Recent Research
Click on the links below to view the most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.
Utah Demographic Characteristics: Age
Despite Utah’s standing as the youngest state in the nation, its population also continues to age. In 1980, less than 8% of Utah residents were over 65, but by 2020, this share increased to nearly 12%. Projections indicate the state’s retirement-age population will likely be more than 20% of Utah’s population by 2060.
April 2024 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment decreased by 2.2% in April 2024 (from 78.0 in March to 76.3), according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment.
Economic Development Case Study: Utah’s Engineering and Computer Science Initiative
Utah has realized the following outcomes and benefits since the launch of Utah's engineering and computer science initiative more than two decades ago.
Weber and Davis Counties: Demographic and Economic Profile
This profile focuses on Weber and Davis counties, a multi-county area within the Greater Salt Lake region. While the Greater Salt Lake region accounts for 90.3% of Utah's economy, these two counties account for 13.9% of Utah's economy.
The Economic Contributions of Utah’s Ski Industry
Utah is home to 15 ski resorts, including the nation’s largest ski resort (Park City). Eleven of the state's resorts are less than an hour from Salt Lake International Airport.
March 2024 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment decreased by 2.9% in March (from 80.3 in January to 78.0), according to the Gardner Institute's March 2024 Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment.
Utah Caregiving Perspectives: A Survey Exploring Utah Caregivers’ Employment, Challenges, and Support Needs
Many caregivers share experiences and needs, but differences arise based on factors like age, gender, employment status, caregiving hours, and living situation.
Utah Economic Council Forecast, March 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.
