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.
Insight: Population Growth at Point of the Mountain Portends Merged Metro Area
By: Pamela Perlich, Ph.D. New estimates recently released by the Bureau of the Census indicate that population growth in the state continues to be concentrated in its two largest counties, particularly in southern and western Salt Lake County and northern and central Utah County. Further, the annual amount of population growth in Utah County is approaching that of the much larger Salt Lake County. This provides further evidence of the merging of the two largest counties into a more integrated metropolitan region. […]
Fertility Insight: Utah's population is not just homegrown
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. […]
Insight: The Point of the Mountain is beginning to boil
By: Natalie Gochnour Originally published in the Deseret News You can always tell when a pot of water is ready to boil. Hundreds of small air pockets begin to accumulate. Within seconds the tipping point occurs and the boiling begins. While not a perfect comparison, a similar phenomenon is occurring at the nexus of Utah’s two largest counties. What locals call the “Point of the Mountain” is reaching an economic boiling point. The growth of Salt Lake and Utah counties are coming together. It’s the most significant change in Utah’s urban dynamics in a generation, and it presents significant economic[...]
Insight: Analysis of Neighborhoods’ Housing Identifies Areas of Population Growth in Salt Lake County
By: Dr. Pamela S. Perlich, Ph.D. Today we release our tract level population, household, housing unit, and group quarters estimates for Salt Lake County. These are annual estimates for 2010 through 2014 for all 212 census tracts within Utah’s most populous county. Our analysis shows that areas of rapid growth are in the southern portion of the county (Bluffdale, Herriman, and South Jordan), central valley (Midvale and Murray), and Salt Lake City. […]
Insight: Utah’s Fertility Rate is at Historic Low
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. […]
Insight: Census Releases Detailed Data on Utah’s Veteran Population
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. […]
Insight: Utah Population Achieves 3 Million
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. […]
Insight: Demographic Forces Driving Housing Demand
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. […]