Uncommon Knowledge
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A map of the youngest and oldest states in the country shows Utah as having the youngest population.
The demographic map, created by Newsweek using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, shows that Utah residents have a median age of 32.1 years old, which is younger than the median age of any other state in the union.
Although Utah is the youngest state, a recent report by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah found that the state’s population age is gradually increasing because of declining fertility rates and the aging of the adult population, trends also seen on the national level.
Texas, the second-youngest state, has a median age of 35.6, and 13.4 percent of its population is aged 65 and over. Alaska is the third-youngest state, with a median age of 35.9.
With a median age of 45.1, Maine is the oldest state in the country, the Census Bureau data shows.
Utah’s youth can be explained by the state’s high birth rate. Mormons make up 42 percent of the population of Utah, a recent study published in the Journal of Religion and Demography found, and areas with high concentrations of Latter-day Saints historically have higher birth rates and larger household sizes.
However, data also shows that in the past 40 years, the percentage of state residents over 65 years of age has grown by a significant margin. In 1980, fewer than 8 percent of Utah residents were over the age of 65. In 2020, that figure had risen to almost 12 percent. By the year 2060, Utah’s retirement-age population is expected to be more than 20 percent, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute reported.
Newsweek/US Census Bureau
In Maine, more than 22 percent of the population is aged 65 and over. Fewer jobs, lower wages and a lack of affordable housing mean younger people are seeking opportunities elsewhere in the country.
Over the past 20 years, the number of Mainers in the workforce has increased by 6 percent, which is significantly below the national workforce growth of 20 percent, said a 2023 report by the Maine Center for Economic Policy. The Maine Department of Labor estimates that over the next decade, the state’s workforce will decrease by tens of thousands of people compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Overall, northwestern states have the oldest populations, the Census Bureau data shows. Neighboring New Hampshire has a median age of 43.3. Vermont, the third-oldest state, has a median age of 43.2, and 21.6 percent of its population is 65 and over.
Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about population data? Let us know via science@newsweek.com.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
SOUTH OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) — There is a heavy police presence in the area of Harrison Blvd in South Ogden. ABC4 is working to learn more.
While police have not confirmed any information, ABC4 has acquired footage from a bystander that shows law enforcement detaining one individual. The individual can be seen handcuffed and without a shirt.
Several residents have also reported seeing over a dozen police vehicles heading to the area and reported hearing gunshots on social media.
Courtesy: Kade Garner // KTVX
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including Davis County SWAT, Weber County Sheriff’s Department, and Morgan County Sheriff’s Department. Officers from Riverton Police Department, Roy Police Department, Clinton Police Department, and Layton police Department all responded to the scene.
Law enforcement also used several drones and several armored vehicles responded to the scene. Additionally, it appears at least one person was transported from the scene by ambulance
Courtesy: Randy Ferrin
At this time, law enforcement has not confirmed any details regarding this incident. However, they appeared to have cleared from the scene.
This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as more information becomes available.
SALT LAKE CITY — Those using a new national park pass who want to enjoy Utah’s “Mighty Five” better do so with President Donald Trump’s face perfectly intact, or you might pay a literal price.
The new annual park passes, which debuted on Jan. 1, feature Trump’s image alongside that of George Washington. At the same time as the release, the Department of the Interior reportedly updated its rules to ensure Trump’s face remains free and clear.
According to the Washington Post, the updated “Void if Altered” policy prohibits anyone from defacing the pass or covering up any images or information on the cards. Visitors found by rangers to have altered a pass by any means will be ordered to return it to its original condition or possibly be charged a regular entrance fee.
SFGate reported the policy originally prohibited any alteration of the signature portion of the pass, with the updated policy including the front of the card, with a warning that “writing on it or adding stickers or other coverings” is no longer allowed.
Anti-DEI mandates at national parks include Zion gift shop:
‘History deserves honesty,’ anti-DEI mandates at national parks include Zion gift shop
Many believe the updated policy is in direct response to the large pushback over the inclusion of Trump, leaving people to share creative ways to hide the president’s image from passes, including stickers and sleeves.
Along with the suggestions on how to hide Trump’s image, a nonprofit environmental group has filed a lawsuit claiming its design did not comply with legislation that requires public participation in the selection.
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