- Utah Lake generated $74.3 million in visitor spending in 2024, supporting 823 jobs, a new report reveals.
- The lake also contributed $9.2 million to state and local tax revenue.
- Local leaders emphasize Utah Lake's vital role in enhancing quality of life and economy.
PROVO — Utah Lake is a key water source and an environmental marvel, but a new report details how it also has a strong economic value within the Utah Valley.
The lake generated 1.1 million visitor days from people outside of Utah County in 2024, which resulted in about $74.3 million in expenses tied to Utah Lake trips, according to a new report commissioned by Utah Lake Authority. That translated into $9.2 million toward state and local tax revenue, along with support for 823 jobs.
"Utah Lake is an often invisible asset. But in reality, it makes significant contributions to our economy," said Luke Peterson, the agency's director, in a statement on Monday.
The study, compiled by the accounting firm Ernst & Young, examines the number of people who visited Utah Lake. Utah Lake State Park recorded 296,201 visitors last year, making it Utah's 13th-busiest state park in 2024. However, researchers also explored other types of recreation surrounding the lake, such as other marinas, recreation areas and campsites.
An online survey was also conducted involving people who had visited Utah Lake in 2024, including what types of activities they participated in and other details about their trip, including events, lodging and other purchases. All of this was compiled together to estimate how visitors spent money while in and around the lake.
The estimated $74.3 million in spending helped support hundreds of jobs in the area. Nearly 600 of these were in direct tourism-related fields, such as restaurants, retail, hospitality and accommodations. Another 225 indirect and induced jobs were also driven by the lake, including suppliers for the direct employment and jobs supported by spending tied to employees whose jobs are supported by direct spending.
All of it resulted in $56.8 million in GDP and $100.8 million in economic output, according to the report. Lake spending also generated about $5.1 million in state tax revenue, while the rest went to local entities.
The results emphasize the "vital role" that the lake has in "enhancing the quality of life for both visitors and residents," said Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. Other local leaders were also encouraged by the study.
"It's great to see the economic data confirm what we've known for years: Utah Lake is instrumental to our community," said Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran. "The lake provides ecological, recreational and economic benefits to both residents and visitors. It's exciting to see such strong numbers."
