UTAH COUNTY

Utah County’s rapid population growth causing growing pains

Jan 9, 2023, 2:00 PM

utah county houses are pictured...

Apartments and town houses on Traverse Mountain Boulevard in Lehi are pictured on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021. The influx of new apartments and condos in Utah County has fueled population growth in comparison to Salt Lake County. (Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)

(Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)

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.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah County

Orem man Chris Avery is aiming to run around the United States, training by running nearly 800 days...

Heather Peterson

Orem man training for year-long run around United States

Chris Avery, a coach from Orem, is training to spend 365 days running around America in 2027. If he does, he will set the Guinness World Record for most consecutive ultra-marathons.

10 days ago

A Payson police vehicle is pictured...

Derrick Jones and Kennedy Camarena

Shoplifting suspect in hospital after officer-involved shooting

Two officers were a part of an officer-involved shooting on Saturday night when a shoplifting suspect advanced on them with a knife.

12 days ago

Hoover standing in court (KSL TV)...

Emily Ashcraft

Jury finds man guilty of aggravated murder in 2019 killing of Provo officer

Joseph Shinners was shot while attempting to arrest Hoover on Jan. 5, 2019, in front of the Bed Bath & Beyond in Orem.

13 days ago

The purple Alpine School District logo is projected onto a white background...

Adam Small

First public meeting held on potential Alpine School District split

A Florida-based consulting group held its first public meeting regarding six proposals, some of which would split Alpine School District. 

15 days ago

doorbell ditching...

Derrick Jones

Eagle mountain water main break left residents without water

A water main break on Sparrowhawk Way in Eagle Mountain will leave approximately 30 residents without water for the next 15 hours.

17 days ago

(Spenser Heaps/Deseret News)...

Cassidy Wixom

UDOT extends length of green lights along Lehi commuter roads

The Utah Department of Transportation has extended the length of green lights on major commuter roads in Lehi in an attempt to ease traffic.

24 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Utah County’s rapid population growth causing growing pains