Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Video: Utah Coal Country Strike Team
As a society, we face an economic, environmental, and moral imperative to combat global climate change. The benefits are widespread, but the costs are concentrated. Nowhere is this more evident than in America’s coal country. Changes must be made, but let’s not leave behind the people who have made the greatest sacrifice. Coal helped build this country, and America’s coal transition belongs to all of us.
Race/Ethnicity in the Wasatch Front Labor Force: An Equal Employment Opportunity Analysis
Utah’s racial and ethnic diversity continues to increase, along with the rest of the nation. Currently, 1 in 5 Utahns identify as racial minorities, increasing 3.5 percentage points from 2016. However, state level analysis can mask county and region-level variation. For example, in the Wasatch Front region, minority identification is closer to 1 in 4 at 23 percent, and Salt Lake County is 29 percent minority. This information is useful, but how do these trends influence the region’s labor force? Does the Wasatch Front labor force look the same as their total population? How are occupations distributed among different races [...]
June 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.
Salt Lake City Change Atlas 2019
This Salt Lake City Change Atlas, 2019 presents changes in the city’s population, housing units and related characteristics. Salt Lake City Corporation sponsored the research.
Fact Sheet: U.S. Census Bureau Estimates for Age, Vintage 2018
Each year, the Census Bureau produces population estimates at varying levels of geography. The release of the age, sex, race and Hispanic origin at the nation, state, and county level completes the 2018 vintage estimate package. Prior pieces of this release include national, state, county, metropolitan/ micropolitan, and incorporated place (cities and towns) estimates for the 2018 vintage. All releases include annual estimates from Census 2010 to July 1, 2018.
Fact Sheet: U.S. Census Bureau Estimates for Race and Hispanic Origin, Vintage 2018
Each year, the Census Bureau produces population estimates at varying levels of geography. The age, sex, race and Hispanic origin estimates at the nation, state, and county level completes the 2018 vintage estimate package. Prior pieces of this release include national, state, county, metropolitan/micropolitan, and incorporated place (cities and towns) estimates for the 2018 vintage. All releases include annual estimates from Census 2010 to July 1, 2018. This final estimates release is expansive, so there are two fact sheets detailing the results: one for Race and Hispanic origin, and one for age and sex.
Fact Sheet: Utah State and County Short-term Population Projections: 2018-2028
We project Utah’s population will grow on average at 1.7 percent per year from 3,166,647 in 2018 to 3,739,193 in 2028 for a total growth of 572,546. Natural increase is the main driver contributing 339,826 people, while net migration provides the remaining 232,720. The population will become older as Baby Boomers retire and birth rates stay low. This is reflected in a median age rising by 2.8 years from 31.4 to 34.2.
The Salt Lake Apartment Market: An Analysis of Apartment Rental Rates in the Greater Salt Lake Region
Strong demand for apartment units in the Wasatch Front has led to a rapid increase in rental rates. Since the Great Recession, the increase in average rent has outpaced income growth and inflation. Pent up demand coupled with a robust population increase has fueled the growth of the regions’ rental market. Traditionally, Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Murray, and other northern cities of Salt Lake County have held a majority of the apartment inventory. However, cites in southern Salt Lake County and northern Utah County are experiencing significant expansion. Renters are showing a preference for proximity to employment centers, [...]
