Utah Economy
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute provides analysis and data-driven, context-specific insights about the Utah economy. We prepare in-depth studies on key Utah issues in partnership with stakeholders in the private sector and in state and local government. Our research provides vital information that decision-makers and the public use to help Utah prosper.
Tourism, Recreation, and Restaurant Taxes in Utah
Tourism in Utah generates significant tourism-specific and other taxes, but regional differences in local revenues and tourism impacts can pose challenges.
October 2024 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment increased by 3.6% in October 2024 (from 77.9 in September to 80.7 in October), according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment.
Salt Lake County’s Life Sciences and Health Care Innovation Industry
Life sciences and health care innovation plays a vital role in Salt Lake County’s economy, supporting employment, generating earnings, and boosting GDP.
The Evolving Landscape of Utah’s Short-Term Rental Market
Short-term rental (STR) growth accelerated dramatically across the United States as the COVID-19 pandemic shifted consumer behaviors, thus increasing their market demand. This report summarizes the recent trends in the growth of STRs across Utah and how this growth relates to the total housing supply.
Utah Small Area Diabetes Risk Profiles
The Utah Small Area Diabetes Risk Profiles are based on the Health Improvement Index (HII), 2022, and is a measure of health equity developed by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Areas with high and very high HII scores are characterized by social and economic disadvantage.
September 2024 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment decreased by 6.1% in September (from 83.0 in August to 77.9 in September), according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment.
Utah Economic Council Forecast, September 2024
The Utah Economic Council, convened by the David Eccles School of Business and Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, publishes regular economic forecasts related to the Utah and U.S. economies. This includes potential risks to both the state and national economies that the council assesses and weighs.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2024 (Tri-Fold Brochure)
Visitors spent a record $12.71 billion in Utah’s economy in 2023, generating 159,800 total jobs and a record $2.35 billion in state and local tax revenue.
Utah Travel & Tourism County Profiles, 2023
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute prepares annual travel and tourism industry profiles for all 29 Utah counties. These profiles include detailed breakdowns of several economic indicators such as employment, tax revenue, accommodations, and more.
August 2024 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment increased by 2.3% in August (from 81.1 in July to 83.0 in August), according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment.