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ST. GEORGE — During the past decade, a series of exceptional events have reshaped Utah’s population dynamics as people flock to the state as a place to live and play, but when it comes to growth, Washington County is leading the pack.
According to a recent report by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute of the University of Utah, the state as a whole has experienced strong population growth, especially since 2013, and some in Southern Utah are feeling it.
Ask most longtime residents, and they will tell about the “good old days” when traffic congestion didn’t rival nearby cities like Las Vegas.
“I’ve lived here since 1986 and the town has changed so much, some for the good and some bad,” resident Kate Johnson said. “We have a lot of great restaurants, a vibrant downtown, but some days just getting a few blocks to the grocery store or to get gas is a challenge. Way too many people driving way too fast trying to beat the traffic light.”
“Why do so many people want to move here?” Kevin Brown asked. “I’ve only been here for three years, but there are people everywhere. I love it here, but what’s going on?”
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s research can answer some of the questions.
Read the full article at St. George News.
