Utah's consumer sentiment index increased 1.6% in June, rising to a score of 71.5 according to the Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey. The uptick follows a period of economic uncertainty earlier this spring that saw sharp declines in both April and May.
Recovery After Spring Declines
The June 2026 survey results, released on July 1, 2026, show a recovery from the previous two months. The index rose from 70.3 in May to its current level of 71.5. This movement follows a modest decrease of 0.2% recorded in May, which brought the index down from 70.5 in April.
While the June increase marks a positive turn, the data highlights a volatile spring for Utah residents' economic outlook. The slight change observed in May fell within the survey's margin of error.
Significant April Downturn
The recent growth in June stands in contrast to a significant downturn experienced in April 2026. During that month, Utah's consumer sentiment plummeted by 13.5%, dropping from 81.5 in March to 70.5.
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute noted that this 13.5% drop was a statistically significant change and represented the largest single-month decline in Utah's sentiment since March 2022, which was triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Survey Methodology and Purpose
The survey methodology used to track these shifts relies on a partnership between Zions Bank and the University of Utah. The index is designed to help businesses, policymakers, and local communities understand how residents view present and future economic circumstances.
The survey utilizes seven key questions regarding current and expected economic conditions. Five of these questions are identical to those used in the University of Michigan’s national consumer sentiment survey, while two additional questions are specifically tailored to reflect business and economic conditions within the state of Utah.
Data Collection and Accuracy
To ensure accuracy, the Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey employs a sample of approximately 400 interviews, which varies slightly by month. This sampling method yields a margin of error of roughly +/- 4.0% at a 5% level of significance.
The survey process involves professional data collection companies conducting interviews via telephone or online. While the University of Michigan transitioned entirely to online collection in July 2024, the Utah-specific index continues to use demographic weighting to ensure the sample aligns with U.S. Census data for Utah adult residents across all 29 counties.
Understanding Index Scores
The calculation of the index score is based on the difference between the percentage of respondents providing a "favorable" reply and those providing an "unfavorable" reply, plus 100. For instance, a score of 125 indicates that favorable responses outnumber unfavorable ones by 25 percentage points.
Research from the institute has also noted historical fluctuations in sentiment. In January 2026, for example, Utah's consumer sentiment had increased 0.9% from December 2025 levels, though this change was also within the survey's margin of error.
Utah vs. National Trends
The Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey remains a primary tool for analyzing the Utah economy. By comparing Utah's index to the national University of Michigan survey, researchers can identify when state-specific sentiment diverges from broader American economic trends.
For example, in March 2026, Utah's sentiment increased by 3.1%, whereas a similar survey conducted by the University of Michigan found that sentiment among Americans as a whole fell by 5.8% during that same period.
