Population Estimates
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute administers and chairs the Utah Population Committee, which is responsible for annual updates of state and county-level population estimates. The Institute also produces annually updated subcounty population estimates for Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, and Weber counties.
Utah’s Multiracial Population, 2020
Utah’s multiracial (two or more races) resident population added the most residents and was the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group regardless of Hispanic or Latino origin between 2010 and 2020. This report uses the 2020 census redistricting data to provide insights into Utah’s multiracial population, including ethnicity, youth and adult populations, and where people live.
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.
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).
Utah State and County Annual Population Estimates by Single-Year of Age, Sex, and Race/Ethnicity: 2010-2019
Utah’s population continues to diversify. Between 2010 and 2019, the share of the population identifying as minority (something other than non-Hispanic White alone) increased from 19.5% to 22.2%. But the patterns are different at the county level. In 2019, the minority share of each county ranged from 5.6% in Morgan County to 55.5% in San Juan County.
Utah State and County Annual Population Estimates by Single Year of Age and Sex: 2010-2019
Utah’s population grew by nearly 450 thousand people (about 16 percent) between 2010 and 2019. Cumulative natural increase (births minus deaths) accounts for 70 percent of the growth and net migration for 30 percent. Birth rates are falling, Utah’s population is aging, and Baby Boomers are retiring. The retirement age population (65 and older) grew by nearly 45 percent, while the youth population (under 18) grew by less than 10 percent.
Salt Lake and Utah County Subcounty Estimates, 2010-2019
Utah’s ongoing growth perpetuates the need for current housing and population estimates for cities and neighborhoods. This analysis provides these estimates for Salt Lake and Utah Counties, which are home to over half of Utah’s population and have contributed 54% of the growth that has made Utah the fastest-growing state this decade. Salt Lake County grew 1.0% from 2018 to 2019, Utah County grew 2.8%, and both counties experienced their largest growth in housing units of any year this decade.
