One big thing
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute has identified a series of major transitions reshaping the state of Utah. Known as the “new Utah,” these transformations are impacting everything from the economy to demographics.
Why it matters
The “new Utah” represents the state’s evolution from a small to a mid-sized entity. Between 2010 and 2020, Utah surpassed four other states in population size, stepping into the realm of mid-sized states for the first time. This growth expands opportunities for residents, bringing more businesses, job openings, and even the attention of major sports franchises.
Go deeper
The state’s growth isn’t just internal. Utah is seeing a shift in the source of its population growth. Traditionally, the state’s growth was driven by high birth rates. However, Utah is now experiencing a significant increment in net migration, with more people moving into the state than are being born inside it. This shift is occurring alongside a steady decline in the state’s fertility rate over the past 14 years.
Diverse Utah
Demographic changes aren’t limited to the state’s size and growth source. Utah is also becoming older and more diverse. Aging is a national trend, but its effects are felt sharply in Utah, influencing housing preferences, transport choices, and even the structure of the economy. As the state ages, healthcare consumption increases, significantly impacting the economy.
Racial and ethnic diversity is also on the rise in Utah. Not too long ago, only one in ten Utahns belonged to a racial or ethnic minority – today, that figure stands at one in four. This increasing diversity is not only surprising but also enriches the state’s cultural fabric.
Economic muscle
Utah’s economy, robust for years, is now operating at an elite level. Consistently ranked among the top-performing states over the last decade, Utah’s thriving economy—pandemic notwithstanding—has allowed the state to undertake significant investments in infrastructure and education. However, prosperity has also brought challenges, particularly in the form of escalating living costs. Housing affordability has become a key concern, especially for younger residents looking to enter the housing market.
In response to the “new Utah,” decision-makers are urged to keep an open mind, listen to the increasing number of voices in the state, and continue to invest heavily. The Gardner Institute advises leaders to focus on shared projects, fostering unity in a divided world. Despite differing ideas, the focus should be on unifying around ideals, keeping the flame of what makes Utah great burning brightly.
Ultimately, Utahns are the keepers of this flame—the state’s essence and the light it projects to the world. As Utah navigates these transitions, it’s up to its residents to preserve what they cherish about their state while rising to the challenges of the “new Utah.”