Moving to Utah in 2023? A Complete Relocation Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Utah.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Utah

Are you considering moving to Utah?

Utah is known for its remarkable low crime rate. If you’d like to live in a state away from all the crimes you’re worried about, moving to Utah can be a great idea.

Utah’s scenic landscapes, low cost of living, and top-quality schools make the state attractive to many families. Presently, Utah is one of the fastest growing states in the United States and its breathtaking beautiful outdoors are some of the reasons for that.

The median age of Utah’s population is 30.3 years making it a perfect state for millennials and the workforce if you’re interested in launching a startup.

If you’re wondering if moving to Utah is right for you or not, we have all the key information you need to know about the state to make the right decision.

Let’s find out if moving to Utah is right for you!

Demographics

Utah Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Utah.

Male vs Female Population of Utah 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Utah 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Utah 2021

facts of Utah

Quick facts to know before moving to Utah

  • Average annual pay for average jobs in Utah is $55,841 a year
  • Utah’s average one-way commute time takes 21.6 minutes.
  • About 72.8% of Utah residents are homeowners
  • Utah’s Property tax is 0.58% average effective rate
  • The median home value in Utah is $408,46
  • About 80% of the Utah residents live in the surroundings of Salt Lake City
  • Average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in Utah is $941
  • Average tuition and fees for colleges in Utah is $4,299 for in-state (lower than U.S. average)
  • Utah’s State income tax rate is 4.95% flat rate

What’s the population of Utah?

The population of Utah is 3.35 million people. The Beehive state is rated as the 4th fastest growing state in the country.

  • Utah stretches across 84,899 sq miles (219,887 sq km)
  • It’s rated as the 13th largest in the country
  • Utah ranks among the top 5 fastest growing states in the U.S.
  • Utah is divided into 29 counties
  • Salt Lake is the most populous city in Utah (1,152,633 people)
  • About 49.66% of Utah residents are female
  • Around 50.345% of Utah residents are male

How’s the weather like in Utah?

If weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before moving to Utah, we’ve collated key data about the state’s weather.

  • Utah’s summer high in July is around 90 degrees
  • Utah’s winter low in January is 17 around 17 degrees
  • Utah averages 15 inches of rain a year
  • Utah averages 43 inches of snow a year

How fast can you commute in Utah?

Utah’s average one-way commute time takes 21.6 minutes. The national average is 26.4 minutes. That means Utah has a shorter commuting time than the U.S. average. Shorter commuting time means less stress and a longer lifespan. This is one of the key things to consider before moving to Utah.

  • About 76.0% of Utah residents drive their own car alone
  • Up to 11.3% of Utah residents carpool with others
  • Around 5.8% of Utah residents work from home
  • About 2.5% of Utah residents take mass transit
moving to utah

Top 10 reasons to move Utah

Thousands of people are moving to Utah every year for several reasons.

While it’s almost impossible to track every reason why people are moving to Utah, we’ve tracked 10 key reasons why people are moving to the Beehive state. Here are the top 10 reasons people are moving to Utah:

  • You’ll enjoy winter sports in Utah

    With mighty mountain ranges covered with snow and shimmering in the backlight of the sun, Utah is a perfect winter sports destination. There are a variety of impressive slopes spread across the state. The unlimited options to take part in backyard skiing, ice climbing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling make Utah a perfect winter sports destination.

  • Crime rate in Utah is way below the national average

    Utah is one of the safest states in the US with just 2.2 incidents per 1,000 each. The Beehive State has the third-lowest property crime rate (21.7) in the mountain region. Utahns are 23% less worried about crime and safety than Americans in most states.

  • Utah has a good road transport network

    Utah has the 8th best road network in the US. Almost every part of the state is well connected. Big cities like Salt Lake City also have a robust public transport system.

  • Utah is home to beautiful national parks

    Inspiring landscapes of arches, canyons, rivers, lakes, and dunes – Utah is a perfect place for adventure lovers. The state has 5 national parks, termed as the "Mighty 5", which offer an extensive variety of vacation choices for hikers, campers, sightseers, and road trippers.

    Here are the 5 national parks in Utah.

