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 Economic Council Forecast, March 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.
An Economic Summary of Salt Lake County’s Cultural Industry, 2022
Salt Lake County’s cultural industry, which includes the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $7.7 billion in output (direct spending) and supported an estimated 32,737 Salt Lake County jobs in 2022.
Policy Insight: Utah’s Diverse Energy Portfolio
Utah possesses diverse energy resources ranging from crude oil and natural gas in the Uinta and Paradox Basins to renewable energies such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and biomass.
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.