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Looking at some maps that define the region, it seems unclear whether the two states are considered part of the region.
Both states receive more sunshine than much of the country, have relatively mild winters, and have experienced the population and economic growth that marks much of the Sun Belt.
On the other hand, both states have "real" winters and most maps of the Sun Belt only include the southern portion of the states.
but I think the southern part of each state could be considered sun belt. I think if you drew a horizontal line from the eastern CO border through Pueblo, CO to the western Utah border that could be considered sun belt.
Southern Utah, especially the southwest corner (Dixie area/St. George) has a somewhat Vegas-like climate.
There is no place in Colorado would I consider the "Sunbelt". It doesn't happen frequently, but Pueblo and Southeastern get blizzards and winters can be darn cold.
They both get a high number of sunlight hours over the course of the year. Cooler temperatures are common, however. From my more northern perspective, they are very much Sunbelt-light. There would be no way I would live there as I do not tolerate endless bright sunlight very well to go along with very dry air.
Climatologically, no. The only way they'd be considered "Sun Belt" is that they've grown faster than the national average in recent years like many of the states in the southern tier of the country (and in Utah's case it's primarily because of higher birthrates among Mormons - which has given the state the lowest median age in the country).
SLC & DEN are very sunny cities known for mild winters. Recall, most of the sunbelt gets hit with ice storms and freezing temperatures. I would say they haven't been considered in the past, but might be now.
Southern Utah, especially the southwest corner (Dixie area/St. George) has a somewhat Vegas-like climate.
There is no place in Colorado would I consider the "Sunbelt". It doesn't happen frequently, but Pueblo and Southeastern get blizzards and winters can be darn cold.
I agree Southern Utah, (Dixie), is the closest to sunbelt territory in the Mountain West. But even St. George is somewhat colder than Vegas, and somewhat more likely to experience freezing temps and even a light snowfall during the winter. However, St. George is warm to hot from April to the end of October, something that Northern Utah can't claim.
Colorado, too is obviously warmer the further south you go, but even Pueblo can get very cold, and as you say can bring blizzards.
Ok how is San Francisco considered Sunbelt but Denver and Salt Lake City are not?? Referring to dude1984's map above.
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