44.6
County Score
Property Tax 84.7Income & Jobs 81.3Health 72.3

County Report Card

About Box Elder County, Utah

Slightly Below the National Median

Box Elder County earns a composite score of 44.6, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. While it trails the national average, it maintains competitive scores in individual economic categories.

Room to Grow in the Beehive State

The county's overall score of 44.6 lags behind the Utah state average of 53.9. Local leaders face opportunities to improve public services to better align with the state's top-tier performers.

Strong Health and Economic Fundamentals

The county excels in public health with a score of 72.3 and maintains a low tax burden reflected in an 84.7 tax score. Households earn a healthy median income of $77,865, providing a solid financial base for residents.

Improving School and Safety Metrics

School quality and public safety are the primary areas for improvement, with scores of 18.4 and 27.9 respectively. Additionally, housing costs are a factor, as median home values sit at $357,400 with a low cost score of 21.1.

Best for Health-Conscious Career Starters

Box Elder County is well-suited for individuals who prioritize personal health and solid income potential. Families may want to investigate specific school districts, but the low tax rate remains a significant draw.

Score breakdown

Tax84.7Cost21.1Safety27.9Health72.3Schools18.4Income81.3Risk44.1Water55.4Weather32.2
🏛84.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠21.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼81.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡27.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
72.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓18.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
44.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧55.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤32.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱26.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

Box Elder County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Box Elder County

via TaxByCounty

Box Elder taxes track just above national average

At 0.511%, Box Elder's effective tax rate sits slightly above the national median of 0.590%—placing it near the middle of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,828 remains well below the national median of $2,690, thanks to Utah's overall favorable tax environment.

Mid-range taxes among Utah counties

Box Elder ranks 12th among Utah's 29 counties in effective tax rate, sitting just 0.013% above the state average of 0.498%. The median annual tax of $1,828 runs $13 higher than the statewide median, reflecting typical Utah property tax policy.

Comparable to fellow northern counties

Box Elder's 0.511% rate aligns closely with Rich County (0.512%) and slightly exceeds Daggett (0.481%), while Cache County nearby charges 0.491%. Among Utah's north-central region, Box Elder sits firmly in the middle for tax burden.

Annual tax on a typical Box Elder home

The median home in Box Elder County is valued at $357,400, resulting in an annual property tax of $1,828. That translates to approximately $152 per month in property taxes for the typical homeowner.

Review your assessment for potential savings

Research shows many Box Elder homeowners are assessed above their property's actual market value. Filing an assessment appeal is free and can significantly reduce your annual tax bill if your home's recent sale value is lower than what the county is taxing you on.

Cost of Living in Box Elder County

via CostByCounty

Box Elder beats national affordability

Box Elder County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the implied national average, meaning residents here dedicate less earnings to rent than most Americans. Though median income of $77,865 trails the national median by about $3,100, housing costs are proportionally lower.

Mid-pack affordability across Utah

Box Elder's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio edges slightly below Utah's state average of 16.6%, putting it in the affordable middle ground. At $1,028 monthly rent, it undercuts the state median of $1,101 by about $73 per month.

Competitive with Beaver and Daggett

Box Elder's $1,028 rent matches Beaver County almost exactly, and both offer similar rental affordability compared to Cache County's $1,137. For homebuyers, Box Elder's $357,400 median home value sits between Beaver's $287,600 and Cache's $392,800—a middle option regionally.

Renters gain ground on owners

Renters pay $1,028 monthly while homeowners shoulder $1,239, reflecting Box Elder's stronger rental market relative to ownership costs. At 15.8% of income for renters and 19.2% for owners, both groups remain within or near the 30% affordability threshold.

Box Elder suits renters best

If renting is your plan, Box Elder County offers competitive rates and a stable income base. Compare it with neighboring Beaver for slightly lower home prices, or Cache County if you need urban amenities despite higher costs.

Income & Jobs in Box Elder County

via IncomeByCounty

Box Elder Slightly Above National Average

Box Elder County's median household income of $77,865 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by roughly $3,100. This modest advantage shows residents earn slightly more than the typical American household.

Below Utah's State Average

Box Elder County's median household income of $77,865 trails Utah's state average of $80,176 by $2,311. The county ranks in the lower-middle range among Utah's counties.

Modest Income Versus Nearby Counties

Box Elder's $77,865 median income falls short of neighboring Beaver County ($85,603) but slightly exceeds Cache County ($78,292). The region shows considerable variation in earning potential.

