Utah remains the youngest state in the nation, but that is changing fast. The share of Utahns over 65 is projected to nearly double by 2060, and communities across the state are already feeling that shift. The question facing local leaders is not whether to respond, it is whether they will be prepared when the moment arrives. A new report from the Utah Foundation takes on that question directly. Preparing for Utah’s Aging Population: Policies … Continued

Great communities do not happen by accident. They are shaped by deliberate decisions, and when communities get these things right, the benefits extend across generations. Utah is at a moment when these decisions carry particular weight. The state’s population of aging adults is growing at an accelerating rate. But communities have the opportunity now to prepare for this increase in their older populations. One approach is through their general plans. Municipal and county general plans … Continued

Utahns have experienced a range of affordability burdens, including health insurance, medical services, and medical bills. In fact, 69% of Utahns experienced at least one healthcare cost burden, and 86% are worried about the cost of future health care. This report is a primer of healthcare costs for Utahns. It looks at the ways these costs burden Utahns, the drivers of these costs, and the federal changes that impact Utahns. Key Findings Healthcare costs remain … Continued

Today’s Utah housing market looks very different than it did 10 years ago. In the past, organizations have helped first-time and other homebuyers through education, financing, and down payment assistance. This report examines each of these program types and the valuable support for prospective homeowners that is currently available. However, in Utah’s current market, programs that modestly lower monthly payments or modestly increase savings are unlikely to meaningfully expand homeownership on their own. That takes … Continued

When thinking about rental assistance, “affordable” means housing expenses do not exceed 30% of a household’s income. If a family is paying more than 30% of their income on housing, they are considered “cost burdened.” And if a family is paying more than 50% of their income on housing, they are considered “severely cost burdened.” Approximately 48% of Utah’s renters are cost-burdened, and 20% are severely cost-burdened. This burden implies the need to support some … Continued

A new Utah Foundation report examines the characteristics and circumstances of Utah’s incarcerated population, offering insight into education levels, employment status, substance use, housing stability, and interactions with the criminal justice system at the time of arrest. The report finds that incarcerated Utahns differ in important ways from the general population—particularly in educational attainment. While 91% of Utahns have completed high school, that rate is only 61% for incarcerated individuals.   At the same time, … Continued