    • Zion National Park
    • Arches National Park
    • Canyonlands National Park
    • Bryce Canyon National Park
    • Capitol Reef National Park

  • You’ll enjoy lots of outdoor adventures in Utah

    With unlimited outdoor fun options, Utah is an adventure lover’s playground. Apart from the 5 national parks, the state has 22 million acres of public lands making up almost 42% of the state.

    Here is a list of outdoor adventures to do in Utah.

    • Explore Snow Canyon State Park
    • Visit Zion National Park
    • Hike in Kolob Canyon
    • Experience a wellness retreat
    • Kayak in Sand Hollow State Park
    • Hitting the slopes at Brighton or Solitude Ski Resorts
    • Rafting or paddling in Canyonlands National Park
    • Fiery furnaces hike in Arches National Park
    • Enjoy the dark skies in Capitol Reef National Park
    • Hiking Slot Canyons in Grand Staircase Escalante
    • Paddling the Great Salt Lake

  • Utah has a booming job market

    Utah’s strong economy reflects in the job market. It is booming and the state has the least unemployment rate in the US. If you have a plan to move to Utah, you won’t need to search much for a job.

  • The real estate market in Utah is booming

    The growth in the economy is reflecting the realty prices in Utah. In the past year, the real estate prices have shot up by 14.8%. It is expected to further grow in the coming years.

  • You’ll have easier access to top-quality schools

    Utah ranks 6th in education and the state has many top-notch schools and colleges.

  • You’ll enjoy fun specialty food in Utah

    It’s not just the natural beauty that makes Utah special but even the food scene is fabulous here.

    Here's our list of Utah's top signature foods

    • Utah scones
    • Jell-O
    • Bear lake raspberries
    • Pastrami burgers
    • Funeral potatoes
    • Fernwood mint sandwiches
    • Dutch oven dinners

  • Utah has tons of opportunities for creatives

    Utah has a thriving creative market, especially in cities like Salt Lake City, where the 11th largest concentration of creative people in the US resides. It is said that in Salt Lake City, there are 109 creatives for every 10,000 workers. These jobs are supported by a strong arts scene, which includes theaters, museums, performance studios, and ballets.

utah pros and cons

Pros & Cons of Living in Utah

Considering the pros and cons of living in Utah can help you decide if moving to the state is right for you or not. Here are the key pros and cons of living in the state since you’re considering moving to Utah:

Pros of living in Utah Cons of living in Utah
Utah’s cost of living is relatively competitiveHigher than average home prices
Utah has a low home rental costYou’ll find lots of empty spaces in Utah
Utah has a friendly climateReligions is always a way of life in Utah
Utah has one of the lowest crime rates in the U.S.Some taxes can be a challenge in Utah
Utah is home to several top-quality schoolsHome prices are constantly rising in Utah
Utah is home to scenic and remarkable outdoorsDriving can be a challenge in Utah
Utah has a booming economySometimes, you’ll have to deal with the inversion layer in Utah
Utah has a dependable transport systemIf you like baguettes, don’t buy the ones you can find in Utah
Utahans are always interested in top-qualityThe 3.2% definition for liquor is still effective in Utah

Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Utah, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

place in utah

10 Best Cities to live in Utah

Utah is home to many beautiful cities. About 80% of the Beehive state residents live in the surroundings of Salt Lake City. Moving to Utah means getting the chance to live in any of these cities. Here’s a list of the ten best cities in the state if you’re moving to Utah:

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value
1Mapleton9,8722.5%$429,900
2Salem8,0992.2%$331,900
3Farmington23,8472.5%$386,500
4Midway5,0351.3%$448,800
5Kaysville31,4942.9%$339,500
6Highland18,7263.3%$559,600
7Syracuse29,3312.3%$316,200
8South Jordan71,1981.6%$405,400
9Centerville17,4041.8%$321,700
10Bountiful43,9011.9%$316,300

Utah Cities Moving Guides

cost of living in utah

Cost of living in Utah

The cost of living in Utah is 110. 8. The United States average is 100. That means the cost of living in Utah is slightly higher than the national average.

