Utah’s population is getting a bit older

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s population might be the youngest in the nation, but the age gap is getting smaller.

New data from the U.S. Census Bureau looked at the numbers of people younger than 18 and older than 65.

The bureau found that the number of older Utahns is growing. The state’s population of 65 and older increased by more than 17% from 2020 to 2024.

Meanwhile, the younger population is shrinking. The population of Utahns 18 years or younger decreased by nearly 1.8% in that same time range.

Afton January, with Salt Lake County’s Aging and Adult Services, said the demographic shift presents some challenges and strains on budgets for things like Meals-on-Wheels and midday meals at senior centers.

“We have a growing, aging population … The needs for older people who are trying to stay independent are a little more different or intensive than the needs of the rest of us.”

January said we should all get to know the names and basic needs of our neighbors to help them maintain their independent living.

“There are very likely families with young children and aging, older adults within walking distance of your front door. And I think it behooves all of us as Utahns to know who the people are that we live around.”

The shift in demographics is happening nationwide. The Census Bureau found that there are more older adults than children in 11 states.