Half of new Utah businesses make it to their fifth year, per the latest federal data.
Zoom in: Exactly 50% of Utah startups that opened in the 12 months ending in March 2019 were still operating five years later, per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
That's slightly lower than the national average of 51.6%.
The intrigue: By other metrics like GDP growth and employment, Utah typically enjoys a standout economy.
Between the lines: The states with the highest and lowest 5-year business survival rates don't have a lot in common, varying by region and politics.
West Virginia (57.6%), Connecticut (57.5%), and Alaska and Pennsylvania (both 56%) have the highest five-year business survival rates among U.S. states.
Washington (41.1%), Missouri (43.2%) and Washington, D.C. (44.7%) have the lowest.
What we're watching: The government shutdown is making survival more difficult for companies that rely on federal contracts or aid, Axios' Madison Mills reports.