Utah has been ranked as one of the states with the lowest number of at-risk youth in a 2026 national study, according to data released by WalletHub. The analysis, which evaluated 15 key indicators of youth risk across the United States, placed Utah 47th out of 51 locations, indicating a relatively low risk profile compared to most other states.
National Risk Indicators
The WalletHub study, published July 22, 2026, examined various metrics to determine where young Americans are struggling most. The research focused on indicators such as the share of disconnected youth, labor force participation rates among young adults, and youth poverty rates. According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, states facing high rates of disconnected youth—those not working or attending school—face significant risks to their future economic and social progress.
Utah Performance Metrics
Utah performed well in several critical categories. In the category of youth labor force participation rate, Utah ranked 45th, which, in the context of the study's ranking system where a lower number represents better conditions, indicates a high level of participation. The state also ranked 48th in the percentage of youth drug users, a metric where lower ranks represent fewer users. Additionally, Utah ranked 48th in the percentage of overweight and obese youth, suggesting a lower prevalence compared to many other states.
High-Risk State Profiles
The study highlighted significant disparities across the country. Louisiana was identified as the state with the highest number of at-risk youth, driven by a high share of people aged 18 to 24 who are neither working nor attending school. In Louisiana, 16.6% of young adults are disconnected from both education and the workforce. The state also suffers from the second-highest youth poverty rate and the third-highest teen birth rate in the nation.
Regional Challenges
Arkansas and Oklahoma were also identified as states with high levels of at-risk youth. Arkansas, ranked second for overall risk, faces challenges with a high percentage of overweight or obese youth, exceeding 62%. Oklahoma, ranked third, struggles with education and employment, with 14.6% of its 18 to 24-year-olds lacking a high school diploma. In Oklahoma, proficiency levels for eighth graders in math and reading are among the lowest in the country, at 17% and 20% respectively.
Federal Health Monitoring
The complexity of youth well-being is underscored by data from multiple federal agencies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to release updates on national health statistics, including reports on pregnancy and child health. Meanwhile, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) monitors national trends in substance use and mental illness through various collections, including the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which tracks the use of illegal drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
Utah Juvenile Services Mission
In Utah, the Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services (JJYS) maintains a mission to be a leader in the field of juvenile justice. According to the agency's mission statement, the organization focuses on changing young lives, supporting families, and keeping communities safe through various performance measures and oversight.
Future Economic Outlook
The WalletHub report suggests that states with high rates of youth poverty, drug use, and low test scores require increased investment to improve conditions for young residents. The study concludes that failing to address these issues could jeopardize the long-term economic and social stability of those states.
