SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Utah is the country’s fourth-fastest growing state.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Utah’s total population increased by about 41,000 from July 1, 2011 to July 1, 2012.
Utah grew nearly twice as fast at the national rate.
The percent growth was more than every state except three: North Dakota, Texas and Wyoming. Nevada was the fifth-fastest growing state in this time period.
Utah had the country’s highest birth rate and the second-lowest death rate.
David Stringfellow, a senior economist with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, attributed the growth to the large presence of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The LDS church favors large families and promotes healthy lifestyles.
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