Where Is Utah Making Babies?

Say what you will about Utah County, they know how to make kids.

I was curious about what areas of the state are doing their job in bringing children to the world, and with no surprise, to me anyway, Utah County is the runaway leader. The information I looked at, and what is indicated here was retrieved Tue, 13 June 2023 from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Indicator-Based Information System for Public Health website: http://ibis.health.utah.gov. It was updated and first published on February 1^st of this year.

I was trying to get information on a county by county basis, but all the website would show me was rankings based on what they call Utah small areas. You can also get information based on the local health departments. In looking at the rankings of these “small areas,” seven of the top 10 are all Utah County.

The “Eagle Mountain/Cedar Valley” small area leads the way with a whopping 26.2 live births per 1,000 total population. It is followed by Orem (west), Utah County (south), Saratoga Springs with Hyrum rounding out the top five.

So you might be wondering where the southern part of the state fits in this scheme of things. The state average of live births per 1,000 population is 14. Blanding / Monticello area was at 13.8. Delta / Fillmore saw a birth rate of 13.4 while the Sanpete Valley birth rate was 13.1.

Wondering about the southwest part of the state? Well, we're a little further down the list. Cedar City had a birth rate of 12.8, St. George birth rate was 12.7, the Southwest Local Health District was 12.6. Washington City's rate was 12.1 with other areas of Washington County saw a rate of 12.0. Hurricane / Laverkin birth rate was 11.0 while the Ivins / Santa Clara small area birth rate was 9.9.

Why was I curious about the birth rate? Well I had been reading reports that Utah's birth rate was on the decline, and wanted to see what areas were impacted the most.

The birth rate is an essential demographic indicator that holds significant importance for various aspects of society and policymaking. It provides valuable insights into population dynamics and has implications for social, economic, and environmental factors.

Firstly, the birth rate is crucial for understanding population growth. By comparing the birth rate to the death rate, policymakers can gauge whether a population is increasing or decreasing. When the birth rate exceeds the death rate, population growth occurs. This information helps in planning for future population trends and allows for informed decisions on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other essential services.

Secondly, the birth rate is linked to the age structure of a population. High birth rates typically indicate a younger population, while low birth rates can result in an aging population. The age structure has far-reaching implications for labor markets, healthcare systems, pension schemes, and intergenerational dynamics. Understanding the birth rate assists in preparing for the needs and challenges associated with different age groups.

The birth rate also contributes to the dependency ratio, which is the ratio of non-working individuals (children and the elderly) to working-age individuals. A higher birth rate can result in a higher dependency ratio, impacting social welfare systems, healthcare, and support services. It is crucial for policymakers to be aware of this ratio to effectively allocate resources and plan for the demands of an aging or youthful population.

Moreover, birth rates have economic implications. High birth rates can contribute to a larger workforce and potential economic growth, as a larger labor force can enhance productivity and innovation. Conversely, low birth rates can lead to a shrinking workforce, posing challenges for economic development, sustainability, and social security systems. Birth rates can influence the availability of human capital, labor market dynamics, and consumption patterns.

So, way to go, Utah County. You're doing your part to see that investing in companies who make baby supplies will have a future in Utah.