POLL: Seven in 10 Utahns are Happy
PHOENIX (August 18th, 2021)- In encouraging news for the Beehive State, 70% of Utah residents say they have a happy attitude these days, and half (50%) expect to be even happier in the next 6 months, as of OH Predictive Insights’ (OHPI) Utah Public Opinion Pulse (UTPOP) survey.
This data was taken from OHPI’s inaugural UTPOP – a statewide survey of Utah residents that provides regular updates on the moods, perceptions, and opinions of Utahns on hot topics facing the state. This UTPOP was conducted August 2nd – August 8th, 2021 and surveyed 844 general population Utahns (18+ YO) giving the survey a margin of error of +/- 3.37%.
The coalition of the happiest residents in Utah looks similar to happiness trends in Arizona – the higher the household income, the happier the people in Utah are. However, even though those with higher household incomes in Utah are happier than average (79%), they are also less optimistic about their future happiness. More than half (54%) of Utahns making less than $50k say they will be even more cheerful in the next 6 months. Only 46% of those making more than $100k anticipate an increase in happiness in that time frame.
Parents are happier than non-parents in the Beehive State, and parents of younger children (under 18 years old) are the most optimistic about their future happiness. Seventy-seven percent of parents with adult children and 73% of parents with minor children reported having a happy attitude these days, while non-parents (62%) are less happy than average. Among parents, those with children under 18 have much higher expectations for increased happiness in the next 6 months (61% say they will be more happy) than parents with adult children (36%).
The survey found that Utah residents who have religious beliefs are in much higher spirits than those who reported being Atheist/Agnostic. Respondents who identified as Christian and Mormon have a net happiness (‘total happy’ minus ‘total unhappy’) of 68% and 62%, respectively, while those who identified as Atheist/Agnostic reported a net happiness of just 26%.
Looking at the news sources that Utahns consume on a regular (at least weekly) basis, respondents who reported the highest levels of happiness regularly read Deseret News (83% are happy), New York Times (81%), Salt Lake Tribune (79%), USA Today (79%), and CNN (77%).
“With Utah’s gorgeous landscapes and proverbial friendly nature, it’s no wonder Beehive State residents are in high spirits,” said Mike Noble, OHPI Chief of Research. “According to the data, religious beliefs, financial security, and a family dynamic fuel the happiness of Utahns.”
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Methodology: This poll was conducted as an online opt-in panel survey. The survey was completed by OH Predictive Insights from August 2nd to August 8th, 2021, from a Utah Statewide General Population sample. The sample demographics were weighted to accurately reflect gender, region, age, ethnicity, and education according to the most recent Census data available. The sample size was 844 general population (18+ YO) respondents, with a MoE of ± 3.37%. Numbers may not equal 100% due to rounding.
Media Contact:
Veronica Sutliff, Noble Predictive Insights, v.sutliff@npredictive.com, (602) 390-5248
Mike Noble, Noble Predictive Insights, m.noble@npredictive.com, (480) 313-1837
About Noble Predictive Insights: As a nonpartisan public opinion polling, market research, and data analytics firm, Noble Predictive Insights exists to elevate the world around us by empowering decision-makers with digestible data and actionable insights that translate to data-based solutions. We bridge the gap between research and strategy with customized strategic research, a hyper-focus on impact, and being true partners with our clients. Noble Predictive Insights (formerly O.H. Predictive Insights) is a 2023 Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company in the Southwest region, and is ranked in the top 15 most accurate pollsters as well as in the top 5 for lowest average bias in the 2021-22 election cycle by FiveThirtyEight. For more information, please call (602) 326-5694 or visit our website at www.noblepredictiveinsights.com.