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.
Fact Sheet: Utah State and County Short-term Population Projections: 2018-2028
We project Utah’s population will grow on average at 1.7 percent per year from 3,166,647 in 2018 to 3,739,193 in 2028 for a total growth of 572,546. Natural increase is the main driver contributing 339,826 people, while net migration provides the remaining 232,720. The population will become older as Baby Boomers retire and birth rates stay low. This is reflected in a median age rising by 2.8 years from 31.4 to 34.2.
The Salt Lake Apartment Market: An Analysis of Apartment Rental Rates in the Greater Salt Lake Region
Strong demand for apartment units in the Wasatch Front has led to a rapid increase in rental rates. Since the Great Recession, the increase in average rent has outpaced income growth and inflation. Pent up demand coupled with a robust population increase has fueled the growth of the regions’ rental market. Traditionally, Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Murray, and other northern cities of Salt Lake County have held a majority of the apartment inventory. However, cites in southern Salt Lake County and northern Utah County are experiencing significant expansion. Renters are showing a preference for proximity to employment centers, [...]
Fact Sheet: Utah State and County Annual Population Estimates by Single Year of Age and Sex: 2010-2018
Utah’s population grew by nearly 400 thousand people (about 15 percent) since 2010. This is considerable growth, but only part of the story. Birth rates are falling, Utah’s population is aging, and Baby Boomers are retiring. Since 2010, the retirement age population (65 and older) grew by nearly 40 percent, while the youth population (under 18) grew by less than 10 percent.
U.S. Census Bureau Estimates for Incorporated Places and Housing Units, 2018
The Census Bureau’s most recent release on May 23, 2019 provides population estimates for incorporated places (cities and towns) and housing unit estimates at the state and county level from Census 2010 to July 1, 2018. Townships or other unincorporated communities are not included in this release.
Utah’s Increasing Diversity: Population Projections by Race/Ethnicity
Utah will continue to be a place of economic and educational opportunity, bringing new residents from domestic and international regions. We project Utah’s population will continue to grow and become more diverse along many dimensions, including ethnicity and race. The trend toward increasingly diverse schools and workplaces will continue. This future is an outgrowth of Utah’s strong growth dynamic and increasing global economic and cultural interconnections. Along with the rest of the U.S., Utah’s population will continue to age. We project that this will be the case for all race and ethnic groups as death and birth rates decrease. Whites [...]
U.S. Census Bureau Estimates by County, Metropolitan, and Micropolitan Areas, 2018
The Census Bureau’s most recent release on April 18, 2019 provides population estimates with components of population change for counties, metropolitan areas, and micropolitan areas in the United States and Puerto Rico.
Washington County Temporary Resident Population Estimates, 2017
Washington County’s blend of outdoor recreation opportunities and retirement communities contribute to a large, but previously unknown number of temporary residents. We estimate there were 57,069 temporary residents in Washington County at the fall 2017 seasonal peak in addition to the already estimated 165,592 permanent residents. This research offers a more comprehensive measure of population that is particularly informative to planners in a high-visitation area such as Washington County.
