01/12/2026
Classic example of how news outlets cherry pick the stats they use to paint whatever picture they want, and to promote whatever cause they want.
KSL just reported that cost of living in Utah is the cause that families are declining. Obviously we all want lower costs, cheaper living, and better child care. But the picture this article paints is not accurate. KSL.com
When cost of living is taken into account Utah ranks #1 IN THE NATION for the highest incomes according to the Gardner Policy Institute's recent study. Could we do even better? YES! Is Utah loosing ground compared to other states? I would argue that we are not.
https://gardner.utah.edu/news/utahs-median-household-income-of-98336-ranks-highest-in-the-u-s-when-adjusted-for-price-parity/ #:~:text=Utah's%20Median%20Household%20Income%20%E2%80%93%20Utah's,potential%20for%20a%20given%20household.
Utah is not at risk of losing its reputation as the most family-friendly state in the nation. It already has.