Dashboard: Utah economy remains resilient despite federal data disruptions

Even with some key data missing because of the partial federal government shutdowns in January and February, publishers of the February Roadmap to Prosperity Economic Dashboard were able to conclude that Utah’s economy is still strong. 

The Utah Chamber, in partnership with the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, publishes the dashboard to help business leaders understand Utah’s economy. The tool prioritizes key data on the state’s economic outlook and actionable context for decision-makers.

“Even as federal data disruptions created gaps in our labor market picture, Utah’s underlying fundamentals remain strong,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Utah Chamber. “Our unemployment rate stands well below the national average and Utahns continue to show confidence in their economy. These indicators reflect a workforce and business community that is resilient, engaged and well-positioned for continued growth.”

The federal government shutdowns in January stopped agencies, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from posting key labor market updates.

A key statistic from the dashboard reported that the Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Index for Utah declined modestly in February 2026, falling 1.9 percent from 80.6 in January to 79.1. National sentiment edged up slightly from 56.4 to 56.6.

Also reported was that Utah’s median home sales price declined to $505,000 in January 2026 from $515,000 in December 2025. Meanwhile, residential and non-residential construction values increased over the same period.

The dashboard is updated monthly, providing essential insights, tracking timely and leading measures and sharing pertinent indicators. This provides leaders with critical and timely information to make informed decisions, according to the dashboard website.

“While Utah’s economic indicators showcase promising resilience, with steady job growth and a robust construction market, recent declines in consumer sentiment serve as a reminder of the financial challenges Utahns continue to face,” said Natalie Gochnour, director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. “State leaders and decision-makers must also remain vigilant as national and global events continue to introduce uncertainty into Utah’s economic landscape.”

The Roadmap to Prosperity Economic Dashboard can be found at https://www.utchamber.com/roadmap-to-prosperity-dashboard/.