Blog Posts
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 evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Insight: How do the new U.S. Population Projections Compare to Utah’s?
By: Mike Hollingshaus The U.S. Census Bureau recently published new long-term population projections for the United States to 2100, along with scenarios. The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute publishes population projections for Utah and its 29 counties. Our most recent baseline long-term planning projections and to 2060 were published last year. […]
Insight: Nuclear in Utah’s Energy Mix
By: Thomas Holst Note: The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Institute. We hope the views shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help people as they formulate their own INFORMED DECISIONS™. […]
Insight: Utah’s Household Trends: A 2020 Census Perspective
By: Eric Albers and Heidi Prior Hello, fellow Census data enthusiasts! Today, we are exploring Utah’s households, armed with the newest 2020 Census DHC Data. The household landscape changed quite a bit over the past decade. Here are some of the highlights from our newest Fact Sheet. […]
Insight: Migration’s Contributions to Population Growth
By: Mike Hollingshaus A new fact sheet explores net migration’s cumulative effects on Utah’s projected population growth – without it, Utah’s population would include 1.4 million fewer residents in 2060. Natural increase (births minus deaths) and net migration are the two sources of growth. Both have been important in Utah’s past, but recently net migration has become more prominent. That trend will likely continue, though our projections maintain positive natural increase in Utah through 2060. […]
Insight: Concerns About Affordability Continue to Frame Utah’s Changing Health Care Coverage Landscape
By: Melanie Beagley The last decade saw significant changes to the health care coverage landscape in Utah and across the U.S. The passing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) ushered in efforts to expand health care coverage to population groups historically uninsured or underinsured, including households living near or below the federal poverty level and young adults. It also supported certain employers in providing health care coverage to their employees[i],[ii] and prohibited health plans from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions.[iii] […]