PRESS RELEASE
October 9, 2008

Contacts:
Laura Summers, Research Analyst, Utah Foundation
(801) 355-1400, ext. 6

Stephen Kroes, President, Utah Foundation
(801) 355-1400, ext. 5
(801) 573-8824 (mobile)

THE IMPACTS OF UTAH'S POPULATION GROWTH

Today, Utah Foundation released a research brief entitled, “The Impacts of Utah's Population Growth.” The brief is available at www.utahfoundation.org.

This brief is part of the ongoing Utah Priorities Project, which began with a statewide survey asking voters to rate the most important issues facing our state in this election year. Reports and briefs published for the Utah Priorities Project are designed to inform voters and candidates with facts and analysis on the most important issues facing Utah this election year.

Between 2006 and 2007, Utah had the third-fastest annual population growth rate in the United States, ranking only behind Nevada and Arizona. This rapid growth is expected to continue; by 2060, Utah’s population is projected to be more than 6.8 million people. Survey respondents were most concerned about the effects of population growth on traffic congestion, crowding in public schools, water supply, and crime rates. To help voters and candidates understand this issue, this brief provides the following information:

• Utah’s current and projected population and employment growth rates.
• The ten fastest growing cities in Utah between 2000 and 2007.
• How population growth will affect water demand, particularly in Southern Utah.
• Utah’s current and projected public and higher education enrollment.
• Information about changes in Utah’s crime rate.
• A discussion of how the state’s concerns about in-migration have changed.

The report is freely available to the public on the web at www.utahfoundation.org.

***

The mission of Utah Foundation is to promote a thriving economy, a well-prepared workforce, and a high quality of life for Utahns by performing thorough, well-supported research that helps policymakers, business and community leaders, and citizens better understand complex issues and providing practical, well-reasoned recommendations for policy change.