countyscore
70.1
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 93Cost of Living 82.6

County Report Card

About Emery County, Utah

Well Above the National Median

Emery County earns an impressive composite score of 70.1, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. It stands as a model for rural livability on the national stage.

A Leader in Utah Quality of Life

Outperforming the state average of 53.9 by nearly 20 points, Emery County is one of Utah's highest-ranking areas. It combines safety and affordability in a way few other counties in the state can match.

Top-Tier Safety and Affordability

The county boasts an elite safety score of 97.5 and a high environmental risk score of 93.0. Housing is exceptionally affordable with a cost score of 82.6 and median gross rent at only $696.

Improving Water Infrastructure and Health

Water quality is the primary concern with a score of 35.1, followed by a moderate health score of 47.7. Despite these gaps, the overall cost and safety profiles remain extremely strong.

The Gold Standard for Budget-Conscious Safety

Emery County is perfect for families and retirees looking for maximum safety and the lowest possible housing costs. It offers a rare combination of security and financial ease for those who don't mind a rural setting.

Score breakdown

Tax76.1Cost82.6Safety97.5Health47.7Schools43.3Income66.3Risk93Water35.1Weather31
🏛76.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤47.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱25.6
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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Nearby counties

Grand County
Utah
48.5
Carbon County
Utah
49.2
Wayne County
Utah
71.8
Sanpete County
Utah
54.6
Sevier County
Utah
47.4
Garfield County
Utah
66.8
San Juan County
Utah
58.3
Utah County
Utah
49.6

Deep Dives

Emery County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Emery County

via TaxByCounty

Emery County taxes in upper-middle range

At 0.584%, Emery's effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 0.590%, placing it near the middle of U.S. counties. The median annual tax of $1,151 remains less than half the national median of $2,690 due to lower home values.

Above-average taxes for Utah

Emery ranks 5th among Utah's 29 counties in effective tax rate at 0.584%—0.086% above the state average of 0.498%. The median annual tax of $1,151 runs $664 below the statewide median, but the rate itself places Emery among the state's higher-taxing counties.

Steeper than most southern Utah counties

Emery's 0.584% rate exceeds Rich (0.512%), Daggett (0.481%), and Piute (0.523%), making it the southern region's highest-taxed jurisdiction. Nearby San Juan (0.506%) and Kane (0.528%) counties offer slightly lower rates.

What Emery homeowners pay annually

A median Emery County home valued at $197,100 carries an annual property tax of $1,151. At roughly $96 per month, Emery residents pay one of Utah's steeper rates relative to home value, though modest absolute dollars.

Challenge your assessment if warranted

Given Emery's above-average tax rate, verifying that your home's assessment reflects current market value is important. If recent appraisals or comparable sales suggest your assessed value is inflated, filing a free appeal could provide meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Emery County

via CostByCounty

Emery's rents rank among nation's lowest

Emery County's 11.9% rent-to-income ratio is exceptional—nearly half the implied national average—and its $696 monthly rent is the lowest in this entire survey. With median income of $69,956 below the national median, Emery's ultra-low housing costs create genuine affordability for lower-income households.

Utah's most affordable housing county

Emery County's 11.9% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all eight counties and far below Utah's state average of 16.6%. At just $696 monthly rent, Emery offers unmatched affordability for tenants statewide.

Unbeaten rent prices regionally

Emery's $696 rent undercuts every county reviewed, including Daggett ($775) and Carbon ($828), while its $197,100 median home value ranks among the lowest regionally. For budget-conscious movers, Emery simply has no peers on price.

Ultra-low housing consumption

Renters spend just $696 monthly (11.9% of income)—remarkably lean—while homeowners pay $636 (10.8%), making ownership especially attractive. Emery's median income of $69,956 means even lower-wage workers maintain healthy financial flexibility.

Emery for affordability above all else

If housing cost is your dominant concern, Emery County has no rival in Utah among these eight counties. Move here if you're remote-employed, retired, or secure employment locally; otherwise, budget-conscious renters seeking job growth should consider Daggett or Duchesne.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Emery County

via IncomeByCounty

Emery County Below National Standard

Emery County's median household income of $69,956 falls $4,799 short of the national median of $74,755. This 6.4% gap places the county modestly below American average earnings.

Trails Utah's Income Average

Emery County's median household income of $69,956 trails Utah's state average of $80,176 by $10,220. The county ranks among Utah's lower-earning regions despite modest national performance.

