Recent Research
State and County Population Estimates: Comparing Census Bureau and Utah Population Committee, 2020-2023
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute chairs the UPC and is the lead entity in Utah for Census Bureau data, estimates, and products. As part of this work, the Institute formally evaluates and provides input to the Census Bureau on their Utah population estimates.
February 2024 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment decreased by 1.3% in February to 80.3, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment.
Research Brief: Utah’s Energy Sector in 2023 and Outlook for 2024
Utah is fortunate to have abundant and diverse energy resources, including large reserves of conventional fossil fuels as well as several areas suitable for renewable resource development. More recently, Utah has witnessed an evolution in its energy landscape.
Research Brief: Banking and Financial Services
The financial services industry includes businesses that engage in or facilitate financial transactions. Some of these firms raise funds by accepting deposits or issuing securities; others pool risk by underwriting insurance and others support financial intermediation.
Shifting Households: Decadal Growth and Change in Salt Lake City
More renters, fewer family households, and more people living alone continue to distinguish the capital city from the rest of the state.
Upcoming Events
Recent Insights
Policy Insight: Utah’s Diverse Energy Portfolio
Utah possesses diverse energy resources ranging from crude oil and natural gas in the Uinta and Paradox Basins to renewable energies such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and biomass.
Health Insight: Medical Inflation – Where Are We Now?
Given concerns about overall economic inflation, it may be surprising to learn that medical inflation is slowing and is currently approaching some of the lowest levels in history. A look at medical inflation over the last 20 years highlights this slowed growth (Figure 2). Except for a significant increase from 2019-2020 (4.7%), medical inflation growth continued to slow over the past three years.
Demographic Insight: New 2018-2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Released
Last week, the Census Bureau released the newest 5-year estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). The American Community Survey explores more than 40 different topics and a few findings from the newest data include: 8 in 10 Utahns speak English at home, Utah boasts the 2nd lowest poverty level in the nation, and Utah’s foreign-born population did not grow.
Insight: New 2023 Census Bureau Estimates- National, Regional, and State Total Population and Components of Population Change
By Emily Harris This week, the Census Bureau released its first set of population estimates for the 2023 vintage: national and state resident population and components of change. This release provides a snapshot of the total population for all 50 states on July 1, 2023. […]
Tourism Insight: The Hidden Health Benefits of Utah’s Natural Playground
Utah is often called “nature’s playground” due to its diverse range of terrain and year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. Each year, millions of people visit Utah’s parks and ski resorts to participate in a wide range of outdoor activities and, in the process, generate billions of dollars in economic impact. In addition to attracting visitor spending, Utah’s outdoor recreation opportunities offer a host of hidden health benefits—something that became more[...]