The Gardner Policy Institute provides data-driven, context-specific insights about Utah’s economy. We prepare in-depth studies on key Utah issues in partnership with stakeholders in the private sector and state and local government. The institute employs a diverse group of economists and analysts with specialties that include healthcare, energy and natural resources, tourism, and real estate and construction. Our research provides vital information decision makers and the public use to help Utah prosper.
Housing, Construction, & Real Estate
The Economic Contribution of Utah State University
Utah State University strengthens Utah’s economy through high-quality education; research and innovation; institutional, student, and visitor spending; and broad societal benefits.
May 2025 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment rose 1.4% in May, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. This modest monthly change (from 80.0 in April to 81.1 in May) falls well within the survey’s margin of error.
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Federal Student Aid in Utah
Students enrolled at Utah postsecondary institutions received about 350,000 federal student aid awards totaling $1.6 billion in the 2022-23 school year.
U.S. Census Bureau Estimates for Cities and Housing Units, 2024
Six cities in Utah rank in the top 100 fastest-growing cities with 20,000 or more people, according to population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau for incorporated places (cities and towns) and housing units at the state and county level for July 1, 2024.
Utah International Trade, 2024
Utah exported $18.2 billion of goods in 2024, contributing nearly $8.0 billion to the state’s gross domestic product, $15.9 billion to the state’s gross output (industry sales), and 70,171 jobs.
April 2025 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment fell slightly in April (down 1.4%), from 81.1 in March to 80.0, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey conducted by the University of Michigan measured a significantly steeper decline (8.4%) in sentiment among Americans as a whole.