Housing Costs Rise Steadily

Box Elder County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% indicates housing takes a meaningful bite of household earnings. The median home value of $357,400 requires careful budgeting to ensure affordability.

Strategic Savings Build Security

With moderate household incomes, Box Elder families benefit most from disciplined savings plans and consistent investing. Start with emergency funds, then prioritize retirement accounts and long-term wealth growth.

Safety in Box Elder County

via CrimeByCounty

Box Elder Shows Strong National Safety Ranking

Box Elder County reports a total crime rate of 1739.5 per 100,000, keeping it well below the national mark of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 97.3. While higher than some neighbors, it remains safer than the typical U.S. county.

Closing the Gap with State Averages

The county's safety score of 97.3 trails the Utah state average of 98.1. Although its total crime rate of 1739.5 is higher than the state mean, Box Elder remains a generally secure environment. Local law enforcement works actively to align these numbers with state benchmarks.

Local Comparisons with Davis and Cache

Box Elder's crime rate of 1739.5 is higher than Cache County's 1051.1 and Davis County's 1499.6. However, it is significantly lower than Duchesne County's 2436.9. These comparisons highlight Box Elder as a middle-ground for safety in Northern Utah.

Property Incidents Drive Box Elder Statistics

Property crime sits at 1636.6 per 100,000, while violent crime is very low at 102.9. This violent crime rate is significantly better than the state average of 178.7. Residents face more risk from theft than from physical harm.

Proactive Steps for Box Elder Residents

Locking vehicles and securing outbuildings addresses the county's primary property crime concerns. Simple motion-sensor lighting can deter opportunistic thieves in residential areas. These small actions keep your property and neighborhood safe.

Health in Box Elder County

via HealthByCounty

Box Elder meets national health benchmarks

Box Elder County residents live 77.5 years on average, just 1.4 years below the national average of 78.9 years. The poor/fair health rate of 15.5% slightly exceeds the national rate of 15%, indicating overall solid health outcomes.

In line with Utah's state average

Box Elder County's 77.5-year life expectancy is nearly identical to Utah's state average of 77.9 years, placing it squarely in the middle of the pack statewide. The county performs at or near state benchmarks across most health metrics.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Box Elder County's life expectancy of 77.5 years sits between Cache County's leading 80.3 years and Beaver County's lagging 74.9 years. The county's uninsured rate of 7.9% is better than the state average, suggesting strong coverage across the region.

Good coverage, uneven provider access

Only 7.9% of Box Elder residents lack health insurance, well below Utah's 10.2% state average. However, primary care availability is limited at just 29 providers per 100,000 residents, though mental health providers at 461 per 100,000 are exceptionally abundant.

Already insured? Keep it current

Box Elder's strong coverage rate shows most residents have taken the insurance step—use open enrollment to ensure your plan still fits your family's needs. Check your current plan's provider network to confirm access to local care.

Schools in Box Elder County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Network of 24 Public Schools

Box Elder County operates 24 public schools that serve a large student population of 13,098 across two districts. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 14 elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools, plus five specialized campuses. This extensive network supports a mix of suburban and rural communities.

Room for Growth in Graduation Outcomes

The county reports an 81.0% graduation rate, which trails both the Utah state average and the 87.0% national benchmark. With per-pupil spending at $6,436, the county operates below the national average of $13,000. Despite these challenges, the composite school score of 47.6 reflects a system working to close performance gaps.

Box Elder District Leads the Region

The Box Elder District is the primary provider, educating 12,649 students across 23 schools. Charter options are limited, with the Promontory School of Expeditionary Learning representing the only charter school in the county. This single charter campus accounts for roughly 4.2% of the total school landscape.

Suburban Reach and Large Campus Sizes

Education here has a suburban feel, with 10 schools located in suburb locales and an average school size of 569 students. Box Elder High is the largest hub with 1,583 students, while Bear River High also serves over 1,100 students. The mix of eight rural and six town schools provides varied environments for families.

Settling Down in Suburban Box Elder

For home buyers, the suburban schools in the southern part of the county offer modern facilities and large-scale extracurricular programs. The diverse locale mix allows families to choose between a quiet rural setting or a more traditional town experience. Keep school district boundaries in mind as you search for your ideal Utah home.

Disaster Risk in Box Elder County

via RiskByCounty

Box Elder faces moderate disaster risk nationally

With a composite risk score of 55.92, Box Elder County exceeds the national average, carrying a 'Relatively Low' rating. Your county experiences more natural hazard exposure than typical American communities.

