By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News

According to a new study by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, both Carbon and Emery counties saw a net increase in population. Still, overall statewide population growth slowed to 1.3%, down from 1.5% in 2024.

The study shows an increase of 0.1% in Emery, or approximately nine people, while Carbon saw a bigger boost of 0.5%, or 96 individuals. 

The difference between growth, however, is the significant difference between the two counties. All of Carbon’s increase was seen through net migration, while Emery’s came through natural change, which the study defines as “the difference between the number of annual births and annual deaths.” 

For Carbon, the county was one of three in the state that saw a natural decrease in population, experiencing more deaths than births.

Statewide, the population estimate increased by 44,352 residents. But the estimated annual growth rate has dropped to 1.26%, down from 1.46% in 2024.

The study concludes,” In 2025, Utah’s population grew primarily due to natural change, with lower net migration and overall growth. Compared to 2024, Utah experienced slowing population growth, with a decline in net migration compared to the last four years … These estimates reflect a slowing growth rate compared to the high growth exhibited at the beginning of the decade.”