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Show Population Growth Utah's total population has shown an overall increase from 1951 through 1995. During this time period, Utah experienced a growth rate nearly double or occasionally, triple the national growth rate. However, between 1987 and 1989 Utah's growth rate dropped slightly below the national level. At this time, Utah experienced a net-out migration of 59,000 people because of a declining job market in mining, manufacturing and the construction industries. Fluctuations in Utah's migration patterns influence the population growth rate and suggest a dependence on economic conditions. The rebound in in-migration during the 1990s is an indication of the relative strength of the Utah economy. Figure 1 The fertility rate has a direct influence on Utah's population growth. In the 1970s the fertility rate increased steadily until 1979 and was well above the national rates. Since then, it has declined steadily but remains substantially higher than national rates. The death rate is another variable for consideration when analyzing the population growth rate. The death rate of 6.6 for Utah in 1970 decreased steadily until 1984 when it reached a low of 5.3. There was a slight increase in this rate during the mid to late 1980s. Overall, however, the Utah death rate is well below that of the nation, due to Utah's lower average age. Percentage Change in Population -r5 1 ' I ' I ' I ' 1 ' I ' I ' I 1951 1955 1959 1963 1967 1971 1975 1979 1983 1987 1991 1995 Utah ........U.S. Figure 2 Annual Population Increase in Utah 60,000 T 40,000--20,000-- 0 -20,000 ± 1951 1957 1963 1969 1975 1981 1987 1993 --------------Net Migration ---------------Natural Increase Total Population Increase Utah's Health: An Annual Review 1996 33 |
