Are you planning on moving to Utah? The state of Utah has 3.2 million residents and is the fastest-growing in the nation. Utah is among the most popular places to relocate to, so why is that? There are fewer crimes in the state, and the landscape is beautiful. Utah offers a similar climate and stunning mountain scenery to neighboring Colorado but at a lower cost.
You could make the best decision of your life by relocating to Utah. Utah State has been ranked second in happiness, behind only Hawaii.
This means Utah is the happiest state in America! Perhaps you are thinking, “I’ve already packed my bags – I won’t worry about the details at this point!” We think you’ll enjoy what we say whether you are still skeptical or if you are at the point of wearing a Beehive State baseball cap to show your Utah pride.
Knowing more about Utah will help answer the question, “Why are you moving here?” for your family and friends.“ And who knows, maybe you’ll talk them into coming along!
Cost of Living in Utah
According to the world population review, Utah’s cost of living index is 98.4. It is comparatively lower than the united states index average of 100. Utah has a lower cost of living than the rest of the country on average. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that Utah’s cost of living is 3.4% cheaper on average than those nationwide.
The cost of living in Utah is 24th out of all the states regarding the overall cost. Five metropolitan areas are located in Utah. Salt Lake City is the most expensive metro area in Utah, where living is 1.3% cheaper than the national average and 2.1% more expensive than the statewide average.
| Utah | US | |
| Median Home Value | $256,700.00 | $204,900.00 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $988.00 | $1,023.00 |
| Average Car Insurance | $1,759.00 | $1,517.00 |
| Healthcare cost for Single Adult | $3,689.00 | $4,266.00 |
| Healthcare cost for family of four | $11,445.00 | $12,950.00 |
| Food cost for Single Adult | $3,046.00 | $3,240.00 |
| Food cost for family of four | $8,797.00 | $9,354.00 |
| Annual Child care cost | $6,674.00 | $8,903.00 |
| Annual Taxes | $5,938.00 | $6,542.00 |
Job Market in Utah
According to U.S. News, Utah ranks 2nd in the nation for employment. In Utah, the average household income is $87,053 While the median household income is $68,374. The most wanted job in Utahis Software developer, applications With an Average annual salary of $99,070.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, Utah’s current unemployment rate in February 2021 was 3.1%, which is lower than the 6.2% average Unemployment Rate in the United States. It is 6.5x more common for a worker in Utah to be a Framer – Construction than all U.S. workers.
The Most Common Jobs in Utah
| Rank | Job | Local Jobs | Local Popularity Index |
| 1 | Retail salespersons | 33,440 | 1.0 |
| 2 | Cashiers | 24,920 | 1.0 |
| 3 | Office clerks, general | 22,000 | 1.0 |
| 4 | Customer service representatives | 18,720 | 1.2 |
| 5 | Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food | 16,710 | 1.0 |
| 6 | Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners | 15,020 | 1.0 |
| 7 | Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer | 14,840 | 1.4 |
| 8 | Waiters and waitresses | 14,260 | 0.9 |
| 9 | Registered nurses | 13,330 | 0.8 |
| 10 | Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand | 13,020 | 0.8 |
Highest paying jobs in Utah
| Rank | Job Description | Average Salary | Entry Level Salary |
| 1 | All Other Physicians; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $205,560 | $75,470 |
| 2 | Family Medicine Physicians | $186,530 | $90,920 |
| 3 | Podiatrists | $173,520 | $83,880 |
| 4 | Postsecondary Law Teachers | $167,230 | $73,100 |
| 5 | Chief Executives | $153,250 | $43,810 |
| 6 | Anesthesiologists | $152,250 | $73,680 |
| 7 | Nurse Anesthetists | $149,880 | $111,470 |
| 8 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $131,560 | $77,170 |
| 9 | Air Traffic Controllers | $125,590 | $67,400 |
| 10 | Pharmacists | $125,060 | $61,220 |
Largest employer in Utah
| # | Employer | City | Number of Employees |
| 1 | University Health Care | Salt Lake City | 10,000 |
| 2 | University of Utah Health | Salt Lake City | 7,866 |
| 3 | Latter-Day Saints Church | Salt Lake City | 5,000 |
| 4 | Arup Blood Svc | Salt Lake City | 4,200 |
| 5 | Brigham Young Univ-One Stop | Provo | 4,000 |
| 6 | Byu Conference Ctr | Provo | 4,000 |
| 7 | Intermountain Medical Ctr | Murray | 3,667 |
| 8 | C R England Inc | Salt Lake City | 3,300 |
| 9 | ICON Health & Fitness Inc | Logan | 3,000 |
| 10 | Sun Products Corp | Salt Lake City | 3,000 |
Tax Rates in Utah
A single flat personal income tax rate of 4.95% is in place in the state of Utah. There is a wide range of sales taxes in Utah, ranging from 6.10% to 9.05%. The Utah property tax rate is 0.58%, among the lowest in the country. Utahns are generally taxed at a low rate on a state and local basis. Your level of the tax burden in Utah can vary based on where you live.
Utah income Tax:
Utah State has a flat income tax rate of 4.95% applicable to dividends and interest income.
Utah Sales Tax:
Utah State is ranked 16 nationwide. In Utah, the state sales tax is 6.10% and the average local tax rate is 1.08%.
Utah Property Tax:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Utah state’s median property tax is $ 1,472 with an effective property tax rate of 0.58 %.
Utah Gas Taxs:
Utah State has a $0.3175 / gallon gasoline tax and a $0.3175 / gallon diesel tax.
Utah Cigarettes Tax:
Utah State ranks 27th out of 50 states in the cigarette tax. In Utah, the cigarette tax per pack of 20 is $1.70
Economy in Utah
Utah is currently ranked 1st for its economic outlook and 3rd for economic performance. The Covid-19 outbreak is threatening Utah’s economy on the 45th most severe scale. 779,347 employees in Utah are employed in a sector with a COVID-19 economic exposure in the range of High and Medium.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Utah has a population of 3,205,958 and is expected to grow at a 2.6% rate over the next five years which would place the state third out of all 50 states. Its Gross State Product (GSP) reached $164.8bn in 2019, which represents a 3.9% increase in this time frame.
Among all 50 U.S. states, Utah’s Gross State Product growth ranks 3rd.
Education in Utah
According to U.S. News, Utah is ranked 10th overall in the United States education system, 6th for higher education and 21st for Pre-K-12. Utah is ranked 20th for quality of education in public schools among all 50 states by WalletHub. Utah’s economy is one of the strongest in the country.
The strong economic system of Utah makes it an ideal place to start a business. A number of startups and tech conglomerates are located in Lehi, Utah’s Silicon Slopes. Salt Lake City’s residents are able to find plenty of employment opportunities thanks to these businesses. Utah schools spend $7,628 per pupil for a total of $4.5 billion annually.
That’s the equivalent of 3.3% of taxpayer income. 72,730 college students graduate annually in Utah. The cost of the average community college in Utah is $3,890 for In-state tuition and $12,380 for out-of-state tuition. In Utah, public university costs $14,821which is less than the national average of $21,216.
| Rank | 50 |
| State | Utah |
| In-State Total | $14,821 |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | $6,933 |
| Room & Board | $7,888 |
| Out-Of-State Tuition & Fees | $22,204 |
According to bestcolleges.com
Top 10 Colleges in Utah
- Brigham Young University – Provo, UT
- University of Utah – Salt Lake City, UT
- Western Governors University – Salt Lake City, UT
- Westminster College – Salt Lake City, UT
- Utah Valley University – Orem, UT
- Snow College – Ephraim, UT
- Utah State University – Logan, UT
- Weber State University – Ogden, UT
- Southern Utah University – Cedar City, UT
- Independence University – Salt Lake City, UT
Healthcare in Utah
To develop and improve its health care system, Utah has created various programs. Thus, a better health care system would benefit its citizens, as well as further economic development. Health equity and fewer health disparities in Utah are aspects of the Department of Health’s mission.
The organization has also released various plans for the year 2017-2020 along with other health organizations. There are four distinct seasons in Utah (spring, summer, fall, and winter). During the winter season, it is typically accompanied by mild snow and hot summers.
This state has an arid climate because of its mountainous western borders, which affect the area’s precipitation level.
During the summer, it often experiences local thunderstorms with high rainfall that can cause flash floods. Salt Lake City’s average temperature ranges from 18°C to 33°C during July, while it ranges from more than 2°C to less than -7°C during January. In the southwest, snowfall is virtually nonexistent. In ski resorts, snowfall exceeds 10 feet.
Best Hospitals in Utah
Intermountain Medical Center
University of Utah Hospital
Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital
Intermountain Medical Center
Utah Valley Hospital
Housing Prices in Utah
Utah had the second-best appreciation among U.S. states in the past year, with home values rising by 19%. Bankrate’s analysis of Labor Department data shows that Utah had the second-fastest job growth in the country from March 2020 through March 2021.