Here’s a breakdown of various metrics that make up the cost of living in Utah:

Cost of living Utah United States
Overall110.8100
Grocery93.2100
Health102.7100
Housing146.3100
Median Home Cost$338,200$231,200
Utilities94.6100
Transportation91.2100
Miscellaneous96.3100

Median House Price in Utah vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in Utah vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in Utah vs USA 2021

Healthcare costs in Utah

Healthcare should be one of the key things to consider before moving to Utah. The state has 161 physicians per 100,000 residents. The national average is 210 per 100,000. Here’s a breakdown of the average cost for Silver plan in Utah:

Family size Average monthly cost of health plan
Individual plus child$866
Couple, age 40$1,127
Family of three (adult couple and a child)$1,429
Family of four (adult couple and two children)$1,732
Family of five (adult couple and three children)$2,034
Children are assumed to be age 14 and younger. Adults are assumed to be age 40 and above.

Education Costs in Utah

Education costs could be one of the key things you’ll have to consider before moving to Utah. Whether you’re still schooling or have school-age kids or not, having a good knowledge about Utah’s education cost is important.

  • Average tuition and fees for colleges in Utah is $4,299 for in-state
  • Out-of-state average tuition and fees for colleges in Utah is $15,020
  • The amount is lower than national average of $6,540 for in-state students and $17,871 for out-of-state
  • Nightingale College has the most expensive tuition & fees of $69,750 in Utah
  • Uintah Basin Technical College has the lowest tuition & fees of $600 in Utah
  • From elementary to high school, Utah spends $8,114 per student (The US average is $12,383)

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How is the housing market like in Utah?

Moving to Utah will most likely mean buying or renting a home. About 72.8% of Utah residents are homeowners. Home values have risen by 39.8% in the last ten years. About 1.6% of homes and apartments in Utah are available to rent.

Median Home Prices in Utah

Chances are that you’re interested in buying a home in Utah. The median home value in Utah is $408,466. Value of homes in Utah have risen by 14.8 over the past year.

Average house Rental Prices in Utah

If you’re interested in renting a home after moving to Utah, we’ve collated key stats about the state’s home rental market. Here’s the average cost of renting various homes and apartments in Utah:

  • Average cost of a studio apartment in Utah is $639
  • Average cost of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Utah is $766
  • Average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in Utah is $941
  • Average cost of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Utah is $1,332
  • Average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in Utah is $1,563

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Utah.

Statistic UT USA % Difference
Average Rent$1,500$1,650-9.1%
Average $/sqft$1.068$1.135-5.9%
M-o-M Change$-250-inf%
Y-o-Y Change$5$50.0%
M-o-M % Change-1.6%0.0%--
Y-o-Y % Change0.3%0.3%--
jobs in utah

Utah Job Market

Whether you’re interested in getting a job after moving to Utah or setting up a company, having some knowledge about the state’s job market can help you make an informed decision.

The unemployment rate in Utah is lower than the national average. Let’s see the stats:

  • Utah has recorded positive job growth in recent years
  • Utah’s unemployment rate is 3.0%. The national average is 3.7%
  • Jobs in Utah has risen by 1.7% over the past year
  • Average annual pay for average jobs in Utah is $55,841 a year
  • The state minimum wage rate for Utah is $7.5

What’s the Average Salary and Income in Utah?

Moving to Utah could mean starting a new job and earning a new income and salary. Whether you’re an investor or you own a startup, having a good knowledge of the average salary and income in Utah is important. Here’s the average salary and income of the state if you’re moving to Utah:

  • Average annual pay for average jobs in Utah is $55,841 a year
  • Average hourly pay for average jobs in Utah is $26.85 an hour
  • Average weekly pay for average jobs in Utah is $1,074 per week
  • Average monthly rates for average jobs in Utah is $4,653 per month
  • On average, top earners (90th percentile) makes $83,225 annually in Utah

10 Biggest companies in Utah

Moving to Utah means getting the chance to work for some of the biggest companies in the state. Here’s a list of the top ten largest companies in Utah and they double as the largest employers in the state. Check them out:

Rank Company City Employees
1AutolivOgden67,000
2Intermountain HealthcareSalt Lake City37,467
3Nu Skin EnterprisesProvo32,250
4AlscoSalt Lake City20,000
5SkyWestSaint George16,900
6Smith’s Food and DrugSalt Lake City16,059
7Zions BancorporationSalt Lake City10,057
8Management and TrainingCenterville9,300
9C.R. EnglandSalt Lake City9,076
10Sorenson CommunicationsTaylorsville8,248

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What are the top career options in Utah?

