Chamber Dashboard: Economic indicators signal strength heading into 2026

Key indicators point to continued resilience in Utah’s economy, according to the updated January “Roadmap to Prosperity Economic Dashboard” published by the Utah Chamber, in partnership with the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

Published monthly, the dashboard is designed to inform business leaders’ understanding of Utah’s economy. The tool prioritizes key data on the state’s economic outlook and actionable context for decision-makers, the chamber said in its statement accompanying the release.

“Utah’s economy is showing real resilience heading into the new year. Strong job growth in information, construction, financial services and education and health services tells us the industries driving our future are expanding,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Utah Chamber. “These are the kinds of trends that reinforce why businesses choose Utah and why we must continue investing in the policies that keep our economy competitive.”

The dashboard shows that growth remains strong in key service-oriented industries. Utah’s information industry posted a 6.3 percent year-over-year increase in jobs as of December. The financial services and education and health services sectors each grew by 2.9 percent.

Utah’s residential construction value dipped in November, following expected seasonal declines, but rose in December. End-of-the-year construction values appear elevated compared to late 2024.

Signaling a reduction in severe financial distress among Utah households and businesses, the state’s bankruptcy filings decreased at year end. The state recorded 623 filings in November and 613 in December. Both figures fall below the 700-plus monthly filings observed across the preceding six months.

“Utah’s economic outlook remains positive, but Utah is not immune to the softening felt nationally. Four major industries contracted over the past year: natural resources, manufacturing, mining, trade/transportation/utilities and other services,” said Natalie Gochnour, director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. “Fortunately, the information sector has rebounded with strong year-over-year growth. The rise in construction values suggests a slightly healthier housing market, while the decline in bankruptcy rates indicates a reduction in financial distress for households and businesses alike. These indicators set the stage for Utah’s continued economic resilience as we move into 2026.”

The complete dashboard is available at https://www.utchamber.com/roadmap-to-prosperity-dashboard/.