Fertility in Utah since the Great Recession: the new normal or a pregnant pause?

Utah is currently experiencing strong economic growth and has clearly recovered from the Great Recession; however, it appears the recession has left a lingering imprint on the state's demographics. Starting in 2008, fertility rates in the state began to significantly decline and those declines continue. While Utah continues to have the highest fertility rate, youngest population, earliest age at first marriage, and largest household size in the nation, the shifts that began in 2008 may indicate a new trend in fertility rates for the state. We conclude Utah's lower fertility rate is likely not a pregnant pause, but rather a new normal. This report includes data and analysis on various aspects of fertility, external factors that may affect fertility rates, and potential policy implications for the broader population.