News Release

 May 13, 2024 (Salt Lake City) — Despite Utah’s standing as the youngest state in the nation, its population continues to grow older due to declining fertility rates and the aging of the adult population. A new summary analysis from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute dives into different demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of Utahns by age group, highlighting differences between younger and older Utahns.

“In 1980, less than 8% of Utah residents were over 65, but by 2020, this share increased to nearly 12%,” said Mallory Bateman, director of demographic research at the Gardner Institute. “Our projections indicate this trend will continue, and the current data shows that different stages of life relate to outcomes in education, economics, housing, and health.”

The latest Utah demographic characteristics on age are now available online. The Gardner Institute will release additional demographic characteristics over the next two weeks to aid state decision-making.

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