Utah.Careers.org
Fast Facts: As approximately 80 percent of the state’s citizens reside in and around the capital city of Salt Lake City, a great breadth of Utah is essentially uninhabited.
Utah Careers: The 2008 U.S. Census estimated Utah population at over 2.7 million. Forbes recently ranked Utah the extraordinary 2nd “Best State for Business.”
Utah Career Education: Utah ranked 26th in a 2009 K-12 “Academic Achievement” study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Utah Economy: Tourism represents a major industry in the state; with its five national parks, Utah has the 3rd most national parks of any state, trailing only Alaska and California.
For details and sources, click the “Career Information” tab below.
Utah Fast Facts:
Location, Location, Location…: Located in the Western Region of the United States, Utah was the 45th state admitted to the Union on January 4, 1896.
Cities: Over three-fourths of Utah’s population lives along the Wasatch Front, centering around Salt Lake City.
Behind the Name: Utah is nicknamed the “Beehive State” as a biblical reference associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church).
A Closer Look: Utah hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Did You Know? Utah is known for being one of the most religiously homogeneous states in the Union, with over half the population reported to be members of the aforementioned Mormon Church.
Utah Careers and Employment:
Population: 2,736,424 (22.5% increase since 2000) – 49.5% Female, 50.5% Male (2008 U.S. Census Bureau).
Business Environment: Ranked 2nd in Forbes Magazine’s “Best States for Business,” 2008.
Top Industries: In terms of paid employees, according to a 2008 U.S. Census Bureau study: (1) retail trade; (2) manufacturing; (3) health care and social assistance; (4) administrative and support and waste management and remediation services; and (5) accommodation and food services.
Taxes: Income Tax, 5.0% and Sales Tax, 4.65% (Federation of Tax Administrators).
Cost of Living: 95.0 in relation to the “National Average” of 100 (Federal Cost of Living Index).
Quality of Life: Ranked 7th of 50 states by CNBC, 2009.
Weather: Average Temperature (In °F) – Jan: 25.93; Apr: 46.80; July: 72.51; Oct: 49.61 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
K-12: Ranked 26th of 50 states in “Academic Achievement” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2009.
Utah Economics:
In General: Popular sectors of employment include the service industry (36%), the finance, insurance and real estate industry (29%) and military and government services (17%).
Service Industry: Professional, business and personal occupations including private health care, hotels and ski resorts, law firms, and software development shops lead the service industry.
Agriculture: In terms of revenue generated Utah’s top five agricultural products are beef cattle and calves, dairy products, hogs, hay, and greenhouse and nursery products.
Manufacturing: Computer and electronics products, including communication equipment, computer microchips and scientific instruments, are Utah’s leading manufactured products.
Mining: The most valuable mined products in Utah are petroleum, copper and natural gas.
A Closer Look: A large banking company and several credit card companies have established central operations in Utah.
Did You Know? Although not generally thought of as a “farm” state, livestock and livestock products generate over three-fourths of Utah’s agricultural income.
Utah Education:
In General: With 28 institutions of higher learning located throughout the state and several vocational and technical schools, Utah offers a considerable number of education choices for students. The state-run University of Utah is located in the capital city of Salt Lake City.
In the Rankings: U.S. News and World Report rankings: National Rankings – Brigham Young University, Provo (#113), University of Utah (#127).
Online Education: There are myriad accredited online universities offering degrees in the state of Utah.
A Closer Look: Brigham Young University, the most well known private college in the state, is known worldwide as the leading Mormon- affiliated University.
Did You Know? The religious-based Brigham Young University is one of the nation’s few officially “dry” campuses, with no alcoholic beverage allowed on campus. [Perhaps some students do not find the ‘typical’ college experience in Utah]
Sources: In addition to specific citations noted in this “Career Information” section, supplementary source materials include: the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service; Netstate.com; Education-Portal.com; USCollegeSearch.org; and Wikipedia.com.