montroseedc.org