Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Ivory-Boyer Construction Report, 2nd Quarter 2020
The momentum of a record-setting first quarter continued into the second quarter of the year. While COVID-19 ravaged the economy and led to all-time high unemployment, construction activity held on. Total permit-authorized construction value in Utah during the first half of 2020 is $4.8 billion, a slight increase of 0.4% over last year and a year-to-date record (see Table 1 and Figure 1). While both residential and nonresidential construction value decreased slightly, the 19.0% increase in additions, alterations, and repairs made sure construction value for the first two quarters of 2020 remained nearly identical to 2019. Total permitted residential units [...]
Utah State and County Annual Population Estimates by Single-Year of Age, Sex, and Race/Ethnicity: 2010-2019
Utah’s population continues to diversify. Between 2010 and 2019, the share of the population identifying as minority (something other than non-Hispanic White alone) increased from 19.5% to 22.2%. But the patterns are different at the county level. In 2019, the minority share of each county ranged from 5.6% in Morgan County to 55.5% in San Juan County.
August 2020 Economic Summary
The impact of COVID-19 has significantly affected U.S. employment, GDP, and other economic factors. This report includes data from the first and second quarters of 2020 which reflect these effects. While the Utah economy has not escaped these unique circumstances, the state has fared better compared with national average metrics.
An Economic Analysis of Utah’s Industrial Banks (Snapshot)
Industrial banks have a significant economic presence in Utah, the nationwide center for this banking segment with a 110-year history. The state’s current and former industrial banks pay above average wages and make community investments. In 2019, current industrial banks’ economic impacts included 6,468 instate jobs in all major sectors, $722.0 million in state GDP, and $32.0 million in state and local tax revenue in Utah.
An Economic Analysis of Utah’s Industrial Banks
Industrial banks generate substantial economic benefits in Utah, the nationwide center for this banking segment with a 110-year history.
July 2020 Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment decreased an estimated 2.8%, or 43,100 jobs, between June 2019 and June 2020. Nationally, employment also decreased significantly, by 8.7% or 13.2 million jobs, between June 2019 and June 2020.
Is Utah’s Relatively Low COVID-19 Death Rate Due to its Younger Population?
COVID-19 has upended our society. Health care professionals, public health researchers, first responders, and infectious disease specialists have made sacrifices and put in countless hours to keep us safe. How can demographers contribute to the effort?
Salt Lake City Data Book 2020
Describing the characteristics of Salt Lake City’s population and households at the neighborhood level reveals much more about the diversity, opportunities, and challenges within its population than does a set of citywide metrics. The tables and maps in this data book provide many opportunities to understand the city’s diverse characteristics in great detail. Several variables included in this book have a visible geographic divide, with I-15 drawing a boundary that leaves City Council Districts 1 and 2 to the west and Districts 3 through 7 to the east.
June 2020 Economic Summary
The impact of COVID-19 has significantly affected U.S. employment, GDP, and other economic factors. This report includes May data which reflect the effects of the social distancing mandate. While the Utah economy has not escaped these unique circumstances, the state has fared better than national average metrics.
