ALL NEWS

U of U projection: Utah population 5.4 million by 2060

Jan 19, 2022, 11:56 AM

population million...

Chart from the U of U's Gardner Institute shows Utah's population reaching 5.4 million in 2060, even as the rate of growth is slowing down. (Photo: Gardner Institute)

(Photo: Gardner Institute)

SALT LAKE CITY — A new report shows that although Utah’s long-term growth rate is slowing, the population could increase by 2 million in the next few decades.

The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah released a recent report on Utah’s population growth. The report shows the state’s population could reach 3.8 million people by 2030 and 5.4 million by 2060. But that represents a slowing in the long-term growth rate compared to previous decades.

Mallory Bateman, the institute’s Director of Demographic Research, says the trend of population growth appears to be going down.

Immense population growth expected, even as growth rate slows

“We were the fastest-growing state,” she told reporters Wednesday morning, “Nationwide, this past decade was the slowest growth rate since the 1930’s.”

Over the next four decades, the proportion of Utahns over 65 years old is expected to double, from about 11% of the population today to more than 22% in 2060.

Birth rates in Utah have also been going down, but Senior Demographer Emily Harris said we still expect to have a lot of kids, especially in the short term.

“What we’re anticipating, probably in the next ten years,” she said, “is, even as fertility rates decline, we will still have a large concentration of people in child-bearing ages.”

Population growth by county

The report also projects strong economic growth in the coming decades, with much of that concentrated in Salt Lake County.

population million

Population growth projections by county. Photo: Kem C.Gardner Policy Institute, 2020–2060 Projections

“So if you look at Salt Lake and Utah County,” said Senior Research Associate Max Backlund, “you can see that Utah County is the leader for population growth, but it still trails Salt Lake County for employment growth by about 200,000 jobs.”

Salt Lake and Summit counties are the only two in the state where the number of new jobs is expected to exceed total population growth.

The report is available on the Gardner Institute website.

Other stories:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

All News

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

U of U projection: Utah population 5.4 million by 2060