A Tax Foundation study states that Utah has one of the nation’s lowest unemployment rates and one of the lowest tax burdens. Salt Lake City has a median home value of $419,987 In the Salt Lake City metro area, the median home value is $386,845.
Through May, Salt Lake County closed sales are 11% lower than the same period last year, according to the Utah Association of Realtors. A median sale price of $363,100 was achieved this year, an 8.4% increase over the previous year.
According to homesnacks.com here are the
Most Affordable Places To Live In Utah
- Washington Terrace
- Sunset
- Roosevelt
- Hyrum
- Nibley
- Price
- Roy
- South Ogden
- North Ogden
- Smithfield
Most expensive places to live in Utah for 2021:
- Heber
- Fruit Heights
- Salt Lake City
- Provo
- Ivins
- Park City
- St. George
- Washington
- Murray
- Lindon
Weather in Utah
The climate in Utah is dry, semi-arid, and desert. With summer temperatures reaching an average high of 85°F (29.4°C) to 100°F (37.8°C) in July, Utah’s summer season is scorchingly hot. In the summer, the significantly high temperatures and low humidity make for cool nights, especially in the high mountains.
Winters in the lowlands are characterized by extended inversions of the surface temperature that cause thick haze and fog. The most comfortable conditions in the year occur in the spring and autumn.
Weather hazards
Spring and summer in Utah can bring wildfires, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hail. The dry and hot weather causes severe wildfires in the summer. Thunderstorms and flash flooding can result from lightning strikes during summer, during which vegetation cannot hold even a moderate amount of water.
Twice a year, Utah experiences on average two tornadoes, but the deaths caused by these storms are sporadic. Lower level earthquakes of the Richter scale are common in Utah.
Pros and Cons of Living in Utah
Pros
- Four Seasons
Utah features a dry, continental climate that supports all four seasons throughout the year. Get ready to enjoy sunny summers, incredible fall, beautiful spring, and snowy winters.
- Outdoor activities
The state is an idyllic destination for outdoor fanatics as it gives access to plentiful outdoor adventures such as skiing, hiking, fishing, base camping, snowboarding, white water rafting, horseback riding, etc.
- Lower crime rate
The violent crime rate in Utah is around 40% lower than the national average. This state is frequently rated amongst the top 10 safest states in the country to live in.
- Education
Many of the schools in the state have received national recognition for offering excellent quality education. It is home to some of the best educational institutions in the country like the University of Utah, Salt Lake City College, etc.
- Stable and Thriving Economy
The number of high-tech jobs has increased by 70% over the last year and the unemployment rate in the state is below 3%.
- It is a youthful state
The average age of Utah residents is between 30 to 35 years which makes this a relatively young state from the demographics standpoint.
Cons
- Cost of Living
The state’s cost of living index stands at 110.8, well above the US average of 100.
- Expensive Housing
Investing in real estate in Utah is not an easy feat due to the expensive housing cost of the state. The median home value is about $338,200, way more than the nationwide average.
- Religion is the way of life
Religion has a great influence on the lives of Utah residents. According to the spiritual demographics, about 60% of the population in the state identifies as being Mormon.
- Challenging tax structure
The state has the 25th highest tax rate in the country. It features a variety of tax brackets which in turn impose a heavy tax burden on the residents.
- Lack of cultural diversity
Utah is counted amongst the top 10 least diverse states in the country. You will find no diversity in terms of culture, religion, food, or anything.
- Landlocked state
This state is located far away from oceans and mountains. You need to travel outside of this landlocked state to enjoy beach adventures.
- Wacky Laws
Like all other US states, Utah has its decent share in the outlandish laws. For example, throwing a snowball will cost you a fine of $50.
Things to Do in Utah
- Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Arches National Park
- Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
- The Narrows
- Red Hills Desert Garden
- Natural History Museum of Utah
- Pioneer Park
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
- Deer Valley Resort
- Snow Canyon State Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
- Hell’s Revenge
- Angel’s Landing
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Red Butte Garden
- Hill Aerospace Museum
- Temple Square
- Mesa Arch
- Canyonlands National Park
Is Moving To Utah Worth It?
Moving to Utah is complicated and stressful, as there are many factors to consider, such as housing, crime, cost of living, and more. It is safe to say that moving to Utah is well worth the time and effort after doing quick research on its beautiful state. Each city offers countless scenic and unique views as well as relaxation and fun.
There are also many job opportunities available to its future settlers and a low cost of living. Adjusting your budget will be simple. A powerful economy makes it a perfect place for investing and growing a business if you plan to do so. Utah is a great place to live for people who are interested in nature and the outdoors.
