countyscore
54.6
County Score
Property Tax 84.7Safety 74.7Disaster Risk 61.4

County Report Card

About Sanpete County, Utah

Reliable Quality of Life Above Median

Sanpete County holds a composite score of 54.6, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This suggests a lifestyle that is more stable and manageable than half the counties in the nation. It provides a consistent baseline of livability for its residents.

Tracking Closely with State Averages

The county’s score of 54.6 is nearly identical to the Utah state average of 53.9. This alignment indicates that Sanpete County offers a quintessential Utah living experience, balancing growth with traditional rural strengths. It avoids the extremes seen in more volatile urban or remote counties.

Favorable Taxes and Strong Safety

With a tax score of 84.7 and an effective tax rate of 0.511%, the county remains financially attractive for residents. Safety is also a major strength, evidenced by a score of 74.7. These factors make it a predictable and secure place to manage a household budget.

Moderate Costs and Educational Growth

Housing affordability is becoming a challenge, as the cost score sits at 32.6 with median home values reaching $300,400. The school score of 31.5 also suggests that educational infrastructure has room to improve compared to national leaders. Addressing these areas would help elevate the county's competitive standing.

A Stable Choice for Young Families

Sanpete County is a great option for families looking for a safe, middle-of-the-road Utah experience. The $911 median gross rent and median income of $67,459 offer a sustainable path for many residents. It suits those who want a reliable community with manageable tax and safety risks.

2040608010084.732.674.752.531.560.161.442.237.4Tax84.7Cost32.6Safety74.7Health52.5Schools31.5Income60.1Risk61.4Water42.2Weather37.454.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Sanpete County DNA

Foverall

How Sanpete County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Sanpete County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (84.7/100) but notably weak in Schools (31.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
84.7+32.7
Cost
32.6-15.399999999999999
Safety
74.7+19.700000000000003
Health
52.5
Schools
31.5-22.5
Income
60.1+9.100000000000001
Risk
61.4+14.399999999999999
Water
42.2-15.799999999999997
Weather
37.4-18.6
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Sanpete County

Whether buying or refinancing in Sanpete County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$300,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$911/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$300,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,459/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

41.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Sanpete County with Routt County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Routt County
Colorado
Median income: $104,803
54.6
Chattahoochee County
Georgia
Median income: $59,221
54.6
Nelson County
Kentucky
Median income: $67,888
54.6
Houghton County
Michigan
Median income: $56,573
54.6
Livingston County
Michigan
Median income: $101,315
54.6
Pike County
Missouri
Median income: $57,572
54.6
Walsh County
North Dakota
Median income: $69,976
54.6
Harrison County
Ohio
Median income: $53,851
54.6

Nearby counties

Juab County
Utah
56.5
Utah County
Utah
49.6
Sevier County
Utah
47.4
Carbon County
Utah
49.2
Emery County
Utah
70.1
Wasatch County
Utah
55.9
Millard County
Utah
53.5
Piute County
Utah
68.2

Deep Dives

Sanpete County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sanpete County

via TaxByCounty

Sanpete taxes slightly above national average

Sanpete County's effective tax rate of 0.511% sits just above both the state average of 0.498% and falls in the 55th percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $1,536 runs below the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower median home values of $300,400.

Moderate taxes among Utah counties

Sanpete County ranks 12th among Utah's 29 counties by effective tax rate at 0.511%, just slightly above the state average of 0.498%. Its median tax of $1,536 sits below the statewide median of $1,815, reflecting the county's rural character and moderate property values.

Lower taxes than most adjacent counties

Sanpete County's 0.511% rate undercuts neighboring Sevier County (0.552%) and Tooele County (0.589%), though it exceeds rural Summit County (0.347%). Among central Utah's counties, Sanpete offers a balanced tax environment.

Median home costs $1,536 in yearly taxes

A typical Sanpete County home valued at $300,400 generates an annual property tax bill of $1,536. The rate is remarkably consistent whether you own outright or carry a mortgage, with bills hovering around $1,533–$1,542 annually.

Request an assessment review for peace of mind

Sanpete County homeowners should verify that their property assessments reflect current market conditions and comparable sales. An appeal could reveal savings if your assessed value exceeds what similar homes in the area are selling for.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sanpete County

via CostByCounty

Sanpete slightly below national standard

Sanpete County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% sits just below the national average, though the county's median household income of $67,459 trails the national figure by 10%. Renters here spend a moderate share of their income on housing, but lower overall earnings create a tighter financial picture than national norms.

Right at Utah's affordability midpoint

Sanpete County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% is nearly identical to Utah's 16.6% state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. At $911 per month for median rent, the county aligns closely with regional housing cost trends.

Moderate costs in central Utah

Sanpete County's $911 rent sits between Sevier County ($878) and Uintah County ($914), reflecting consistent pricing across central and eastern Utah's smaller markets. The county's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio performs slightly better than Sevier's 14.3% and Uintah's 15.7%, reflecting its lower median income.

