Utah Economy
The Gardner 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.
Featured Research
Northwest Valley Data Points: Northwest Salt Lake County Economics
This fourth installment of the Northwest Valley Data Points series presents economic data for the region, including findings around income, poverty, employment, commuting, and business composition.
January 2026 Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey
Utah’s consumer sentiment increased 0.9% in January, according to the Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey. This increase (from 79.9 in December to 80.6 in January) is within the survey’s margin of error. A similar survey conducted by the University of Michigan reports that sentiment increased by 6.6% among Americans as a whole during January.
The Economic Contribution of the University of Utah
As Utah’s flagship public university, the University of Utah generates one of the largest economic and societal contributions to the state through education, research, health care, and statewide engagement.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry 2026 (2024/2025 Trifold)
The Gardner Institute produces leading travel and tourism research in Utah. We produce reports, profiles, research briefs, fact sheets, data sheets, and blogs on Utah’s visitor economy. Our research informs the Utah Office of Tourism, destination marketing organizations, policymakers, and the general public.
Northwest Valley Datapoints: Northwest Salt Lake County Health
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute has authored “Northwest Valley Datapoints,” a series of fact sheets designed to inform local decision-makers and community partners in Northwest Salt Lake County. This third installment explores health metrics for the region, including access to health care, health outcomes, and social drivers of health.
Utah Economic Council Forecast, December 2025
The Utah Economic Council, a collaborative endeavor of the David Eccles School of Business and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, prepares its forecast quarterly for selected economic and business indicators.
2026 Economic Report to the Governor: Highlights
The 2026 Economic Report to the Governor represents the 38th publication in this series. The report serves as the preeminent source for data, research, and analysis about the Utah economy.
2026 Economic Report to the Governor
The 2026 Economic Report to the Governor represents the 38th publication in this series. The report serves as the preeminent source for data, research, and analysis about the Utah economy.
December 2025 Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey
Utah’s consumer sentiment rose 5.4% in December, according to the Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey. This increase (from 75.8 in November to 79.9 in December) is not statistically significant.
A Portrait of Agriculture in Utah
Utah’s 17,386 farm operations, covering nearly one-fifth of all land statewide, sold a variety of products totaling $2.3 billion in 2022.
