He said the suburban growth is a function of economy and mortgage rates, noting that bigger houses on larger lots may be available in some suburban cities. He noted Salt Lake City has programs to help first-time homebuyers.

"We're doing a lot of things with economic development to attract people to live in the city," he said. "People want to live downtown. . . . The quality of life is key here, not the number of people."

Dale Carpenter, director of business and economic development in Salt Lake County, said he's optimistic about Salt Lake County's growth, urban and suburban.

"There seems to be an appetite for new homes and town homes, certainly around the Day Break area and certainly around Herriman," he said. "I'm very excited about the economic development of Salt Lake County."

He noted The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints plans for a $500 million renovation of two downtown malls, saying "Salt Lake's central district is still viable."

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com; twalch@desnews.com