Study finds Utah Lake gives significant contributions to Utah County economy

SALT LAKE CITY — A new study shows that Utah Lake is funneling tens of millions of dollars into Utah County’s economy, as visitors spent more than $74 million there last year.

According to the economic study conducted by Ernst & Young, the lake’s significant contributions to the economy brought in nearly $10 million in state and local taxes while supporting over 800 jobs.

The study also showed that visitors to Utah County logged over a million days at the lake in 2024. Utah Lake Authority Executive Director Luke Peterson said they wanted to focus on tourist visits to highlight the lake’s appeal outside the county.

“We really want to just show how much economic activity it brings from beyond the county borders,” Peterson said. “I think a lot of people don’t think of people visiting Utah Lake from outside of Utah County, but clearly they do.”

Utah Lake supports Utah jobs

The study found that the majority of jobs tied to tourism in Utah Lake are in lodging and dining, with each employee earning an estimated $40,000 annually.

In turn, the study found these workers spend money locally, which helps businesses grow and creates more jobs and income in the area.

“Utah Lake is an often invisible asset,” Peterson mentioned in a press release. “But in reality, it makes significant contributions to our economy.”

In a press release, Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran called the lake “instrumental to our community.”

“It’s great to see the economic data confirm what we’ve known for years,” Beltran said. “The lake provides ecological, recreational and economic benefits to both residents and visitors … This is just the beginning.”

Related: Utah County continues to lead the state, and the country, in population growth