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.
Utah Olympic Winter Games: Then and Now
This fact sheet compares Utah in 2002 with Utah in 2034. In 2034, Utah will be larger, older, and more racially and ethnically diverse. The Utah economy will be nearly twice the size of 2002 and feature a much larger tourism sector, more international engagement, improved infrastructure, and a robust winter sports economy.
A Living Legacy: Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation
The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation preserves an Olympic history, provides a robust economic contribution to the state, and creates dynamic opportunities for athletes, staff, visitors, and the community
Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) Tax
Salt Lake County collected $36.7 million in ZAP tax revenue in fiscal year 2023, supporting organizations that collectively employ nearly 15,000 individuals and receive over 11 million visitors annually.
Estimated Economic Impacts of the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games would make a significant economic impact to Utah, generating new jobs, income, and $6.6 billion in economic output.
June 2024 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment decreased by 0.5% in June, according to the Gardner Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment.
Utah Economic Forecast, June 2024
The Utah Economic Council, convened by the David Eccles School of Business and Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, publishes regular economic forecasts related to the Utah and U.S. economies. This includes potential risks to both the state and national economies that the council assesses and weighs.
Fact Sheet: Utah’s Middle Class
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute prepares regular estimates of the population size of Utah’s middle class. The Gardner Institute bases its estimates on household income, compared with state medians and other percentiles by household size.
Mean Center of Population and Employment in Utah’s Economic Regions
The mean center of population and employment in northern Utah both fall in Salt Lake City. This reflects the strong influence Utah’s Greater Salt Lake economic region, namely Salt Lake City and County.
May 2024 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment increased by 1.8% in May (from 76.3 in April to 77.7), according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. This monthly change is not statistically significant.
Utah International Trade, 2023
Utah exported $17.4 billion in goods in 2023, contributing over $8.0 billion to the state’s gross domestic product, $16.7 billion to the state’s gross output (industry sales), and 71,891 jobs