3 Utah metro areas among fastest growing in U.S.

Thanks largely to a continuing baby boom, Utah produced three of the nation's top 10 fastest-growing metropolitan areas last year, the Census Bureau reported Thursday.

The Provo-Orem metro area was No. 6 in the nation with 3.4 percent growth, adding an estimated 17,989 people between July 1, 2007, and the same date in 2008 — meaning it added the equivalent of a city with the population of Payson in a year.

The Logan metro area was No. 9 nationally with a 3.2 percent increase (adding about 3,917 people), and the St. George metro area was No. 10 at 3.1 percent (adding 4,142 residents). The nation has 363 separate metropolitan areas.

Census estimates show that about a third of such Utah growth came from people immigrating, likely attracted by economic conditions that were still generally better here than elsewhere. But about two-thirds of that growth came from Utah's much higher-than-normal birth rates (and long life expectancy).

"We have the highest fertility rate in the nation, and a lot of women in their child-bearing years," explained Utah state demographer Juliette Tennert. "It speaks to the fact that we have a culture here that places an important emphasis on families and children."

Pam Perlich, a research economist at the University of Utah, added, "We've got kind of a permanent youth movement to the state." She said each of the past 12 years have set a record for births here. On top of births to longtime residents, immigrants seeking work here tend to be young "and also are in their peak child-bearing years."

Helen Anderson, Provo community relations director, said of Provo: "It tends to be a conservative place politically, with high value on traditional marriage and children. … Not only do we have a high rate of births, but those children grow up and want to say close to home and continue to enjoy the quality of life here."

Tennert noted that the Census reported a few months ago that Utah was the fastest-growing state between 2007 and 2008. "So, of course, the smaller parts (like metro areas and counties) will show up high in the rankings, too."

Besides the three metro areas in the top 10 for growth, the Ogden-Clearfield metro area ranked No. 18 nationally with a 2.7 percent increase (adding 13,983 people). The Salt Lake City metro area ranked No. 59 nationally with a 1.9 percent hike (adding 20,330 residents — or the equivalent of the population of South Salt Lake in a year).

Also, Utah generated 10 of the nation's 100 fastest-growing counties: Rich (ranked 9th nationally), Piute (No. 17), Juab (28), Duchesne (38), San Juan (40), Tooele and Morgan (tied at 43), Sanpete (56), Utah (81) and Cache (87).