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.
February 2024 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment decreased by 1.3% in February to 80.3, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment.
Research Brief: Utah’s Energy Sector in 2023 and Outlook for 2024
Utah is fortunate to have abundant and diverse energy resources, including large reserves of conventional fossil fuels as well as several areas suitable for renewable resource development. More recently, Utah has witnessed an evolution in its energy landscape.
Research Brief: Banking and Financial Services (ERG Chapter)
The financial services industry includes businesses that engage in or facilitate financial transactions. Some of these firms raise funds by accepting deposits or issuing securities; others pool risk by underwriting insurance and others support financial intermediation.
Utah’s Health Care Coverage Landscape
Utah’s health care coverage landscape includes high rates of private health insurance enrollment, low rates of public health insurance program enrollment, and declining uninsured rates. That said, uninsured rates remain high for some populations and health care affordability and access are concerns for many Utahns
Policy Brief: The Value of Higher Education
Utah’s degree-granting institutions also train Utah’s workforce, generate significant economic contributions as major employers in the communities they serve, and create discoveries that improve life quality.
January 2024 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment rose 2.0% in January (from 79.8 in December to 81.3), according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey by the University of Michigan found that sentiment rose 13.3% among Americans as a whole during the same time (from 69.7 to 79.0).
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2024
Utah’s travel and tourism industry maintains a positive trajectory despite challenges such as surging inflation, high gas prices, and U.S. recession fears.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, February 2024 (Tri-Fold Brochure)
Visitors spent a record $11.98 billion in Utah’s economy in 2022, generating 151,800 total jobs and a record $2.12 billion in total state and local tax revenue.
An Economic Summary of Utah’s Cultural Arts Industry, 2022
Utah’s cultural industry, including the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $14.9 billion in output (direct spending) and supported an estimated 69,820 Utah jobs in 2022.
The Role of Nonprofit Hospitals in Utah’s Health Care System
The majority of Utah hospitals are nonprofit organizations that provide charity care and medical discounts; community education, services, and research; donations of time and money; and essential health services throughout the state.