Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Utah’s Research Universities: Definition, Benefits, and Reach
Utah features two prominent research universities: the University of Utah, the state’s flagship university, and Utah State University, the state’s land-grant university. Research universities provide academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, emphasizing teaching, research, and outreach.
U.S. Census Bureau Estimates for Age, Vintage 2023
Each year, the Census Bureau produces population estimates at varying levels of geography. The age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin estimates at the national, state, and county levels are the final release of the 2023 vintage estimate package.
U.S. Census Bureau Estimates for Race and Hispanic or Latino Origin, Vintage 2023
Each year, the Census Bureau produces population estimates at varying levels of geography. The age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin estimates at the national, state, and county levels are the final release of the 2023 vintage estimate package.
Utah Economic Forecast, June 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.
Fact Sheet: Utah’s Middle Class
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute prepares regular estimates of the population size of Utah’s middle class. The Gardner Institute bases its estimates on household income, compared with state medians and other percentiles by household size.
Mean Center of Population and Employment in Utah’s Economic Regions
The mean center of population and employment in northern Utah both fall in Salt Lake City. This reflects the strong influence Utah’s Greater Salt Lake economic region, namely Salt Lake City and County.
Utah’s Declining Fertility Rate, 2022
U.S. and Utah fertility rates continued a multi-year decline in 2022. The U.S. Total Fertility Rate (TFR) declined from 1.664 in 2021 to 1.656 in 2022, a 0.5% decline.
Fact Sheet: Homelessness in Utah
While rates of homelessness in Utah remain lower than the national average, chronic homelessness increased 96% from 2019 to 2023 and 27% in 2023 alone.
May 2024 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment increased by 1.8% in May (from 76.3 in April to 77.7), according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. This monthly change is not statistically significant.
Washington County Temporary Resident Population Estimates, 2023
Washington County’s blend of outdoor recreation opportunities and retirement communities contribute to a large number of temporary residents in addition to the permanent resident population.