News Release

May 20, 2024 (Salt Lake City) — A new summary analysis from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute provides socioeconomic insights in urban and rural Utah. Nine of every ten Utahns live in an urban area, as defined by the Census Bureau. While all counties contain some rural residents, ranging from 1-82% of residents, 11 counties are considered completely rural.

“Utah’s urban and rural residents share similar income levels, household types, and educational attainment but vary in age profile and racial and ethnic makeup,” said Mallory Bateman, director of demographic research at the Gardner Institute. “Health metrics and housing dynamics highlight differences in the life experiences of Utah’s urban and rural residents.”

The latest Utah demographic characteristics on urban and rural populations are available online. The Gardner Institute will release additional demographic characteristics over several days to aid state decision-making.