User:Petermgrund/sandbox/Demographics of Utah

The demographics of Utah are monitored by the United States Census Bureau, with supplemental information collected by the Utah Population Database and other state-level organizations. As of the most recent 2020 Census, Utah's population stood at approximately 3.2 million, ranking it as the 30th most populous state in the United States. Utah recorded a total fertility rate of around 2.12 in 2019, slightly above the replacement rate of 2.1.

Utah has consistently exhibited a higher number of births than deaths, contributing to its status as one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. The state has experienced robust population growth in recent decades, both through natural increase and net migration. In 2020, about 8.4% of the population was foreign-born.

In the early history of Utah, the majority of settlers were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as Mormons), largely of Northern European descent. In recent years, the state has seen increased immigration from Latin America, Asia, and other parts of the world.

The state has a particularly young median age, driven by a higher-than-average fertility rate. Utah also boasts a well-educated populace, with high rates of high school graduation and a growing emphasis on higher education. The median household income in Utah was approximately $75,780 in 2019, indicating a predominantly middle-class population. However, like many states, Utah faces challenges related to income inequality and social disparities.

As of 2020, Utah ranked highly for quality of life, access to healthcare, and overall well-being. Contributing to these rankings is the state's comprehensive healthcare system and various public health initiatives.

Population
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Utah was approximately 3,271,616, marking an increase of nearly 18.4% from the 2010 Census. Utah's high rate of growth can be attributed to both natural growth (i.e., more births than deaths) and net migration.

Age structure
Utah is known for having a younger population compared to the national average, largely due to higher-than-average fertility rates. The median age in the state is approximately 31 years, considerably lower than the national median age of 38 years.

Gender ratio
The gender distribution in Utah is fairly balanced, with roughly 50.3% of the population being male and 49.7% being female.

Ethnic and racial composition
White: Approximately 86.1% of the population identifies as White. Hispanic or Latino: Around 14.2% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino of any race. Asian: About 2.5% of the state's population identifies as Asian. African American: Around 1.5% of Utah's population identifies as African American. Native American: Approximately 1.2% of the population identifies as Native American. Other: About 4.5% of the population identifies as two or more races or other.

Religion
Religion plays a significant role in the cultural and social landscape of Utah, distinguishing it from most other states in the U.S. The predominant religious affiliation in Utah is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as the Mormon Church. According to recent estimates, approximately 62% of the state's population identifies as members of the LDS Church.

Historical background
The religious demographics of Utah are rooted in its history, which began with the arrival of Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young in 1847. These settlers were seeking a place where they could practice their faith freely, away from the persecution they faced in other parts of the United States. The influence of the LDS Church has remained strong throughout the state's history and continues to impact various aspects of life, including education, politics, and social policies.

Recent history
While the LDS Church holds a significant majority, other Christian denominations are also present in the state, albeit in smaller numbers.

Affiliation

 * The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons): About 62% of the state's population identifies with the LDS Church, making it the predominant religious group in Utah.
 * Protestants: This broad category, including denominations like Baptist, Methodist, and Lutheran, comprises around 7% of the population.
 * Catholics: Representing approximately 5% of Utahns, the Catholic Church has a smaller but stable presence in the state.
 * Eastern Orthodox and other Christian denominations: These groups together make up about 3% of the religious demographic in Utah.
 * Jewish : Less than 1% of the population identifies as Jewish, but the community is active in cultural and social endeavors.
 * Muslims: Also making up less than 1% of the population, the Muslim community in Utah has been growing, particularly in urban areas.
 * Buddhism, Hinduism, and Other Eastern religions: Each of these groups constitutes a small fraction of the religious demographic.
 * Unaffiliated or no religion: Around 21% of the population falls into this category, a figure that has been rising in recent years.

Socio-cultural impact
The strong religious undertones in Utah have given rise to a distinct culture that emphasizes family values, community service, and ethical living. The LDS Church, in particular, has a significant influence on Utah's social policies, educational system, and even its calendar of public holidays. For example, many businesses in Utah are closed on Sundays, a tradition rooted in the LDS doctrine of observing the Sabbath.