POPULATION
UTAH EXPERIENCED THE FASTEST POPULATION GROWTH in the state’s
history in 2005, adding 78,159 people for a total population of 2,547,389 and a growth rate of 3.2 percent. In-migration accounted for 52 percent (40,647) of the 2005 population growth, driven in large part by Utah’s current economic expansion. The state’s demographics are unique in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Utah has the nation’s highest fertility rate at 20.5 births for each 1,000 in Utah’s population—compared with a national average of 14.0—while the state’s death rate of 5.4 per thousand people is the second lowest among the states—compared with a national average of 8.3. Utah also has the youngest population (a median age of just over 28 years), the highest percentage of married households, and the largest average household size (3.01 persons per household) of any state. It is anticipated that these dynamics will create a young and growing workforce for the state’s future. By the year 2030, the state’s median age is expected to rise to 32, while the national average is expected to increase from 36 to 39. (National Center for Health Statistics, USCDC, January 2005.)
HIGHLIGHTS
Median Age 27.9 years Youngest in U.S. Birth Rate 20.5 births/1,000 population Highest in U.S. Death Rate 5.4 deaths/1,000 population Second lowest in U.S. Household Size 3.13 persons/household Largest in U.S. 76 percent of Utah’s populace lives in Salt Lake, Utah, Davis and Weber Counties
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UTAH FACTS 2006
