County population estimates for 2014 just released

The U.S. Census Bureau has just released its 2014 population estimates for counties and metro areas. Utah’s own St. George UT metro area placed fifth nationwide with a population growth rate of 2.9 percent. On the other hand, in central Utah, contracting population proved a major theme. The following visualization provides downloadable population estimates as well as the components of population change for Utah’s counties.

• In central Utah, only Sanpete County experienced population growth in 2014.

• During 2014, Piute County showed the highest rate of population decline (2.6 percent) in Utah.

• According to the Census Bureau estimates, Millard County’s population declined by roughly 20 persons during 2014. However, since 2010, the county’s overall population has increased somewhat despite net out-migration.

• Between 2010 and 2014, Piute County’s population has decreased by more than 70 persons as out-migration continued to plague the area.

• Sanpete County may have benefited from a population spillover effect from the Wasatch Front. Its population growth record is the best in central Utah. However, even in Sanpete County, roughly 300 more residents have left the county than have moved to it since 2010.

• Sevier County has presented a checkered population performance since the decade began. In 2014, the county’s population contracted by approximately 70 people as the result of net out-migration.

• Wayne County has also lost a fairly steady stream of residents over the previous four years. Over the previous four years, the county’s population has decreased by nearly 60 individuals.