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Utah Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Utah is a state in the Western United States, bordered by Colorado to the east, Wyoming to the northeast, Idaho to the north, Arizona to the south, and Nevada to the west. Known for its diverse landscapes—including mountains, deserts, and the Great Salt Lake—Utah is both geographically and culturally unique.
Utah ranks as the 30th most populous state in the United States and is the 13th-largest state by land area, covering 82,144 square miles (212,761 sq. km). With an average population density of about 37 people per square mile, Utah is the 41st most densely populated state in the country.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Utah had a population of 3,271,616 (3.2 million). As of July 1, 2024, the estimated population is 3,503,613, or approximately 3.5 million, reflecting continued robust growth.
👉 Projected Population of Utah (2026): ~3.6 million
Utah Population Growth (2010–2020)
Utah experienced rapid population growth between 2010 and 2020, with a growth rate of 18.4%, adding approximately 507,731 residents over the decade. This makes Utah one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., driven by high birth rates and significant in-migration.
The median age in Utah is 30.3 years, reflecting a relatively young population compared to the national average. The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 49.7% females and 50.3% males.
Utah Census Snapshot (2020)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 3,271,616 (3.2 million) |
| Percentage Change since 2010 | 18.4% |
| Population Rank | 30th |
| Total Land Area | 82,144 sq mi (212,761 km²) |
| Area Rank | 13th |
| Population Density | 36.53 per sq mi (14.12 per km²) |
| Capital City | Salt Lake City |
| Largest City | Salt Lake City |
Utah Historical Population
Utah has experienced remarkable population growth over the past century. In 1910, the state’s population was approximately 0.3 million, which grew to 3.3 million by 2020, an increase of nearly 3 million people. Growth has been especially rapid in the late 20th and early 21st centuries due to high birth rates and in-migration.
The table below shows Utah’s decennial population totals and percentage change from 1850 to 2020, highlighting periods of early settlement, steady expansion, and modern growth acceleration.
Utah has experienced remarkable population growth over the past century. In 1910, the state’s population was approximately 0.3 million, which grew to 3.3 million by 2020, an increase of nearly 3 million people. Growth has been especially rapid in the late 20th and early 21st centuries due to high birth rates and in-migration.
The table below shows Utah’s decennial population totals and percentage change from 1850 to 2020, highlighting periods of early settlement, steady expansion, and modern growth acceleration.
Utah Population by Decade
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1850 | 11,380 | — |
| 1860 | 40,273 | 253.90% |
| 1870 | 86,336 | 114.40% |
| 1880 | 143,963 | 66.70% |
| 1890 | 210,779 | 46.40% |
| 1900 | 276,749 | 31.30% |
| 1910 | 373,351 | 34.90% |
| 1920 | 449,396 | 20.40% |
| 1930 | 507,847 | 13.00% |
| 1940 | 550,310 | 8.40% |
| 1950 | 688,862 | 25.20% |
| 1960 | 890,627 | 29.30% |
| 1970 | 1,059,273 | 18.90% |
| 1980 | 1,461,037 | 37.90% |
| 1990 | 1,722,850 | 17.90% |
| 2000 | 2,233,169 | 29.60% |
| 2010 | 2,763,885 | 23.80% |
| 2020 | 3,271,616 | 18.40% |
Utah Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations
Christianity is the majority religion in Utah, with approximately 73% of the population identifying as Christian. Among Christian groups, Mormons (Latter-day Saints) make up 55%, Protestants 13%, and Roman Catholics 5%. The religiously unaffiliated population accounts for 22% of residents, while other non-Christian religions collectively represent 4%, including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and smaller faiths.
For more details, read: Religion in Utah.
Race and Ethnicity
According to the 2020 Census, the largest racial or ethnic group in Utah is White (non-Hispanic) at 75.36%. The Hispanic or Latino population is the second-largest group at 15.07%, followed by individuals of two or more races (3.68%), Asian (2.40%), and Black or African American (1.14%).
Ancestry in Utah
Based on census studies and estimates, the five largest ancestry groups in Utah are English, German, Irish, American, and Danish, reflecting the state’s early European settlement patterns and strong Mormon pioneer heritage.
For more details, read: Race and Ethnicity in Utah.
Top Cities and Counties in Utah
As of 2022, Utah is divided into 29 counties. Salt Lake County is the most populous county, with 1.18 million residents, while San Juan County is the largest by land area, covering 7,820 square miles.
The largest city in Utah is Salt Lake City, with a population of 204,087. It is followed by West Valley (133,894) and West Jordan (116,530). The Salt Lake City metropolitan area is by far the largest in the state, home to approximately 1.3 million residents as of 2016.
For more details, read: Cities and Counties in Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Utah Demographics
1. What is the current population of Utah?
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Utah had a population of 3,271,616 (3.2 million). The 2024 estimate places the population at approximately 3.5 million, with continued growth expected.
2. How fast is Utah’s population growing?
Utah is one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., recording a population growth rate of 18.4% between 2010 and 2020, adding over 500,000 residents during the decade.
3. What is the racial and ethnic composition of Utah?
The largest racial group in Utah is White (non-Hispanic) at 75.36%. Other significant groups include Hispanic or Latino (15.07%), Two or more races (3.68%), Asian (2.40%), and Black or African American (1.14%).
4. What is the dominant religion in Utah?
Christianity is the majority religion in Utah, with 73% of residents identifying as Christian. Mormons (Latter-day Saints) make up the largest subgroup at 55%, followed by Protestants (13%) and Roman Catholics (5%). About 22% of the population is unaffiliated with any religion.
5. What are the largest cities and counties in Utah?
Salt Lake City is the largest city with 204,087 residents, followed by West Valley (133,894) and West Jordan (116,530). Salt Lake County is the most populous county (1.18 million), while San Juan County is the largest by land area (7,820 sq. mi.).
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