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Economic Indicators

The Gardner Institute provides economic indicators for the U.S. and Utah, publishes an economics dashboard, administers the monthly consumer sentiment survey, produces Utah Informed, and prepares the annual Economic Report to the Governor.

3005, 2019

Ivory-Boyer Construction Report, 1st Quarter 2019

May 30th, 2019|

The total statewide value of permit authorized construction during the first quarter of 2019 is $2.0 billion. This value is within a few million dollars of an all-time first quarter high in 2018 (inflation adjusted). Nonresidential construction value is particularly strong with a total of $641 million, up 35 percent over 2018. The number and value of residential permits issued, however, are down from the strong first quarter of 2018. Nevertheless, first quarter 2019 is still the second highest year in residential value since 2006 and the second highest in residential permits since 2007.

2103, 2019

Ivory-Boyer Construction Report, Year End 2018

March 21st, 2019|

Utah’s construction activity in the fourth quarter of 2018 tapered off. However, due to a strong start in the beginning of the year, the statewide value of construction totaled nearly $8.5 billion, a 3.3 percent increase from 2017. Residential construction remained the driving force behind Utah’s construction industry, comprising 61 percent of the state’s total construction value in 2018. This year saw a 5.5 percent increase in the total number of residential units, with 24,241 units, the highest number of units in 12 years. Nonresidential construction remained above $2 billion for the year, for the fourth year in a row,[...]

502, 2019

Measuring Economic Diversity: The Hachman Index, 2017

February 5th, 2019|

The Hachman Index is a measure of economic diversity. Using indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP) or employment, the index measures the mix of industries present in a particular region relative to a (well-diversified) reference region. Hachman Index scores are normalized from 0 to 100.

1701, 2019

2019 Economic Report to the Governor

January 17th, 2019|

The Economic Report to the Governor has been the preeminent source for data and commentary on Utah’s economy for over 30 years.  The Utah Economic Council, convened by the David Eccles School of Business and Governor’s Office of Management and budget, publishes the report annually.

412, 2018

Ivory-Boyer Third Quarter Construction Report 2018

December 4th, 2018|

Utah’s construction activity remains strong through September 2018. The year-to-date statewide value of construction in 2018 eclipsed $6.5 billion, a five percent increase over third quarter 2017. Residential construction remains the principle driver at $4 billion statewide, 61 percent of total construction value, a share not seen since 2006 (Figure 1). Year-to-date, 18,761 permits have been issued for residential units, over 1,000 more units than this time last year. Third quarter permits for residential units in 2018 are eight percent less than third quarter 2017. It is likely the state will see more growth in 2018 than 2017 and

1909, 2018

Ivory-Boyer Second Quarter 2018 Construction Report

September 19th, 2018|

The value of all permit authorized construction in Utah during the first half of 2018 was $4.3 billion. Residential construction has been the principle driver at $2.7 billion, a 15.9 percent increase from mid-year 2017. Similarly, the number of building permits for new residential permits is up 13.7 percent from 2017, with 12,772 permits issued statewide (Figure 1). Condominium, townhome, and duplex permits led the state in residential growth with a 25 percent increase in units from January through June 2018. Nonresidential construction experienced a 15.4 percent drop in value compared to mid-year 2017. Additions, alterations, and repairs experienced a[...]

1906, 2018

Ivory-Boyer First Quarter Report 2018

June 19th, 2018|

The value of all permit authorized construction in Utah during the first quarter of 2018 was $2 billion. This is a 7.5 percent increase from first quarter 2017. This rise was led by an increase in residential construction which represented 64 percent of total construction value this quarter. Overall, construction values rose after two consecutive quarterly declines in 2017.

1101, 2018

2018 Economic Report to the Governor

January 11th, 2018|

The 2018 Economic Report to the Governor is the 30th publication in this series. Through the last three decades, the Economic Report to the Governor has served as the preeminent source for data, research, and analysis about the Utah economy.

2012, 2017

Ivory-Boyer Fourth Quarter Report 2017

December 20th, 2017|

The value for all types of permit authorized construction totaled $8.21 billion, a 3.9 percent decrease from 2016 (inflation adjusted dollars) (see Figure 1). The decline in total construction value can be attributed to Salt Lake City issuing a permit for $566 million in 2016 for the redevelopment of the Salt Lake City International Airport. Without this permit, the total construction value for 2017 would be approximately 3 percent higher than in 2016.

2009, 2017

Ivory-Boyer Third Quarter Report 2017

September 20th, 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.