Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Fact Sheet: U.S. Census Bureau Estimates by County, Metropolitan, and Micropolitan Areas, 2017
Each year, the Census Bureau releases population estimates at varying levels of geography. The most recent release, on March 22, 2018, included population estimates at the county, metropolitan, and micropolitan area geography with components of change. Metropolitan and micropolitan areas are statistical boundaries delineated by the Census Bureau. Metropolitan areas include at least one urbanized area with 50,000 or more inhabitants. Micropolitan areas are smaller, with populations falling between 10,000 and 50,000 inhabitants. Both types of statistical areas are based on boundaries, with some of the larger metropolitan areas including multiple counties. Metropolitan and micropolitan areas are named after the[...]
Research Brief: Housing Prices and the Threat to Affordability
Utah business and community leaders wisely pay close attention to housing affordability. Since 1991 Utah housing prices have outpaced every state but Colorado, Oregon and Montana. The rate of housing price increases and challenges created by higher prices are on the minds of many decision-makers. Consequently, the Salt Lake Chamber, Utah’s largest business association, contracted with the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to collect, organize, and review housing affordability data and produce the following report. […]
Policy Brief: Designation of Opportunity Zones
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute has prepared an initial evaluation of census tracts within Utah with significant economic need and market potential. We conducted this research to help Gov. Gary Herbert make an informed decision as he designates “opportunity zones” in Utah as part of the Investing in Opportunity Act.
Policy Brief: Utah’s Olympic Economic Legacy, 2018
The 2002 Olympic Winter Games enlarged the Utah economy and left a lasting economic legacy. This legacy continues to grow and change as the Utah economy matures in each subsequent year since the Games.
February 2018 Economic Summary
The Utah economy remains healthy. Every major industrial sector expanded in 2017, contributing a total of 43,500 new jobs over the year. The consensus forecast predicts moderating- but still healthy - job and wage growth, low unemployment, and increased net migration in 2018.
January Economic Summary
The Utah economy remains healthy. Every major industrial sector expanded in 2017, contributing a total of 43,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.1% is on par with the state’s long-term average and is among the strongest in the nation. In 2017, Utah’s construction sector posted the highest job growth with 5.4%.
2018 Economic Report to the Governor
The 2018 Economic Report to the Governor is the 30th publication in this series. Through the last three decades, the Economic Report to the Governor has served as the preeminent source for data, research, and analysis about the Utah economy.
Fact Sheet: Utah at a Glance
A summary document of the latest data on Utah's demographics and economy.