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
Utah’s Community Needs
Utah's economic and demographic fundamentals point to continued challenges with affordable housing, general housing affordability, and other community needs for low- and moderate-income individuals. This report summarizes Utah’s community needs, including those of low- and moderate-income individuals, small businesses, and the general community.
Utah Economic Council Forecast, September 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.
Maternal Health in Utah: Risk Factors, Workforce Gaps, and Access to Care
Some Utahns face compounding challenges to accessing maternal health care, including long travel distances, limited provider availability, and higher prevalence of risk factors.
Northwest Valley Datapoints: Northwest Salt Lake County
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute releases “Northwest Valley Datapoints,” a series of fact sheets designed to inform local decision-makers and community partners. This first installment provides a geographic overview of the region.
August 2025 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment rose 1.9% in August, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. This increase (from 78.4 in July to 79.9 in August) is within the survey’s margin of error. A similar survey conducted by the University of Michigan reports sentiment fell 5.7% during August among Americans as a whole.
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Health Insurance Marketplace
The ACA, signed into law in 2010, established the framework for health insurance marketplaces nationwide. The Marketplace and the accompanying tax credits help make health insurance coverage affordable for Utahns who do not have access to health insurance coverage through work or public health care coverage programs. These include small business owners, their employees, and self-employed workers.
July 2025 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment fell 4.8% in July, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey conducted by the University of Michigan reports a small increase (1.6%) in sentiment during July among Americans as a whole.
Visitor-Generated Tax Revenue, FY 2024
Millions of visitors travel to Utah every year from other states and countries. This report focuses on out-of-state (nonresident) visitors.
State of the State’s Housing Market: 2024-2025
Utah housing prices and rents showed little to no growth in 2024. Home sales and listings increased, and residential construction declined as apartment developments tumbled.
June 2025 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment rose 1.5% in June, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey conducted by the University of Michigan found a significant change (16.3%) in sentiment during June among Americans as a whole.