If you’re interested in a new career after moving to Utah, you may consider the top career options in the state. Here’s a list of the top 10 career options in Utah and they double as the highest paying jobs in the state:

Rank Job Title AVERAGE SALARY ENTRY LEVEL SALARY # OF PEOPLE
1Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists$270,260$166,360350
2General Internal Medicine Physicians$230,170$124,840150
3Pediatricians, General$228,440$123,140190
4Obstetricians And Gynecologists$214,070$57,750200
5Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric$209,420$75,4701,980
6Family Medicine Physicians$194,290$90,9201,280
7Law Teachers, Postsecondary$183,970$73,100110
8Chief Executives$162,660$43,8104,680
9Podiatrists$154,090$83,880170
10Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$144,740$45,2702,360

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What are the top industries in Utah?

Utah has a strong economy with a booming job market powered by several large industries. Since you’re considering moving to Utah, we’ve made a list of the top ten largest industries in the state:

  • Real estate and rental and leasing
  • Professional and business services
  • Manufacturing
  • Finance and insurance
  • Educational services, health care, and social assistance
  • Retail trade
  • Construction
  • Wholesale trade
  • Information
  • Transportation and warehousing
taxes in utah

Utah Taxes

Depending on where you’re moving from, you may end up paying lower or higher taxes by moving to Utah.

Generally, Utahns state and income taxes are rated as relatively low, compared to other states. Here’s a breakdown of the key taxes in Utah:

  • Utah’s State income tax rate is 4.95% flat rate
  • Utah’s Sales tax rate is 6.10% - 9.05%
  • Utah’s Property tax is 0.58% average effective rate
  • Utah’s gas tax is 31.10 cents per gallon of regular gasoline and diesel
utah

Best things to do in Utah

Utah is home to several natural scenic attractions. The state is also home to several mountains, valleys, monuments, and parks etc. making moving to Utah such an interesting idea. Since you’re considering moving to Utah, here are some of the best things to do in the state:

  • Take A Trip To Zion National Park

    A prominent feature of the 229-square mile-park at southwestern Utah is Zion Canyon, which is 15 miles long and up to 2,640 ft (800 m) deep. The park is home to numerous trees, 289 species of birds, 75 mammals, and 32 reptiles.

  • Dare To Hike Angels Landing

    The 1,488-feet rock formation in Zion National Park is a major attraction in Utah and it needs to trail 2.5 miles to reach the rock formation. The hiking through Angels Landing Trail is considered to be one of the toughest in Utah. 13 people have died from falling while hiking the trail.

  • See The View From Observation Point

    At 6,521 feet in elevation atop Mount Baldy, jutting out into one of the widest sections of Zion Canyon, Observation Point commands a view of nearly every major attraction in the canyon. A major hiking destination, hikers ascend nearly 2,000 feet during this trek.

  • Go For A Paddle On Lake Powell

    A man-made reservoir in the Colorado River, Lake Powell has about 2,000 miles of shoreline. With endless sunshine, warm water, perfect weather, and some of the most spectacular scenery in the west, Lake Powell is the ultimate playground.

  • Hike The Narrows

    The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. A popular hike in Zion National Park, the gorge is sometimes just twenty to thirty feet wide. While hiking, you must get your feet wet since there is no trail.

  • Find Corona Arch

    A natural sandstone arch near Moab, Corona Arch requires a great 3-mile hike to reach it. The hike to the arch is well signed and suitable for all abilities.

  • See The Antelope On Antelope Island

    The 42-square mile Antelope Island is the largest of ten islands located within the Great Salt Lake. Rich in scenic beauty and natural features, Antelope Island is the perfect place to view the Great Salt Lake and get a taste of the vast open country found in the Great Basin.

  • Take A Winter Trip To Park City

    A popular tourist destination, Park City is 32 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. The city hosts the annual Sundance Film Festival and is also a popular skiing and snowboarding destination. The city has also got many reservoirs, hot springs, forests, and hiking and biking trails nearby.

