Every January, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah presents their Economic Insights report. It's packed with data on where Utah's economy stands and where it's headed.

I spent the last week going through the latest report so you don't have to. And I'll be honest — if you live in Utah (especially Utah County), the data should make you feel pretty good about your real estate investment. Here's what stood out:

Since 2014, Utah has led every state in the nation in real GDP growth — up 64%. For context, Florida is at 54%, Idaho at 53%, and the national average is just 29%.

But it's not just growth. Utah also ranks:

What does all of this mean for real estate? Simply this: the fundamentals that drive long-term home values — jobs, income, population growth, and quality of life — are stronger in Utah than almost anywhere else in the US.

Here's where it gets really interesting for homeowners and future buyers.

Utah County is absorbing 35.9% of all population growth in the state right now. Salt Lake County is second at 18.7%, followed by Washington County at 10.7%.

Looking ahead, The Gardner Institute projects Utah County will add approximately 771,700 new residents between 2025 and 2065, far more than any other county. The fastest growing counties over that period are projected to be Wasatch (1.9% annual growth), Utah (1.7%), Washington (1.5%), and Tooele (1.5%). More people = more demand for housing. It's that simple.

If you're on the fence about buying, consider this: you're not just buying a home — you're buying into one of the strongest economic engines in the country. Utah's combination of job growth, high incomes, low poverty, and relentless population growth creates a floor under home values that many states simply don't have.

And right now, you still have leverage. Inventory is up, homes are taking longer to sell, and sellers are more willing to negotiate than they've been in years. That window won't stay open forever — especially in Utah County where demand is only heading in one direction.

If you own a home in Utah — especially along the Wasatch Front or in Utah County — you're sitting on an asset backed by some of the best economic fundamentals in the nation. That's the good news.

The challenge? Today's buyers aren't the same as 2021 buyers. They have options, they're doing their research, and they expect fair pricing. Homes that are priced right are still moving. Homes that aren't? They sit on the market, making all their competition look even better.

The Gardner Institute's data makes one thing clear: long-term demand for Utah housing isn't going anywhere. But that doesn't mean you can overprice your home and expect the market to catch up to you. Strategic pricing and preparation are everything in this market.

Utah isn't just a great place to live — the data proves it's one of the best places in America to own real estate. With the nation's highest income-adjusted household earnings, lowest poverty rate, fastest GDP growth, and a population boom that's only accelerating, the long-term case for Utah real estate has never been stronger.

Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or thinking about selling, let's talk about how these economic trends impact your specific situation. Reply to this email or call me — I'd love to help you build a plan.

The data is clear. The opportunity is now.

Here to serve,

P.S. Market conditions can change quickly. If you've been waiting for the "right time" to make a move, let's talk about whether that time might be now—before everyone else figures it out too.

P.P.S. to download the full slide deck referenced in this article, click below: