Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
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.
February 2025 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment decreased 3.5% to 88.1 in February from 91.3 in January, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment.
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Federal Deficit and Debt
The federal government spends 39% more annually than its revenue collections, resulting in a deficit ($1.9 trillion in FY 2024).
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Federal Employment in Utah
Nearly 57,000 federal employees work in Utah, consisting of non-defense civilian employees (nearly 22,000), defense civilian employees (about 19,000), and military personnel (roughly 16,000).
The Benefits of Higher Education to Utah
Education and training help Utahns earn more income, secure more stable employment, achieve greater upward mobility, participate less in public assistance programs, and garner other positive individual and societal benefits.
January 2025 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment was unchanged at 91.3 in January, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment.
State and County Population Estimates for Utah: 2024
July 1, 2024 estimates produced by the Utah Population Committee indicate a total Utah population of 3,506,838, adding 50,392 residents to the state since July 1, 2023.