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
Economic Impacts from Utah Retirement Systems 2024 Pension Payments
Utah Retirement Systems distributed $2.1 billion in defined benefit pension payments to 72,400 Utah residents in 2024, generating 7,200 jobs with $377.5 million in earnings and $828.8 million in state GDP.
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Travel and Tourism Industry
In FY2024, over 1,200 federal employees worked in tourism-related jobs in Utah, including 658 in leisure and hospitality (includes national parks and recreation jobs) and 605 at the Federal Aviation Association (FAA).
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Defense in Utah
Approximately 55,000 defense employees work in Utah, consisting of federal defense civilian employees (over 19,000), military personnel (almost 16,000), and employees of private defense contractors (roughly 20,200).
U.S. Census Bureau Estimates by County, Metropolitan, and Micropolitan Areas, 2024
Each year, the Census Bureau produces population estimates at varying levels of geography. The Census Bureau's most recent release on March 13, 2025, provides population estimates with components of population change for counties, metropolitan areas, and micropolitan areas in the United States and Puerto Rico.
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Utah Public Lands
The federal government owns 64.4% of Utah’s total land area (35.0 million out of 54.3 million acres). The federal government holds in trust for tribal nations an additional 4.5% of the state’s land.
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Federal Funds in Utah’s State Budget
In FY 2024, federal funds comprised 27% of the state’s spending, totaling just over $7 billion of the $26 billion total.