Housing takes its share in Sanpete

Renters spend $911 monthly while homeowners average $1,081, consuming 16.2% to 19.2% of a median $67,459 household income. The typical Sanpete family dedicates roughly $10,900 to $15,400 annually to housing—a moderate but noticeable chunk of earnings.

Sanpete offers balanced rural living

Consider Sanpete if you value small-town living with moderate housing costs and don't require urban job markets; the county's affordability mirrors the state average. At a median home value of $300,400, the county provides reasonable entry points for homebuyers seeking community without the metro premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sanpete County

via IncomeByCounty

Sanpete modestly trails national income levels

Sanpete County's median household income of $67,459 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by roughly $7,300, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The gap reflects a county economy with more limited job diversity than the national average.

Below-average rank within Utah's counties

Sanpete County's $67,459 income ranks it in the lower half of Utah's 29 counties, trailing the state average of $80,176 by $12,717. Per capita income of $26,663 similarly lags the state average of $35,055, signaling wage growth opportunities.

Competing with lower-income regional peers

Sanpete County's income sits between San Juan County ($54,890) and Sevier County ($73,765), positioning it as a lower earner regionally. The $300,400 median home value exceeds San Juan's but trails most other neighboring counties by $20,000-plus.

Housing costs manageable but notable

Sanpete County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio translates to roughly $912 monthly in housing costs relative to median income, remaining safely below affordability strain thresholds. The ratio demonstrates balanced housing costs that allow room for saving and other priorities.

Build stability through consistent savings habits

Sanpete County residents with moderate incomes should focus on building emergency reserves and exploring local training or education for higher-wage work. The county's relatively affordable housing creates an opportunity to invest surplus income in retirement or education accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sanpete County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Profile in Sanpete

Sanpete County maintains a total crime rate of 600.4 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly better than the national average of 2,385.5. The county's safety score of 99.1 indicates it is among the safest regions in the country.

Outperforming the Utah State Average

Sanpete's crime rate of 600.4 is nearly half of the Utah average of 1,204.8 per 100,000 people. Its safety score of 99.1 also surpasses the state’s overall score of 98.1, showing a strong local commitment to public safety.

Sanpete vs. Neighboring Sevier County

Sanpete County is substantially safer than neighboring Sevier County, where the crime rate reaches 1,615.3 per 100,000. While Sanpete reports 454.6 property crimes, Sevier faces a much higher rate of 1,490.7.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

Violent crime in Sanpete is only 145.8 per 100,000 residents, well below the national mark of 369.8. Property crime is also impressively low at 454.6, compared to the national average of 2,015.7.

Preserving Your Peace of Mind

With a 99.1 safety score, residents can focus on preventative measures like improved outdoor lighting. Even in low-crime areas, keeping an inventory of valuable items helps ensure property remains secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Sanpete County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Rooted in Community and Tradition

Sanpete County hosts 16 public schools that serve 6,062 students through two distinct school districts. The infrastructure includes eight elementary schools and a balanced mix of middle and high schools.

Solid Performance and Competitive Spending

The graduation rate currently stands at 85.8%, while the county spends $6,916 per pupil, slightly exceeding the Utah state average of $6,829. These metrics reflect a commitment to maintaining academic standards in a rural context.

Districts Serving North and South Sanpete

The county is split between the South Sanpete District, with 3,310 students, and the North Sanpete District, which serves 2,752. This dual-district system allows for localized administration without the presence of charter schools.

A Classic Town and Rural Mix

Education here feels personal, with an average school size of 379 students across 11 rural and 5 town locales. North Sanpete High is the largest school with 765 students, serving as a major community anchor for the northern part of the county.

Settle Down in a Sanpete Community

Home buyers often look toward Mt. Pleasant or Manti for proximity to the county’s established high schools and elementary campuses. The steady performance of these local districts makes the area a reliable choice for families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sanpete County

via RiskByCounty

Sanpete County shows moderate disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 38.61, Sanpete County sits slightly above the national average and in the very low risk category. The score reflects mixed hazard exposure across the central Utah region.

Slightly above Utah's average risk

Sanpete County's 38.61 score exceeds Utah's state average of 36.19 by about 6 percent. This positions it in the middle range of Utah counties for overall disaster vulnerability.

Higher risk than San Juan, lower than Summit

Sanpete County (38.61) falls between San Juan County (26.81) and Summit County (60.08), reflecting its position in central Utah's varied terrain. Sevier County (22.74) to the south experiences notably lower overall risk.

Earthquakes and wildfires lead concerns

Earthquake risk (83.43) and wildfire risk (89.03) represent Sanpete County's two biggest hazard exposures. Flood (24.52) and tornado (12.50) risks remain substantially lower by comparison.

Earthquake and wildfire insurance recommended

Sanpete County residents should prioritize earthquake coverage and wildfire protection as essential additions to standard homeowners insurance. Review your policy annually to ensure adequate coverage for these primary risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Sanpete County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Struggles in Sanpete County

Sanpete County earns a D grade for drinking water compliance, having recorded eight health violations. