countyscore
35.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.7Property Tax 79.1Water Quality 70.4

County Report Card

About Salt Lake County, Utah

An Urban Hub with Unique Pressures

Salt Lake County records a composite score of 35.3, which sits below the national median of 50.0. This lower overall ranking is typical for high-density urban centers facing complex infrastructure and environmental demands. Despite the lower composite, the county remains a major economic engine for the region.

Trailing the State Average

The county's 35.3 score lags behind the Utah state average of 53.9, largely due to high costs and environmental risks. While it offers the state's most diverse economy, these urban trade-offs impact the overall livability index. Residents trade affordability and safety scores for the opportunities of a large metropolitan area.

Powerful Income and Water Scores

Economic opportunity is the county's greatest asset, with an income score of 93.7 and a median household income of $94,658. The water score of 70.4 also shows strong performance in utility management compared to national peers. High tax scores of 79.1 further indicate a manageable tax burden for such a large urban center.

Environmental Risks and High Costs

A risk score of 1.4 and a safety score of 4.7 are the most significant hurdles for the county. Housing costs are also high, as shown by a cost score of 6.2 and a median home value of $484,500. These factors contribute to the lower composite score despite the high earnings.

A Choice for Ambitious Career Seekers

Salt Lake County is best suited for high-earning professionals who prioritize career growth and urban amenities over environmental safety scores. The high $1,493 median rent is offset by significant wage opportunities. It is the go-to destination for those who thrive in a fast-paced, economically vibrant environment.

Score breakdown

Tax79.1Cost6.2Safety4.7Health68.3Schools19.9Income93.7Risk1.4Water70.4Weather38.2
🏛79.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠6.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼93.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓19.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧70.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39
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

Davis County
Utah
49.1
Morgan County
Utah
57.5
Wasatch County
Utah
55.9
Weber County
Utah
38.9
Utah County
Utah
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Summit County
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Tooele County
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Rich County
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Deep Dives

Salt Lake County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Salt Lake County

via TaxByCounty

Salt Lake taxes match the national median

Salt Lake County's median property tax of $2,726 aligns almost perfectly with the national median of $2,690, placing it near the 50th percentile nationally. At an effective rate of 0.563%, the county sits slightly above Utah's state average of 0.498%, reflecting its mix of urban and suburban properties.

Middle of the pack in Utah

Salt Lake County ranks 15th among Utah's 29 counties by effective tax rate at 0.563%, just above the state average. The county's median tax of $2,726 exceeds the statewide median of $1,815, driven by higher property values and a moderate tax rate.

Higher taxes than most neighboring counties

Salt Lake County's 0.563% effective rate edges above nearby Tooele County (0.589%) and notably exceeds rural neighbors like Sanpete County (0.511%). Despite being the state's largest county by population, Salt Lake's tax burden sits in the moderate range regionally.

Median home tax runs $2,726 per year

A typical Salt Lake County home valued at $484,500 generates an annual property tax bill of $2,726. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly less ($2,704), while those owning outright pay slightly more ($2,784).

Appeal if your assessment seems high

With thousands of properties assessed annually across Salt Lake County, assessment errors do occur and can inflate your tax bill. Requesting a formal appeal with supporting comparable-sales data could reveal legitimate savings for many homeowners.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Salt Lake County

via CostByCounty

Salt Lake faces steeper housing costs

Salt Lake County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% exceeds the national standard, meaning renters here dedicate nearly one-fifth of their income to housing. Though the county's median household income of $94,658 is 26% higher than the national average of $74,755, rising rents have outpaced wage growth.

Above-average costs in Utah's largest county

Salt Lake County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% ranks above Utah's 16.6% state average, reflecting the region's stronger demand and limited inventory. At $1,493 per month, the county's median rent is 36% higher than the state average of $1,101.

The price of living near the metro

Salt Lake County's $1,493 rent far exceeds nearby Tooele County ($1,134) and Summit County's pricier $1,969 for owner costs, but the metro's job market commands a premium. Renters here pay notably more than counties on Utah's periphery, though incomes also reflect the urban advantage.

Housing absorbs a larger share here

Salt Lake renters spend $1,493 monthly while homeowners average $1,668, consuming 18.9% to 21.2% of a median $94,658 household income. This means the typical family dedicates roughly $22,600 annually to housing costs—a significant commitment in the region's competitive market.

Salt Lake offers opportunity with trade-offs

The county's strong median income and vibrant job market attract newcomers willing to accept higher housing costs for urban advantages. If you're considering Salt Lake, weigh the premium rents and ownership costs against the region's economic opportunities and amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Salt Lake County

via IncomeByCounty

Salt Lake's income leads the nation sharply

Salt Lake County's median household income of $94,658 towers 26.6% above the national median of $74,755, ranking it among the highest-earning counties nationally. This $19,903 premium reflects the county's robust job market and economic diversification.

Top earner in Utah's income hierarchy

Salt Lake County's $94,658 median income ranks it second in Utah, surpassed only by Summit County. The per capita income of $43,393 leads all Utah counties except Summit, demonstrating concentrated wealth and strong earning power across households.

Outpacing Utah's economic peers significantly

Salt Lake County's income nearly matches Summit County ($137,058) among high-earning peers and far exceeds mid-tier counties like Tooele ($101,846) and Sevier ($73,765). Its economic dominance reflects the region's status as Utah's primary employment and business center.

Housing costs rising with incomes

Despite strong incomes, Salt Lake County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio is climbing, reflecting $1,497 monthly rent against median household income. While still below the 30% affordability threshold, the ratio shows housing demand pressing against income growth in the region.

Leverage premium income for wealth accumulation

Salt Lake County residents earning nearly $20,000 above the national average have exceptional capacity to build wealth through diversified investments and real estate appreciation. With strong income but rising housing costs, strategic financial planning becomes essential to maximize long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Salt Lake County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Crime Density in Urban Utah

Salt Lake County reports a total crime rate of 3,609.2 per 100,000 residents, which sits significantly above the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 94.3, reflecting the challenges of its dense metropolitan environment.

Exceeding State Crime Averages

The county's crime rate of 3,609.2 is triple the Utah state average of 1,204.8 per 100,000 people. With a safety score of 94.3, Salt Lake County ranks below the state average score of 98.1, highlighting a need for increased urban safety focus.

Comparing Salt Lake and Tooele Safety

Salt Lake County’s crime rate is double that of neighboring Tooele County, which reports 1,792.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. While Tooele maintains a safety score of 97.2, Salt Lake trails at 94.3 due to higher concentrations of property and violent crime.

Urban Breakdown of Violent and Property Crime

Property crime is a major factor here, with 3,229.2 incidents per 100,000 residents, well above the national rate of 2,015.7. Violent crime also sits slightly above the national mark at 380.0, requiring active community awareness.

Prioritizing Urban Home Security

High property crime rates make home security systems and neighborhood watch programs essential for Salt Lake residents. Installing smart cameras and visible alarm systems can effectively reduce the risk of burglary in high-traffic areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Salt Lake County

via HealthByCounty

Salt Lake County exceeds U.S. life expectancy

Residents live an average of 78.5 years, nearly 2.1 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. About 15.6% report poor or fair health, matching the national rate and reflecting generally solid wellness across Utah's largest county.

Above Utah's health average

Salt Lake County's 78.5-year life expectancy edges out Utah's state average of 77.9 years, placing it among the state's healthier counties. The county's urban density and healthcare infrastructure support this slight advantage.

Urban advantage over rural peers

Salt Lake County's 78.5-year life expectancy surpasses rural neighbors like Tooele County (77.1 years) and Sanpete County (77.2 years). The difference reflects Salt Lake's concentrated healthcare resources and larger provider networks.

Strong provider network, manageable coverage gap

Salt Lake County offers 76 primary care providers and 586 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—far above rural county averages. The 10.4% uninsured rate is just slightly above the state average, indicating most residents have insurance access to this robust healthcare system.

Find coverage in Utah's largest county

With 10.4% of Salt Lake County residents uninsured, signing up through Healthcare.gov or the Utah state marketplace takes minutes and may reveal subsidies or employer plans. Salt Lake's abundant health providers mean covered residents gain quick access to appointments and specialists.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Salt Lake County

via SchoolsByCounty

Utah's Largest and Most Diverse School System

Salt Lake County manages a massive education network of 319 public schools serving 211,116 students across 47 different districts. This infrastructure includes 191 elementary schools, 44 middle schools, and 55 high schools to support the state's most populous region.

Scaling Success Across the Metro Area

The county maintains an 86.8% graduation rate, which sits just below the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $5,714 is lower than the national average, the county supports a vast array of specialized programs and alternative schools.

Major Districts and Charter Choice

Granite District is the largest provider with 61,197 students, followed closely by the Jordan District with 59,421. Families also have significant choice, with 54 charter schools representing nearly 17% of all schools in the county.

Suburban Campus Life on a Grand Scale

With an average school size of 681 students, the experience here is primarily suburban, though 49 schools operate in urban city centers. Granger High is the largest facility with 3,481 students, offering a large-scale high school experience.

Locate a Home Near Top Districts

Prospective buyers can choose between urban Salt Lake City schools or the sprawling campuses of the Jordan and Canyons districts. Diverse school types and robust charter options make this county a prime location for education-focused home searches.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Salt Lake County

via RiskByCounty

Salt Lake faces higher-than-average disaster risk

At 98.57, Salt Lake County's composite risk score places it in the relatively high category and well above the national average. The county experiences significant exposure to floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and tornadoes.

