Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Video: Utah’s Long-Term Demographic and Economic Projections
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute recently co-hosted the Utah Legislature at a policy summit focused on Utah’s future. The summit opened with this video, which highlights growth and change in Utah. The video presents the findings of the state’s long-term demographic and economic projections such as growth, urbanization, declining fertility, sustained in-migration and an aging population.
October Economic Summary
The Utah economy remains healthy. Every major industrial sector expanded in 2016, contributing a total of 49,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.6% was above the state’s long-term average and among the strongest in the nation. In 2016, Utah’s construction sector posted the highest job growth with 6.8%.
Fertility in Utah since the Great Recession: The New Normal or a Pregnant Pause?
Utah is currently experiencing strong economic growth and has clearly recovered from the Great Recession; however, it appears the recession has left a lingering imprint on the state’s demographics. Starting in 2008, fertility rates in the state began to significantly decline and those declines continue. While Utah continues to have the highest fertility rate, youngest population, earliest age at first marriage, and largest household size in the nation, the shifts that began in 2008 may indicate a new trend in fertility rates for the state. We conclude Utah’s lower fertility rate is likely not a pregnant pause, but rather a[...]
September Economic Summary
The Utah economy remains healthy. Every major industrial sector expanded in 2016, contributing a total of 49,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.6% was above the state’s long-term average and among the strongest in the nation. In 2016, Utah’s construction sector posted the highest job growth with 6.8%.
Ivory-Boyer Third Quarter Report 2017
Utah’s construction industry is on pace for a very good year. The total value of construction for the first three quarters of the year rose to $6.3 billion, a nine percent increase over 2016. Through the third quarter the number of permits issued for residential dwelling units was 17,681, a 26 percent increase over 2016 and the highest level since 2007.
August Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment increased an estimated 2.5%, or 36,300 jobs, between July 2016 and July 2017. Nationally, employment increased 1.5%, or 2.2 million jobs, between July 2016 and July 2017. Unemployment—Utah’s unemployment rate was 3.5% in July 2017, slightly higher than the July 2016 rate of 3.4%. The national unemployment rate was 4.3% in July 2017, lower than the July 2016 rate of 4.9%.