More Private Jets Show Sizeable Growth of Montana’s Elite

The 'new wealth' of the Bozeman area is visible almost everywhere. New subdivisions, exclusive residential clubs, more luxury SUVs and sports cars, high demand for services, and a substantial increase in private jet traffic.

Perhaps the boom in luxury mountain-top real estate wouldn't affect the average resident of the Gallatin Valley, but the skyrocketing real estate prices in general certainly have. We all see it, and we're all affected by it.

Existing property owners have to pay the insane jumps in their property taxes, and renters end up paying more monthly rent because the property owner has to make up for those increased costs. It's a normal cycle, but Bozeman is on a fast-forward time lapse. It's all happening too quickly.

So let's take a look at that private jet traffic. Is it a problem for the average person? Probably not. Is it a problem for the Bozeman airport? Not yet, apparently. But just how many private jets are flying in and out of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport on an average day? Look:

For an hour and a half, the only departures at BZN were for private jets, and there were FIVE of them. In 90 minutes. And these aren't folks going out locally for flight lessons. These are visitors or residents. It's simply the new norm for Bozeman.

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Is it the wealth that bothers long-time locals? Is it the sprawl in the valley? The demand on basic services is clearly an issue. Fears of water usage, traffic problems, and school enrollment are all popular 'growth' complaints. But the question remains: What does Bozeman actually look like now? The flight pattern is still being drawn...