Despite booming economy, Utahns say their quality of life is in decline

Utahns’ perception of the quality of life in the state has declined in recent years, according to Utah Foundation’s “2022 Utah Community Quality of Life Index: Is a Booming Economy Making Life Better?,” released recently. Declining steadily over the past 10 years, the index now stands at 64 of a possible 100 points, compared with 73 in 2013. This year’s result is the lowest since the foundation began taking the survey.

 The report is based on a survey where Utahns rate their communities on a series of 20 factors. A Utah Foundation release discusses the results of the 2022 survey, compares 2022 data with previous years, analyzes responses by population group and suggests targeted ways that policymakers might improve quality of life in Utah communities.

Affordable housing had the lowest performance rating in the index — far lower than any other factor. Housing affordability and other costs of living accounted for nearly two-thirds of the overall decrease in community quality of life from 2018 to 2022. Eleven other factors also decreased during the same time period.

The availability of good jobs is the only factor in the index that has trended upward during the past decade.

The survey found that Utahns who are religiously affiliated, those with higher levels of education, older Utahns, men and those with higher incomes all reported better community quality of life than did their counterparts. Those respondents who identified with a religion indicated a higher community quality of life on 12 of 20 aspects on the index and those with more education indicated a higher community quality of life on 11 of 20 factors.

When asked what could improve quality of life for Utahns, more than one-third of Utahns suggested that their communities need to see more housing that is affordable. Utah Foundation said the findings suggest a need for promoting the production of quality, affordable housing and finding other ways to reduce the cost of living.

Study authors said other areas of concern for policymakers include water issues and the quality of public schools.

Utah Foundation President Peter Reichard said housing costs, inflation and other challenges are taking a toll. “Despite a booming economy, Utahns’ perception of their community quality of life is moving in the wrong direction,” Reichard said. “But our analysis of the survey results offers clear guidance for policymakers looking to reverse that trend.”