Demographic Research

By: Pamela S. Perlich New estimates released today by the Bureau of the Census indicate that Utah’s Hispanic population has reached 411,143 by July 1, 2015. This means that about 1 out of every 7 Utahns (13.7 percent) is Hispanic or Latino, and greater than 1 out of every 5 new Utahns (22.8 percent) since the 2010 Census count is Hispanic. This population is young, with an estimated median age of 24.4 years old, compared to 30.7 years old for the state as a whole. […]

By: Dr. Pamela Perlich, Ph.D. The population of Utah recently surpassed 3 million. This milestone has been achieved as a result of the combination of positive natural increase, with the annual number births consistently exceeding deaths, and significant net in-migration, especially since 1990. People who follow population issues in Utah are well aware of the state’s signature demographics, which include the highest fertility rate and youngest median age among all states. It was quite fitting that Governor Herbert recognized this milestone while standing in a maternity ward.  […]

By: Pamela S. Perlich, Ph.D. Utah is well-known for its signature demographics, the most iconic of which is the highest total fertility rate in the nation. What is perhaps less well-recognized is that Utah’s fertility rate has fallen significantly since 1960, when it was 4.30 children per woman, to 2.33 in the most recent data for 2014. This is an historically low fertility rate for Utah, and only slightly exceeds the replacement level of 2.1. [1] We can identify several key drivers of this change. […]

By: Dr. Pamela Perlich, Ph.D. Every Veterans Day I remember back to how handsome my father was in his blue Air Force uniform and carefully shined black shoes. When I was very young my dad was a pilot in the Strategic Air Command, which was a key component of the “strategic nuclear strike force” during the Cold War. I remember that he would dress in his green flight suit with the tall black boots, pack his duffle bag, and leave the house for what seemed like forever. His homecomings are very happy memories for me. […]

By: Dr. Pamela Perlich, Ph.D. The DemographyUTAH team estimates that the Utah population has reached 3,000,000 as of October 2015. As with all estimates, there is an element of uncertainty. Migration is always the wild card. If migration has been more rapid than estimated, we may have achieved this milestone in August. Conversely, if migration is less than estimated, the three million mark may not be reached until January of 2016. […]

By: Dr. Pamela Perlich, Ph.D. The Utah Housing Coalition is hosting its annual Housing Matters Conference Tuesday and Wednesday, October 20th and 21st in Park City. This group studies housing issues and is committed to increasing accessible, affordable housing throughout Utah. The conference program reflects an organization that is committed to action and results through creative partnerships, policy development and application, and innovative financing practices. […]