Demographics
The Gardner Institute provides demographic decision support to the Utah State Legislature and Office of the Governor. We produce population estimates and projections, as well as applied demographic research focused on Utah. We represent the state in work with the Census Bureau, including the State Data Center Program and Federal-State Cooperatives for Population Estimates and Projections. We work with the Census Bureau in the production, distribution, and analysis of their product.
We are your demographic resource.
Diversity in Utah: Race, Ethnicity, and Sex Data Book
This report provides data and information to help state and community leaders make progress in their equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts. Gov. Spencer Cox’s One Utah Roadmap, the Utah Legislature’s policies to extend opportunity to all, and business and community leaders’ Utah Compact on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion provide three significant examples in the past year of Utah’s commitment. The data and context provided in this report shed light on existing disparities; help people understand the complexities of these measures; and help provide a starting point for evaluating future progress.
Diversity in Utah: Race, Ethnicity, and Sex Data Book (Analysis in Brief)
Utah ranks as the 34th most racially and ethnically diverse state in the nation, with 22% of the state identifying as other than non-Hispanic White. This places Utah’s racial/ethnic diversity just below Pennsylvania and above several larger states like Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Utah’s minority share of the population is expected to increase to one in three Utahns by 2060.
Diversity in Utah: Race, Ethnicity, and Sex Data Book (Presentation Slides)
Utah ranks as the 34th most racially and ethnically diverse state in the nation, with 22% of the state identifying as other than non-Hispanic White. This places Utah’s racial/ethnic diversity just below Pennsylvania and above several larger states like Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Utah’s minority share of the population is expected to increase to one in three Utahns by 2060.
Fact Sheet: Utah’s 2020 Census Apportionment, Resident, and Overseas Populations
Utah’s status as the fastest-growing state in the nation this decade could not match the absolute growth in other states, which drives the apportionment process. With an apportionment population of 3,275,252, Utah’s congressional delegation remains at four seats for the next decade, with each seat representing approximately 818,813 Utahns.
What’s New in Utah’s 2020 Census Geography?
Geography is a foundational aspect of the census, providing the framework for the once-a-decade count of population and housing. The U.S. Census Bureau released Utah’s 2020 census geographic boundaries in February, with the corresponding demographic data planned for release in September 2021. Though census count data are not available yet, census geography provides insight into the decade’s population change and defines the upcoming data’s reference locations.
Shifting Foundations: A Contemporary History of Utah Households
Utah’s signature demographics have long distinguished its households in the national context. Long-term social, economic, and demographic trends continue to shape Utah’s households over time.
U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019 5-Year American Community Survey Estimates
The American Community Survey (ACS) is an ongoing survey that provides information on communities’ social, demographic, and economic characteristics. The ACS began in 2008 and replaced the Census Long Form in 2010. Each year, the Census Bureau provides a new update to both the 1 and 5-Year Estimates.
State and County Population Estimates for Utah: 2020
These estimates measure the period from July 1, 2019 through July 1, 2020. 75% of this timeframe experienced an economic expansion, and 25% of this period underwent the beginnings of a global pandemic and economic recession. The 2020 estimates utilize two data sources from before the pandemic and two data sources during the pandemic. Therefore, we simultaneously capture the pre and during COVID-19 time period, essentially reducing the impacts of both.
State of Utah Population by Age, Sex, Race and Ethnicity, 2010–2019
Utah’s 2019 population was estimated at 3,220,272. Between 2010 and 2019, it grew by 447,875, representing an average annual percentage growth rate of 1.7 percent. The state remains relatively young with 29.3 percent of the population being preschool or school age (under 18), compared to 11.2 percent of retirement age (65 and older).
Demographic County Profiles by Age, Sex, Race and Ethnicity, 2010–2019
Utah’s 2019 population was estimated at 3,220,272. Between 2010 and 2019, it grew by 447,875, representing an average annual percentage growth rate of 1.7 percent. The state remains relatively young with 29.3 percent of the population being preschool or school age (under 18), compared to 11.2 percent of retirement age (65 and older).