Emery Outearns Immediate Peers

Emery's $69,956 income exceeds Carbon County ($53,673) and Daggett ($58,750) significantly, but lags Duchesne ($74,738). The county occupies a distinct middle position in the southeastern region.

Excellent Housing Affordability

Emery County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.9% is the most favorable in Utah, indicating housing costs consume minimal income. The median home value of $197,100 provides exceptional affordability relative to earnings.

Leverage Affordable Living Advantage

Emery County's exceptional housing affordability creates opportunity to direct more income toward savings and investments. Capitalize on this advantage by building emergency funds and exploring long-term wealth-building strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Emery County

via CrimeByCounty

Emery County Reports Perfect Safety Score

Emery County currently shows a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000, vastly outperforming the national average of 2,385.5. This data earns the county a perfect 100.0 safety score. On paper, it ranks as one of the safest places in the entire United States.

Emery Leads Utah in Safety Statistics

The county's 100.0 score is well above the Utah state average of 98.1. However, because only a single agency reports data for Emery, these figures should be viewed with a degree of caution. Limited reporting can sometimes mask the true frequency of minor offenses.

Safest Profile in the Local Region

Emery County reports zero crime, making it safer than Carbon (1278.4) and Duchesne (2436.9). Compared to Beaver’s 971.5, Emery appears to be an outlier in its level of security. It offers a very quiet and seemingly crime-free environment for its citizens.

A Look at the Zero-Crime Report

Both violent and property crime rates are recorded as 0.0 per 100,000 residents for the 2022 period. This lack of activity reflects either a highly peaceful community or limited data collection from the single reporting agency. Either way, major crime is not currently a recorded issue.

Maintaining Peace in Emery County

While reported crime is non-existent, residents should still practice standard home safety protocols. Rural communities often rely on neighborly watchfulness to keep crime out. Simple precautions like outdoor lighting help ensure the county stays as safe as the data suggests.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Emery County

via HealthByCounty

Emery County faces health challenges

Emery County residents live an average of 74.8 years, 4.1 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Nearly one in five residents (18.6%) report poor or fair health, substantially exceeding the national rate of 15%.

Third-worst life expectancy in Utah

At 74.8 years, Emery County's life expectancy ranks third-lowest in Utah, trailing the state average of 77.9 by 3.1 years. The 18.6% poor/fair health rate signals concentrated health disadvantage in this rural county.

Struggling in rural southeastern Utah

Emery County's 74.8-year life expectancy ranks just above Carbon County's catastrophic 72.8 years and below Beaver County's 74.9 years. The southeastern region faces consistent health crises linked to economic and geographic isolation.

Critically sparse provider access

Emery County has just 10 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in the state—creating an acute care shortage. The uninsured rate of 10.1% sits near state average, but with only 89 mental health providers per 100,000, residents struggle to find any type of care.

Insurance plus advocacy needed

Emery County residents must secure coverage through healthcare.gov while advocating for rural health investment. Contact state representatives about expanding telehealth and mobile clinics to address the county's severe provider shortage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Emery County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Ten-School System in Rural Utah

Emery County manages 10 public schools serving a total student body of 2,230. The infrastructure is designed for age-specific learning, with six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. This ensures that even in a rural county, students have dedicated facilities for each stage of their education.

Solid Performance and Competitive Spending

Emery County meets the 87.0% national graduation rate exactly, though it slightly trails Utah's state average. The county spends $7,545 per pupil, which is higher than many neighboring counties and the state average of $6,829. With a school score of 53.1, the county actually exceeds the state average for quality and performance.

Strong Public Focus in Emery District

The Emery District is the sole education provider in the county, managing all 2,230 enrolled students. There are no charter schools in the area, meaning 100% of educational resources are concentrated in the traditional district schools. This unified approach supports consistent curriculum and staffing across the county.

Town and Country Learning Environments

The education system here is intimate, featuring an average school size of 223 students. Most campuses are located in rural settings, though three serve as town centers. Emery High is the largest school with 642 students, while elementary schools like Huntington and Ferron offer very small class sizes.

A Community-Centric Choice for Families

Emery County's high school score makes it an attractive option for families seeking quality education in a rural setting. Home prices near Huntington or Castle Dale offer proximity to the county's primary middle and high schools. Enjoy the benefit of higher-than-average per-pupil spending when you settle in this tight-knit community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Emery County

via RiskByCounty

Emery County faces exceptionally low U.S. disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 7.00, Emery County ranks among America's safest counties from natural disasters, earning a 'Very Low' rating. Your county experiences minimal hazard exposure compared to virtually all U.S. communities.

