Blog Post

By Eric Albers

On May 26, 2022, the Census Bureau released population estimates for incorporated places (cities and towns) and housing estimates at the state and county level for July 1, 2021. This data release provides additional context about the changing demographics in Utah. There were several noteworthy items from this most recent release. For a more detailed look at the data, see our latest fact sheet.

Utah’s Chart-Topping Growth in This Release

The Census Bureau’s most recent estimates show how Utah’s growth compares to the rest of the country.

*Of cities with populations of 50,000 or more on July 1, 2021

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, Vintage 2021 Population Estimates

Boom in New Housing

Utah experienced the nation’s fastest housing unit growth, adding 31,699 new units between 2020 and 2021. Salt Lake (9,835) and Utah (7,659) counties accounted for over 50% of state growth in housing units. Washington County also contributed over 10% of growth, adding 3,573 units.

Additional Insights into Utah County’s Growth

When the Census Bureau released county estimates in March 2022, we learned that Utah County grew by 21,843 residents between 2020 and 2021. This newest release provides insights into the growth within the county.

Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain each added over 5,000 residents, accounting for nearly half of all the growth in the county and continuing the trend of high growth in the northern portion of the county.

Table 1: Utah County Cities with Largest Absolute Increases, 2020-2021

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, Vintage 2021 Population Estimates

Differing Experiences with Population Change in Salt Lake County Communities

Census Bureau estimates indicate that growth in Salt Lake County was stagnant (0.0%) between 2020 and 2021. This stagnant growth resulted from natural increase (births minus deaths) of 6,799 being offset by a net out-migration of 6,759 people from the county.

Changes are still occurring within the county. Cities at the southern end of the county continued their strong growth patterns from last decade, while more established communities in the north did not grow or declined. Our capital city added 891 new residents.

Table 2: Salt Lake County Places that added or lost 1,000 or more residents, 2020-2021

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, Vintage 2021 Population Estimates

Eric Albers is a research associate at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.