Population

Utah's population reached 2,129,836 in 2000. Net in-migration has brought an estimated 2,000 new residents to the state every year for the past ten years; however, net migration is expected to be lower in the coming years because of strong job growth in other states. While Salt Lake County covers approximately 756 square miles, Salt Lake City covers only 90.5 square miles. Salt Lake City is the largest city in the state with a population of 174,348. Salt Lake County's population is 850,667, making it the most populous region in Utah. Overall, Utah is expected to continue to have the youngest population in the nation. Utah's median age in 1998 was 26.7 years, well below the national figure of 35.2 years. Utah is also first in the nation in the number of persons per household at 3.08, compared to the national average of 2.62. In addition, Utah's persons per family rate is 3.67, compared to the national figure of 3.16.