Utah County’s rapid population growth causing growing pains

UTAH COUNTY, Utah — A new survey from the United Way of Utah County found that Utah County grew 79% between 2000 and 2021.  

The group assessed the needs of communities. More than two-thirds of respondents said traffic congestion is the largest problem, with housing being the second biggest issue.

But where is the growth coming from? 

Director of Demographic Research at the Kem C. Gardner Institute, Mallory Bateman, said 32.2% of Utah County residents are under 18. 

“A big chunk of that — 18.1% of the population — is 5 to 14,”  said Bateman.

Another 16.2% of the county is college-age — 18 to 24 years old. This means almost 50% of Utah County is under 24, making it the youngest county in the entire United States.

Bateman said Cache County is also one of the youngest in the U.S. with a median age of 25.9.

However, senior citizens could be the second largest group in the county, especially in the future. 

Michael Call, the founder of Civicus Consultants and creator of the United Way Assessment, told the Provo Daily Herald, the demographic of those 65 years and older will increase from 8% to 16.7% of the population by 2060.

Follow @KSLHeatherKelly