

Why employers are flocking to Utah County
Jun 4, 2025
Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP, shares insights from her visit to Provo, Utah, a booming area for employers. She discusses the region's young population and strong LDS community as key factors attracting businesses. The conversation dives into Utah County's tech renaissance, highlighting how local culture fuels workforce growth. Nela also tackles recruitment challenges and the thriving job market for college students. Plus, she explores the historical context of tax policies affecting economic dynamics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trying Utah's Dirty Soda
- Neela Richardson and Kai Ryssdal tried the popular local "dirty soda" for the first time at Qualtrics' Provo office soda bar.
- The drink tradition is very popular and unique to the Utah County culture.
Youthful Labor Force Advantage
- Utah County has one of the youngest labor forces in the U.S., with a median age of 25.5 years.
- This contrasts nationally where the median age is nearly 39, affecting economic workforce dynamics.
LDS Influence on Workforce
- Utah County's majority LDS population tends to have larger families, contributing to a young demographic.
- Such demographics enrich the local labor pool with youthful workers and unique social capital.