Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Demographic Profile: State of Utah Population by Age, Sex, Race and Ethnicity, 2010–2018
Utah’s 2018 population was estimated at 3,116,647. Between 2010 and 2018, it grew by 394,274, representing an average annual percentage growth rate of 1.7 percent. The state remains relatively young with 29.7 percent of the population being preschool or school age (under 18), compared to 10.9 percent of retirement age (65 and older).
A Qualitative Study of Utah’s State Turnaround Program: Cohort One
The first cohort of schools that successfully exited the Utah State Turnaround Program experienced similar factors of success and share similar concerns. A concerted focus on data, positive reinforcement, collaboration, and strong leadership were chief among the factors they attributed to their success. These schools are very proud and empowered by their success, yet have concerns about sustaining the gains made without the additional resources or school leadership that adopts turnaround practices.
October 2019 Economic Summary
The Utah economy exceeded expectations in 2018, adding a total of 48,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.3% is on par with the state’s long-term average and is among the strongest in the nation. A tightening labor market (3.1 percent unemployment) applied upward pressure on personal income. Annual income per capita increased to $45,174, a 3.9 percent increase from last year.
Fact Sheet: Utah State and County Annual Population Estimates by Single-Year of Age, Sex, and Race/Ethnicity: 2010-2018
Utah’s population continues to diversify. Between 2010 and 2018, the share of the population identifying as minority (something other than non-Hispanic White alone) increased from 19.5 to 22.0 percent. But, these patterns differ by geography. In 2018, the minority share of each county ranged from 5.4 percent in Morgan County to 56.1 percent in San Juan County.
September 2019 Economic Summary
The consensus forecast predicts moderating–but still healthy–job and wage growth, and low unemployment. Internal risks to the Utah economy include the supply of workers, increasing interest rates, housing affordability, and air quality. The nation is entering a late business cycle which may also present challenges. Demographic advantages, an appealing business climate, and increasing labor force participation will continue to be an advantage for the economy. All going well, Utah will once again be one of the top-performing economies in the nation in 2019.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, September 2019 (Tri-Fold Brochure)
In 2018, travelers and tourists spent a record $9.75 billion in Utah. Nonresident visitors spent $8.38 billion of that total, with the largest shares spent on transportation (including gasoline purchases, car rentals, transportation fares, parking), lodging, and dining. Additional nonresident visitor purchases included retail items and groceries, as well as arts, entertainment, and recreation-related activities.
Ivory-Boyer Construction Report, 2nd Quarter 2019
The total statewide value of permit authorized construction in Utah during the first half of 2019 is $4.7 billion (Table 1). The residential sector accounts for almost two-thirds of statewide construction value, totaling $2.9 billion. Activity in the commercial sector remained strong through the second quarter bringing total nonresidential construction value to $1.2 billion, a 13.5 percent increase from mid-year 2018.
Utahns on the Move: State and County Migration Age Patterns
Utahns are on the move. Approximately one in every six Utahns changed residences in 2016, mirroring a national trend of high mobility. As the Utah economy has grown, diversified, and become more globally integrated, the state has emerged as a net in-migration destination. Utah migration patterns vary over time and by geography (counties). Migration is also impacted by economic performance and structure, natural resources (including recreational), and major events (such as the Olympics). In this report, we provide analysis of Utah’s migration history, signature migration characteristics for the 2000-2010 decade, and county migration trends by county typology and stages of [...]
