Occasionally, Mission Critical Magazine will publish blogs from Chambers of Commerce and other interested parties touting their locations. The latest is from the Montana Department of Commerce.

Montana is well known for its spectacular unspoiled nature, access to world-class outdoor recreation and pristine air and water. Still, Montana offers far more than an exceptional quality of life. What you may not know is that Montana is also one of the premier data center locations on the planet. 

“Montana’s spectacular unspoiled nature and unparalleled access to public lands make for a one-of-a-kind backdrop to build and grow a business,” said Pam Haxby-Cote, director, Montana Department of Commerce. “Montana’s tax climate allows companies to compete and grow, plus you’ll find hard-working Montanans known for their innovation and ingenuity.”

Montana’s power resources, water and climate are ideal for data center development. The state is home to some of the best renewable energy generation in the country, plus Montana is a choice customer state. Consumers who use 5 megawatts or more can purchase their electricity from any power provider. Montana is also the headwater region of the continent with ample supply of water needed for cooling large data centers. The state also has one of the most stable four-season climates in the country, providing a safe and cost-effective environment for data center storage and development. 

In coordination with industry leaders, Montana state policymakers recently approved a new Class 17 property tax classification for large data center development which gives developers certainty in how these properties will be assessed. The state has also improved its local option property tax abatement which means developers may anticipate significant cost savings.  

Paired with access to the lowest market power rates in the country and an outstanding tax incentive package for building large data centers, it’s easy to see why Montana is the best choice for data center development.

Learn more about developing your data center in Montana at montanadatacenters.mt.gov.