Utah's riskiest county by far

Salt Lake County's score of 98.57 towers over Utah's state average of 36.19, making it the state's highest-risk county. This reflects the concentration of population, infrastructure, and diverse hazard exposure across the Wasatch Front.

Risk significantly exceeds surrounding counties

Salt Lake County's risk is nearly 40 points higher than Summit County (60.08) and Tooele County (48.89) combined pressures. The urban footprint and geography create unique vulnerabilities not seen in neighboring rural areas.

Four hazards demand serious attention

Earthquakes (99.62), wildfires (98.35), and floods (92.94) rank among Salt Lake County's gravest threats, joined by notable tornado risk (70.96). Each hazard type requires distinct preparation and coverage strategies.

Comprehensive insurance is essential

Standard homeowners insurance in Salt Lake County should be supplemented with earthquake coverage, flood insurance, and wildfire protection depending on your location. Contact your agent about a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan covering all four primary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Salt Lake County

via WeatherByCounty

Mountain-Influenced Valley Weather

Salt Lake County averages 50.2°F annually, trending slightly cooler than the national median. Its position between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Range creates a unique and dynamic mountain-influenced climate.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

At 50.2°F, the county is warmer than the Utah state average of 48.9°F. It balances significant snowfall with hot summer peaks that define the region's urban corridor.

Milder Than the High Peaks

Compared to neighboring Summit County's 44.1°F, Salt Lake is significantly milder. However, it receives 26.8 inches of annual precipitation, making it much wetter than dry Tooele County to the west.

Massive Snow and Summer Heat

The area experiences intense extremes, from 129.6 inches of snow in winter to 40 days of heat over 90°F in summer. July highs average 74.6°F, while January averages settle at 29.2°F.

Prepare for All Extremes

Dual-mode infrastructure is required here, including robust air conditioning for 40 extreme heat days and serious snow gear for the massive 129-inch snowfall. Homeowners should focus on attic insulation and efficient irrigation for dry summer spells.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Salt Lake County

via SoilByCounty

Urban soils with a lakebed history

Specific pH data is unmapped, but the valley floor typically shows higher alkalinity than the 6.5 national median. This legacy of the ancient Lake Bonneville leaves behind a mineral-heavy foundation.

Texture varies across the valley floor

Sand and clay percentages are not currently recorded in the county-wide database. Urban gardeners often find a mix of heavy clays near the lake and gravelly loams along the benches.

Amending soil for urban abundance

Local organic matter stats are missing, making the 7.59% state average a useful benchmark for your garden's health. Adding compost is the best way to improve water capacity in this high-desert environment.

Managing runoff in a developed landscape

Drainage classes remain uncatalogued, which makes site-specific checks important before building or planting. Ensuring water moves away from foundations is a priority in the valley's varied terrain.

Longer seasons in a warm Zone 7b

This urban heat island supports a wide variety of plants, from tomatoes to delicate herbs. Take advantage of the mild fall to keep your garden producing well into October.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Salt Lake County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Best Lawns in Utah

Salt Lake County leads the state with a lawn difficulty score of 39.0, significantly outperforming the Utah average of 28.5. While still more challenging than the national median, the local climate in Zone 7b provides a more hospitable environment than neighboring desert counties. Success here relies on balancing high heat with relatively good precipitation levels.

Ample Rainfall Meets Summer Heat

This county receives 26.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly double the state average of 13.7 inches. Despite this moisture, 40 extreme heat days each year can quickly dry out turf if watering schedules aren't adjusted. With 2923 growing degree days, grass grows vigorously throughout the warm months.

Testing the Foundation of Your Turf

Comprehensive soil data for the county is limited, so a private soil test is your best tool for success. Most Utah soils lean alkaline, so monitoring pH is essential to ensure your grass can actually absorb nutrients. Proper aeration can help manage the heavy use common in these urban and suburban landscapes.

Surviving a Year of Continuous Drought

Salt Lake County has faced 53 weeks of drought over the past year, leaving the entire area abnormally dry. Fortunately, none of the county is currently in the severe D2+ category, offering a bit more flexibility than other parts of the state. Mulching clippings back into the lawn can help retain soil moisture during peak summer weeks.

Capitalize on the Long Growing Season

The spring frost usually clears by April 29, providing a long window for establishing tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass. These varieties thrive in the 7b hardiness zone and handle the 40 days of extreme summer heat well. You have until late October to finish your lawn care before the first fall frost hits.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Salt Lake County's county score?
Salt Lake County, Utah has a composite county score of 35.3 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 Salt Lake County rank among counties in Utah?
Salt Lake County ranks #29 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 Salt Lake County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Salt Lake County is $2,726, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Salt Lake County a tax score of 79.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Salt Lake County?
The median household income in Salt Lake County, Utah is $94,658 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Salt Lake County earns an income score of 93.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Salt Lake County, Utah a good place to live?
Salt Lake County scores 35.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake 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.