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
March 2026 Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment increased 3.1% in March, according to the Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey. This increase (from 79.1 in February to 81.5 in March) is within the survey’s margin of error. A similar survey conducted by the University of Michigan found that sentiment among Americans as a whole fell 5.8% in March.
Hearing the Mother’s Voice: Birth Trauma in Utah
Insights from Utah women who experienced birth trauma highlight opportunities to strengthen maternity care and postpartum support.
February 2026 Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey
Utah’s consumer sentiment decreased 1.9% in February, according to the Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey. A similar survey conducted by the University of Michigan found that sentiment among Americans as a whole increased by 0.4% in February.
Northwest Valley Datapoints: Northwest Valley Housing
Northwest Valley includes 107,480 total housing units, comprising 42% of Salt Lake County’s housing units and 16% of the state's housing units. Across communities, the housing stock ranges from 44,073 housing units in West Valley City to 10,149 units in Kearns.
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.
