Utah Economy
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute provides analysis and data-driven, context-specific insights about the Utah economy. We prepare in-depth studies on key Utah issues in partnership with stakeholders in the private sector and in state and local government. Our research provides vital information that decision-makers and the public use to help Utah prosper.
Weber and Davis Counties: Demographic and Economic Profile
This profile focuses on Weber and Davis counties, a multi-county area within the Greater Salt Lake region. While the Greater Salt Lake region accounts for 90.3% of Utah's economy, these two counties account for 13.9% of Utah's economy.
The Economic Contributions of Utah’s Ski Industry
Utah is home to 15 ski resorts, including the nation’s largest ski resort (Park City). Eleven of the state's resorts are less than an hour from Salt Lake International Airport
March 2024 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment decreased by 2.9% in March (from 80.3 in January to 78.0), according to the Gardner Institute's March 2024 Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment.
Utah Caregiving Perspectives: A Survey Exploring Utah Caregivers’ Employment, Challenges, and Support Needs
Many caregivers share experiences and needs, but differences arise based on factors like age, gender, employment status, caregiving hours, and living situation.
Utah Economic Council Forecast, March 2024
The Utah Economic Council, convened by the David Eccles School of Business and Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, publishes regular economic forecasts related to the Utah and U.S. economies. This includes potential risks to both the state and national economies that the council assesses and weighs.
An Economic Summary of Salt Lake County’s Cultural Industry, 2022
Salt Lake County’s cultural industry, which includes the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $7.7 billion in output (direct spending) and supported an estimated 32,737 Salt Lake County jobs in 2022.
Policy Insight: Utah’s Diverse Energy Portfolio
Utah possesses diverse energy resources ranging from crude oil and natural gas in the Uinta and Paradox Basins to renewable energies such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and biomass.
February 2024 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment decreased by 1.3% in February to 80.3, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment.
Research Brief: Utah’s Energy Sector in 2023 and Outlook for 2024
Utah is fortunate to have abundant and diverse energy resources, including large reserves of conventional fossil fuels as well as several areas suitable for renewable resource development. More recently, Utah has witnessed an evolution in its energy landscape.
Research Brief: Banking and Financial Services
The financial services industry includes businesses that engage in or facilitate financial transactions. Some of these firms raise funds by accepting deposits or issuing securities; others pool risk by underwriting insurance and others support financial intermediation.