Community Characteristics
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute produces insights for communities throughout the state and state-level insights into our changing household and population.
Demographic Insight: Demographic Characteristics of Salt Lake City In-Migrants
In 2022, Salt Lake City attracted approximately 44,000 in-migrants. These new residents represent 21% of the city’s total population (204,653). This is much larger than the 3% statewide share of in-migrants.
Washington County Temporary Resident Population Estimates, 2023
Washington County’s blend of outdoor recreation opportunities and retirement communities contribute to a large number of temporary residents in addition to the permanent resident population.
Data Book: Utah Demographic Characteristics
This data book presents selected characteristics by age, disability, race, ethnicity, sex, religion and geographic location. Together, these characteristics showcase a growing and changing state.
Utah Demographic Characteristics: Urban and Rural Populations
Nine of every ten Utahns live in an urban area, as defined by the Census Bureau. Utah’s urban residents live within Utah’s 25 urban areas, which make up 1.1% of the state’s land area.
Utah Demographic Characteristics: Religious Affiliation
Religious adherents and congregations by state provide an indication of religious affiliation in Utah. Utah has the largest share of religious adherents of any state with an estimated 76% of the population.
Utah Demographic Characteristics: Disability
National surveys estimate that between 12% and 25% of Utah adults have a disability. A new summary analysis from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute finds that data across different surveys show that Utahns with a disability are more likely to have less income, lower education attainment, higher housing cost burdens, lower access to health coverage, and poor health.
Utah Demographic Characteristics: Age
Despite Utah’s standing as the youngest state in the nation, its population also continues to age. In 1980, less than 8% of Utah residents were over 65, but by 2020, this share increased to nearly 12%. Projections indicate the state’s retirement-age population will likely be more than 20% of Utah’s population by 2060.
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.
Salt Lake City: Utah’s Thriving Urban Center
Salt Lake City is the foremost flourishing center for commerce, sports, entertainment, culture, and education in the Mountain West. Utah’s capital defies the trends of many urban centers as the forces of decentralization pull people, jobs, and commerce away from the urban core, resulting in urban decay. In the next decade, even as Utah’s capital city grapples with growth challenges, Salt Lake City will welcome thousands of new residents who will benefit from a new Temple Square, may secure a new professional sports franchise(s), will host a second Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and will grow entertainment, cultural offerings, and[...]
A Look into the 2010-2020 Decline in Salt Lake City’s Youth Population
Salt Lake City's under-18 population decreased by almost 5,000 residents last decade, while its adult population continued to grow.