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 production, distribution, and analysis of their product.
We are your demographic resource.
Accuracy Analysis of Long-Term Planning Projections for Utah and its Counties
With over half a century of population projections in Utah, this analysis highlights the difficulty of accurately identifying the future population based on current trends.
Insight: U.S. Census Bureau Releases 2021 City and Town Population Estimates
By Eric Albers May 26, 2022 – 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. […]
Fact Sheet: U.S. Census Bureau Estimates for Cities and Housing Units, Vintage 2021
The Census Bureau’s most recent release on May 26, 2022, provides population estimates for incorporated places (cities and towns) and housing unit estimates at the state and county level for July 1, 2021. The city level estimates utilize locally submitted building permits to estimate the population. They are then controlled to the county estimate totals, which were published in March 2022.
Demographic Insight: The Rise and Stall of Utah Life Expectancy
May 21, 2022 – Utah life expectancy is a key indicator of health and equality. It rose considerably over the last century but faces new challenges. While the Covid-19 pandemic clearly influenced it, U.S. life expectancy had already stalled over the previous decade. Additionally, even though Utah has historically had a higher life expectancy than the nation, that advantage is disappearing. Female life expectancy is nearly identical for Utah and the U.S.
Insight: 2020 5-Year ACS Data Released
By: Mallory Bateman Apr 18, 2022 COVID-19 created challenges for data collection Unlike the 1-Year Estimates, which only provide insights for populations of 65,000 or more, the 5-Year Estimates provide coverage for every geography throughout the entire United States. This type of data is incredibly important for small communities, counties, and for diving deeper into the neighborhood level in larger cities. After the Census Bureau released 1-Year 2020 American Community Survey (ACS) data as a limited and experimental product, many data users were curious and concerned about what that might mean for the 5-Year Estimates. […]
U.S. Census Bureau Estimates by County, Metropolitan, and Micropolitan Areas, 2021
Each year, the Census Bureau produces population estimates at varying levels of geography. The Census Bureau's most recent release on March 24, 2022, provides population estimates with components of population change for counties, metropolitan areas, and micropolitan areas in the United States and Puerto Rico.
Insight: Census Bureau Releases 2021 Population Estimates and Components of Change for Counties, Metro and Micro Statistical Areas
By: Emily Harris Mar 24, 2022 – The Census Bureau has just released its second set of products for the 2021 vintage: population estimates and components of change for all counties, metropolitan statistical areas, and micropolitan statistical areas in the United States. […]
Insight: Utah’s 2020 Fertility Update: How Low Can it Go?
By: Emily Harris Mar 10, 2022 – The Gardner Institute is currently in the middle of its own little “baby boom.” With four babies born or expected from January through this coming April, it sure doesn’t feel like fertility is declining. However, the latest report on 2020 fertility trends indicates another year of declining fertility rates. […]
Insight: County-Level Insights from our Long-Term Planning Projections
By Mallory Bateman and Max Backlund Mar 2, 2022 – The Gardner Institute recently released a new vintage of long-term planning projections. The data provides official insights into the state and counties’ total populations, households, and economies. With this data, communities can plan for the next 10, 20, and 40 years and consider how changing characteristics might impact services, policies, and more. […]