Mid-range risk among Utah counties

Box Elder's score of 55.92 sits above Utah's state average of 36.19, placing it in the higher-risk tier within the state. However, several Utah counties face significantly greater disaster threats.

Riskier than most neighboring counties

Box Elder County's 55.92 score exceeds both Daggett and Rich counties to the east. Only Cache County to the south approaches similar risk levels in the immediate vicinity.

Wildfire and earthquake dominate your hazards

Wildfire risk is particularly acute at 95.36—among the highest in the state—while earthquake risk reaches 93.29. Tornado exposure is moderate at 12.56, and flood risk remains manageable at 19.50.

Wildfire and earthquake insurance are critical

Given wildfire and earthquake scores above 93, these specialized coverages should anchor your protection strategy. Standard homeowner policies exclude both hazards; add them as separate riders or endorsements now.

Weather & Climate in Box Elder County

via WeatherByCounty

Bracing for Cooler Northern Temps

Box Elder County posts an average annual temperature of 48.0°F, falling about five degrees below the national median. This cooler profile is typical for northern Great Basin territories bordering Idaho.

Below the Utah State Average

The county's 48.0°F average sits nearly a full degree below the Utah state average of 48.9°F. It ranks as one of the cooler northern counties due to its exposure to arctic air masses.

Warmer Than Neighboring Cache County

Box Elder is roughly one degree warmer than adjacent Cache County, which averages 47.1°F. It also sees far less snow, recording 27.5 inches compared to Cache's 53.7 inches.

Frigid Winters and Frequent Heat

Winter temperatures dip to a January average of 24.9°F, while summers feature 43 days of extreme heat over 90°F. The county receives 13.8 inches of annual precipitation, mirroring the state average.

Manage Dry Heat and Winter Ice

Property owners should focus on insulation for sub-freezing winters and efficient cooling for the 43 days of extreme summer heat. Water conservation is key as annual precipitation is only 13.8 inches.

Soil Quality in Box Elder County

via SoilByCounty

The alkaline profile of Box Elder

Detailed taxonomic data is currently sparse, but the region typically exceeds the national median pH of 6.5. Like much of northern Utah, the soil here trends toward the alkaline 7.71 state average.

Unknown texture requires manual testing

Specific sand and clay metrics are not available for this county. Growers should observe how their soil clumps or crumbles to understand its workability and drainage potential.

Potential for nutrient retention

Organic matter data is missing, though the county's agricultural heritage suggests pockets of productive land. Local soils likely strive toward the 0.138 in/in state average for available water capacity.

Planning for water movement

Because official hydrologic groups are unrecorded, managing runoff depends on local site observation. Proper drainage planning is essential for protecting building foundations and optimizing irrigation.

Thriving in hardiness zone 6b

Zone 6b offers a slightly longer growing window for Box Elder residents. It is a fantastic environment for stone fruits like peaches and apricots, so consider planting an orchard this spring.

Lawn Care in Box Elder County

via LawnByCounty

Box Elder's semi-arid turf struggle

Maintaining a lawn here is tough, reflected in a difficulty score of 26.4, which is slightly below the state average of 28.5. This Hardiness Zone 6b county is roughly twice as difficult for lawn care as the typical American county.

Managing the northern Utah growing season

The county receives 13.8 inches of annual rain, which is almost exactly the Utah average but far short of the 30-inch ideal for turf. With 43 days of extreme heat over 90°F, grass growth often slows or goes dormant without heavy supplemental watering.

Building a better lawn base

Comprehensive soil data is currently unavailable for this area, but local growers typically face alkaline conditions. Aeration and top-dressing with compost can help improve the drainage and health of any local soil type.

Persistent dry conditions require care

The entire county is currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions after a full 53 weeks of drought over the last year. Implementing xeriscaping or reducing lawn square footage can significantly lower your water footprint in this vulnerable climate.

Timing your Box Elder lawn

Fine fescues and Kentucky bluegrass hybrids thrive in Zone 6b's climate. The ideal window for seeding opens after May 15th, giving your new grass until October 5th to establish before the first frost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Box Elder County's county score?
Box Elder County, Utah has a composite county score of 44.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Box Elder County rank among counties in Utah?
Box Elder County ranks #25 among all counties in Utah on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Box Elder County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Box Elder County is $1,828, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Box Elder County a tax score of 84.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Box Elder County?
The median household income in Box Elder County, Utah is $77,865 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Box Elder County earns an income score of 81.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Box Elder County, Utah a good place to live?
Box Elder County scores 44.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Box Elder County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Box Elder County with other counties side by side.