Big Sky is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Gallatin and Madison counties in southwestern Montana, United States. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 3,591, It is by road southwest of Bozeman. The primary industry of the area is tourism.

Geography

Big Sky is located close to the Yellowstone National Park along the western edge of Gallatin County and eastern edge of Madison County, on U.S. Highway 191. It is approximately midway between West Yellowstone and Bozeman, being around by road from each. who was the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, is a Blue Ribbon trout stream that attracts fly-fishers from around the world. Several dude ranches (320 Guest Ranch, Elkhorn Ranch, Cinnamon Lodge and 9 Quarter Circle) operate in the Gallatin Canyon.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of , of which are land and , or 0.18%, are water. Most of the CDP drains to the east into the Gallatin River, while the westernmost portions drain west via Cedar Creek and Jack Creek to the Madison River. The Gallatin and the Madison both drain north to form the Missouri River.

Climate

This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Big Sky has a borderline humid continental (Dfb) / alpine subarctic climate (Dfc). for most of the area, but the lower elevations may be closer to a dry continental climate.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, Big Sky had a population of 3,591. The median age was 38.9 years. 16.0% of residents were under the age of 18 and 12.6% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 127.6 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 130.6 males age 18 and over.

0.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.

There were 1,495 households in Big Sky, of which 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 47.8% were married-couple households, 26.2% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 15.7% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The Madison County portion is in Ennis K-12 Schools<!--UNI 09930--> school district.

In addition to the Big Sky School District #72 and the Ennis district, Big Sky has a preK-12 non-profit private school, Big Sky Discovery Academy. The Gallatin County side has three public schools: Ophir Elementary School, Ophir Middle School and Lone Peak High School. The district educates approximately 425 students.

Media

Big Sky has two local newspapers, Explore Big Sky, and Lone Peak Lookout, in addition to the regional publication, Bozeman Chronicle.

The local radio station is KBZM. Other regional radio stations can be received from Bozeman.

Three television stations are available: KTVM (6) NBC, KBZK (7) CBS, and KUSM (9) PBS.

ExploreBigSky.com is a regional daily news website.

Notable people

  • Jessica Biel, actress, and her husband, pop star Justin Timberlake
  • Troy Downing, politician, technology entrepreneur
  • Robert Peter Gale, cancer researcher
  • Chet Huntley, pioneering newscaster, retired to Big Sky
  • Bode Miller, former Olympian ski racer
  • Warren Miller, film director, lived in Big Sky during the winter
  • Matt Morris, former Major League Baseball pitcher
  • Marty Pavelich, NHL player, year-round resident
  • Jamie Pierre, professional skier, snowboarder

See also

  • Soldiers Chapel

References

  • Visit Big Sky
  • Biggest Skiing in America
  • Big Sky Chamber of Commerce
  • Big Sky Community Organization
  • Crail Ranch Homestead Museum