  • See The Hoodoo’s In Bryce Canyon National Park

    Bryce Canyon National Park has the largest collection of hoodoos found anywhere on the earth. Smaller in size, when compared to other national parks in Utah, the park’s high elevations include numerous life communities, fantastic dark skies, and geological wonders that defy description. Many hiking trails along with horse riding options are available here.

  • Go Glamping At Under Canvas

    Under Canvas Moab is located near Utah’s famed Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Tucked between two world-class climbing, mountain biking, and hiking destinations, Under Canvas’ desert, glamping accommodations are a gateway to the towering plateaus, sandstone cliffs, and naturally occurring geologic wonders of Utah’s Canyon Country.

  • Visit Salt Lake Temple

    The 253,015-sq ft temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was built in 40 years and is the largest Latter-day Saint temple by floor area. The temple is reserved for special ceremonies for practicing Latter-Day Saints.

  • Listen To An Organ Recital At The Tabernacle

    The Salt Lake Tabernacle is a historic building that was once an LDS Church. Every day, the staff performs a 30-minute organ recital from 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

  • Attend The Sundance Film Festival

    The annual film festival held at Park City is the largest independent film festival in the United States. The festival consists of competitive sections for American and international dramatic and documentary films, both feature films and short films.

  • Step Back In Time At The Pioneer Memorial Museum

    The museum at Salt Lake City houses the everyday items that Mormon settlers brought with them on their westward journey from Nauvoo, Illinois, and used, including teacups to sewing machines to eyeglasses to children's toys. Some of the displays at the museum are strange; including a collection of rattlesnake rattles, a petrified potato, a two-headed lamb, Victorian hair art, and a "bloodstone" that Mormon leader Brigham Young believed to be endowed with magical properties.

  • Take A Road Trip To Monument Valley

    With sandstone buttes, colossal mesas, and panoramic vistas, Monument Valley is an iconic landscape. The 17-mile loop, also referred to as the Valley Drive, is a scenic drive past some of the most popular sites in Monument Valley.

How safe Is Utah?

Crime rate is most likely one of the key things you’ll have to consider before moving to Utah. Here are key crime rates stats in Utah:

  • Violent crime rate in Utah is rated 15.8. National average is 22.7
  • Property crime rate in Utah is rated 40.7. National average is 35.4
  • Violent crime rates in Utah are lower than the national average
  • Property crime rates in Utah are higher than the national average
schools in utah

What are the best schools and universities in Utah?

Some of the best colleges and universities in the United States are in Utah. The state is also home to several top-quality school districts across the country.

Since you’re considering moving to Utah, we’ve made a list of the best universities, colleges, high, middle, and elementary schools in the state. Here they are:

Best Elementary Schools in Utah

  • Edgemont School
    Provo District,Public, K-6 | 642 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Mountainville Academy
    Mountainville Academy, Charter, K-9 | 758 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Heritage School
    Cache District, Public, K-6 | 683 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Brookwood School
    Canyons District,Public, K-5 | 441 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Canyon View School
    Canyon District, Public, K-5 | 409, Rating: 8/10

Best Middle Schools in Utah

  • Mountainville Academy
    Mountainville Academy, Charter, K-9 | 758 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Karl G Maeser Preparatory Academy
    Karl G Maeser Preparatory Academy, Charter, 7-12 | 639 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Draper Park Middle School
    Canyons District, Public, 6-8 | 1503 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Centennial Jr High School
    Davis District, Public, 7-9 | 1530 students, Rating: 9/10

  • North Summit Middle School
    76 100 East, Coalville, UT, 84017, Public, 5 -8 | 322, Rating: 9/10

Best High Schools in Utah

  • No Ut Academy For Math Engineering & Science (Nuames)
    No Ut Academy For Math Engineering & Science (Nuames), Charter, 10-12 | 754 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Davis High School
    Davis District, Public, 10-12 | 2604 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Intech Collegiate High School
    Intech Collegiate High School, Charter, 9-12 | 171 students, Rating: 10/10

  • No Ut Academy For Math Engineering & Science Ogden
    No Ut Academy For Math Engineering & Science (Nuames), Charter, Ungraded | 0 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Itineris Early College High School
    Itineris Early College High, Charter, 11-12 | 398 students, Rating: 9/10

Best universities and 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

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