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.
Hachman Index of Economic Diversity, 2021
The Hachman Index measures 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.
Utah’s Consumer Sentiment Drops in February
March 2, 2023 (Salt Lake City) – Utah’s consumer sentiment decreased from 75.6 in January to 70.4 in February, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey by the University of Michigan found sentiment rose from January (64.9) to February (67.0) among Americans as a whole. […]
March 2023 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment was essentially unchanged in March (70.2) compared to February (70.4), according to the Kem C. Gardner Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey by The University of Michigan found sentiment fell from February (67.0) to March (62.0) among Americans as a whole.
Policy Brief: Housing Prices and Affordability
In 2022, higher home prices and a doubling of the mortgage rate combined to erode housing affordability. Thus, homeownership has become more difficult for many of Utah’s 333,000 renter households.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2021
Utah’s travel and tourism industry has experienced a healthy post-pandemic recovery, yet continues to face a service industry labor shortage, stunted international visitation, and inflationary headwinds.
An Economic Summary of Utah’s Cultural Industry, 2023
In 2021, Utah’s cultural industry, which comprises the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $10.1 billion in output (direct spending) and supported an estimated 65,300 Utah jobs.
February Newsmaker Breakfast: Great Salt Lake Policy Assessment Slides
Presented by the Great Salt Lake Strike Team, a Collaboration of Utah's Research Universities and State Agencies
Utah’s Consumer Sentiment rises in January
February 3, 2023 (Salt Lake City) – Utah’s consumer sentiment increased from 68.7 in December 2022 to 75.6 in January 2023, according to the Kem C. Gardner Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumers. A similar survey by the University of Michigan also found sentiment rose from December (59.7) to January (64.9) among Americans as a whole. “For the second month in a row Utah consumers are feeling better about the economy,” said Phil Dean, Chief Economist at the Gardner Institute. “Subdued inflation, lower fuel prices, and rising incomes are positively impacting Utahns sense of economic well-being.” The Utah Consumer Confidence Survey uses key[...]
An Economic Overview for Utah and U.S.
Utah enters 2023 facing significant economic uncertainty as decision-makers continue to grapple with ever-changing pockets of economic strength and weakness. The post-pandemic economy has altered many traditional economic relationships. These economic transformations make accurate predictions challenging because it’s unclear if or when old patterns will return, or if new arrangements will chart a different economic course.
February 2023 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment decreased from 75.6 in January to 70.4 in February, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey by the University of Michigan found sentiment rose from January (64.9) to February (67.0) among Americans as a whole.