MILLENNIALS AND POPULATION GROWTH

Millennials

Move on the

Photo by Jay Dash | courtesy visitutah.com

he millennial generation is the largest in America with more than 75 million people — a figure that represents almost two-fifths of the working age population. They’re also the most diverse generation in U.S. history with some 44% being represented by minorities.

In the last decade, Utah ranks No. 1 among the states for population growth. The Census Bureau estimates Utah’s current population at 3,161,105, with nearly 58,000 residents added in 2018.

According to a 2017 report by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at The University of Utah, the state’s population is expected to increase from approximately 3 million to 5.8 million by 2065. Net migrations will account for

Tby one-third of the increase, with the other two-thirds coming from natural increase (births minus deaths). The report SAVANNAH KING indicates growth rates are projected to decrease over the next 50 years, but Utah will likely exceed national growth rates. Utah’s median age is also expected to increase, rising from 30.7 years in 2015 to 38.3 years in 2065. Over the next 50 years, Salt Lake County will likely remain the most populous in the state. In the southwest corner of the state, Washington County is expected to have the most rapid rate of growth with over half a million new residents expected in the county by 2065. Salt Lake City Sustainability Communications Manager Sophia Nicholas said, “Our millennials realize that living

Utah’s population is growing with no signs of slowing down

downtown is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking to reduce your impact on the planet. It’s easier to have a lower environmental footprint when you’re living in denser communities. It’s easier, cheaper and cleaner to use public transportation and to live close to where you work. Multi-family dwellings have lower resource requirements, and there are many local food options — from downtown community gardens to the year-round local farmers’ market.”

Utah’s third largest city, Provo, is home to the largest share of U.S. young adults, according to a 2018 analysis from the Brookings Institution. Ogden-Clearfi eld is also a millennial magnet with some 24.3% of the population in the city being millennial aged.

Millennials tend to value experiences over possessions. As such, they tend to migrate to larger cities where jobs are plentiful, neighborhoods are walkable, and quality of life is high. In Utah, millennials flock to Salt Lake City for its unique culture and attractions. In fact, the city ranked No. 4 in the annual Mayflower Index and Livability’s Top Ten Cities for Millennials on the Move.

Outside of the metro area’s urban assets, the area is surrounded by one of the best natural playgrounds in the U.S. with abundant parks, hiking and biking trails, and skiing. The nearby Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain ranges are popular destinations, as is the Great Salt Lake, which is saltier than the ocean and allows people to fl oat effortlessly on the surface of the water.