Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Utah International Trade, 2023
Utah exported $17.4 billion in goods in 2023, contributing over $8.0 billion to the state’s gross domestic product, $16.7 billion to the state’s gross output (industry sales), and 71,891 jobs
Data Book: Utah Demographic Characteristics
This data book presents selected characteristics by age, disability, race, ethnicity, sex, religion and geographic location. Together, these characteristics showcase a growing and changing state.
Utah Demographic Characteristics: Urban and Rural Populations
Nine of every ten Utahns live in an urban area, as defined by the Census Bureau. Utah’s urban residents live within Utah’s 25 urban areas, which make up 1.1% of the state’s land area.
Utah Demographic Characteristics: Religious Affiliation
Religious adherents and congregations by state provide an indication of religious affiliation in Utah. Utah has the largest share of religious adherents of any state with an estimated 76% of the population.
Subcounty Population Estimates: Comparing Census Bureau and Utah Population Committee, 2020-2023
The Census Bureau and Utah Population Committee (UPC) produce annual population estimates at the subcounty (city and town) level. Several differences exist between each estimate source, influencing which data should be used for different purposes.
U.S. Census Bureau Estimates for Cities and Housing Units, 2023
On May 16th, 2024, the Census Bureau released population estimates for incorporated places (cities and towns) and housing units at the state and county level for July 1, 2023.
Utah Demographic Characteristics: Disability
National surveys estimate that between 12% and 25% of Utah adults have a disability. A new summary analysis from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute finds that data across different surveys show that Utahns with a disability are more likely to have less income, lower education attainment, higher housing cost burdens, lower access to health coverage, and poor health.
Wasatch Front Subcounty Estimates, 2020-2023
Utah added 55,989 residents in 2023, and three-quarters of this growth occurred in communities along the Wasatch Front in Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, and Weber counties.
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.