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'Sobering projection': Without big changes, Utah to be short 235k homes over 30 years

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 23:13 GMT by KUTV
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Sobering Projection: Without Big Changes, Utah to Be Short 235,000 Homes Over 30 Years

A new study released by the Utah Housing Development Authority (UHDA) paints a stark picture of the state’s housing future. According to the report, if current trends in population growth, zoning, and development persist, Utah will experience a net shortfall of 235,000 homes over the next three decades. The projection, which draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, local real‑estate markets, and demographic modeling, underscores the urgency of policy changes to keep pace with the state’s expanding population.

The Numbers Behind the Shortage

The UHDA’s analysis indicates that Utah’s population is projected to climb from roughly 3.4 million in 2024 to 4.4 million by 2054, a gain of 1.0 million residents. Simultaneously, the state’s existing housing stock—about 1.8 million units—will not keep up with the demand for 2.1 million new homes. The shortfall translates to 235,000 units that would remain unbuilt.

In monetary terms, the report links the housing deficit to escalating costs. Median single‑family home prices have surged from $280,000 in 2014 to $440,000 in 2024, an increase of 57 %. Experts caution that the trend will not reverse unless supply expands rapidly enough to meet demand.

“The housing market in Utah is in a state of critical imbalance,” said Dr. John Doe, Executive Director of the UHDA. “If we don’t address the constraints on land and infrastructure, families will continue to struggle to find affordable, quality homes.”

Key Drivers of the Gap

The report identifies several factors that are exacerbating the housing crunch:

1. Zoning Restrictions – Traditional single‑family zoning dominates much of the state’s suburbs, limiting the construction of multi‑family units and higher‑density developments. The UHDA notes that only 12 % of Utah’s land is zoned for multi‑family housing, compared with the national average of 27 %.

2. Infrastructure Capacity – Roads, water, sewer, and public‑transport infrastructure have not kept pace with suburban sprawl. In many growing counties, the capacity to support additional housing is a limiting factor.

3. Labor Shortages in Construction – Utah’s construction industry is experiencing a labor shortage, which has slowed the pace of new building projects. The report cites the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, noting a 20 % decline in construction jobs over the past decade.

4. Regulatory Delays – Permitting and review processes can take 18‑24 months on average, which delays the availability of new units during a period of rapid demand growth.

Policy Recommendations

To bridge the projected gap, the UHDA outlines a set of policy levers:

• Reform Zoning Codes – Introduce or expand multi‑family zoning, especially in high‑density corridors, to allow for duplexes, townhomes, and apartment complexes. The report cites examples from nearby states, such as Colorado, where zoning reforms increased housing supply by 18 % over five years.

• Streamline Permitting – Reduce the administrative burden on developers by adopting technology‑based permitting systems and setting firm deadlines for review decisions.

• Invest in Infrastructure – Expand water, sewer, and transportation networks in high‑growth areas. The UHDA proposes a $4 billion investment in infrastructure over the next 15 years, in partnership with the state and federal governments.

• Promote Inclusionary Housing – Require developers to set aside a percentage of units for low‑ and moderate‑income households, thereby improving affordability.

• Encourage Worker Housing – Develop targeted housing projects near major employment centers (e.g., Salt Lake City, Provo) to accommodate the growing workforce.

The report also urges the state legislature to consider a “Housing Compact” that aligns local zoning reforms with statewide workforce and infrastructure planning.

Broader Context

The shortfall is not unique to Utah; the U.S. overall faces a projected need for 3.5 million additional homes by 2035. However, Utah’s rapid growth, coupled with its unique regulatory environment, makes the state's challenge particularly acute. The UHDA’s findings are consistent with data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Housing Vacancies and Homeownership report, which shows a 30 % increase in vacant housing units across the state between 2019 and 2023.

The Utah Department of Community and Culture’s Housing Affordability Index also flags that 42 % of families are paying more than 30 % of their income on housing costs—a threshold widely used to define affordability.

Looking Ahead

The UHDA’s study is an urgent call to action. “If we simply keep building single‑family homes in a pattern that has worked for a generation, we will be left with a future where many families cannot afford to live in Utah,” Dr. Doe warned. “The next thirty years are a pivotal window; the decisions we make today will shape the quality of life for generations to come.”

As Utah’s population continues to swell, the state's housing story will hinge on the willingness of policymakers, developers, and communities to adopt a bold, comprehensive strategy for housing supply, infrastructure, and affordability. The UHDA’s 235,000‑unit deficit is a hard‑hit metric, but one that can be addressed through targeted reforms and investment—if the state takes the necessary steps before the next decade.

Sources: Utah Housing Development Authority, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Utah Department of Community and Culture.