Utah's lowest disaster risk county

Emery County's 7.00 score is the lowest in the state, trailing far below Utah's average of 36.19. You live in the safest natural disaster zone in Utah.

Safest in the southeastern Utah region

Emery County's 7.00 score is lower than Daggett (3.69) and substantially lower than Carbon and Duchesne counties. It anchors southeastern Utah's low-hazard cluster.

Earthquake presents your only meaningful risk

Earthquake risk at 65.97 is your sole concern; wildfire at 59.29 is also moderate. Flood (12.40) and tornado (5.06) risks are negligible.

Earthquake coverage offers prudent protection

Given your county's exceptionally low overall risk, earthquake insurance represents your most sensible coverage choice. Other specialized policies are unlikely necessary for most Emery County residents.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Emery County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool High Desert Conditions

Emery County’s 46.5°F annual average is roughly 6.5 degrees below the national median. The climate is characterized by low moisture and significant elevation, typical of the Colorado Plateau.

Below the Utah State Average

Emery County sits 2.4 degrees below the Utah state average of 48.9°F. Its climate is cooler than many of its central Utah neighbors due to its varied topography.

Colder and Drier than Carbon County

Emery is nearly half a degree colder than neighboring Carbon County. It is also much drier, receiving only 14.3 inches of snow compared to Carbon's 85.2 inches.

Dry Winters and Steady Summer Heat

Emery County experiences 39 days of extreme heat over 90°F but very little snow at 14.3 inches. January averages 23.6°F, while July rises to a peak average of 70.8°F.

Focus on Arid-Climate Resilience

Low annual precipitation of 11.1 inches requires water-wise landscaping and conservation efforts. Residents should prepare for 39 days of extreme heat while maintaining systems for sub-freezing winter nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Emery County

via SoilByCounty

Emery County's alkaline desert soil

Specific pH data is unrecorded, but local soils likely align with the 7.71 Utah state average. This alkalinity is typical for the region and sits significantly higher than the 6.5 national median.

Analyzing texture for desert farming

We lack specific sand and clay percentages for Emery County at this time. Knowing your soil's texture is vital for managing the unique irrigation needs of a high-desert environment.

Building organic matter in arid lands

Organic matter data is missing, though the county's potential is tied to the 0.138 in/in state water capacity average. Adding organic amendments is a proven way to improve soil health in these dry conditions.

Monitoring drainage for better yields

Since hydrologic groups are not officially mapped, residents must observe how water moves after heavy rains. Proper drainage is key to preventing salt buildup and ensuring healthy plant roots.

Successful growing in zone 6a

Emery County sits in zone 6a, which is well-suited for resilient perennials and summer staples like tomatoes. With a little extra water and care, you can turn your soil into a productive oasis.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Emery County

via LawnByCounty

Emery County's uphill lawn battle

With a difficulty score of 25.6, Emery County is one of the hardest places in Utah to maintain a traditional lawn. This Zone 6a county is significantly below the state average of 28.5 and the national benchmark of 50.0.

Hot, dry, and demanding

The county receives just 11.1 inches of annual precipitation while enduring 39 days of extreme heat. These conditions require intense irrigation management to keep grass from entering permanent dormancy during the 2,391 growing degree days.

Assessing your local soil

Data on local soil texture is currently unavailable, but high-desert soils in this region are often low in organic matter. We recommend adding compost to your lawn every spring to improve its ability to hold onto what little water is available.

Critical drought across the board

Currently, 100% of Emery County is in severe drought after a full year of dry conditions. Lawns are under extreme stress, and homeowners should prioritize high-traffic areas if they must limit water usage.

Planting for the Emery climate

Stick to the hardiest cool-season grasses that can withstand the May 18th to October 18th growing season. Seeding in late summer is often more successful here, as it avoids the most intense July heat while roots establish.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Emery County's county score?
Emery County, Utah has a composite county score of 70.1 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 Emery County rank among counties in Utah?
Emery County ranks #4 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 Emery County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Emery County is $1,151, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Emery County a tax score of 76.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Emery County?
The median household income in Emery County, Utah is $69,956 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Emery County earns an income score of 66.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Emery County, Utah a good place to live?
Emery County scores 70.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Emery 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 Emery County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.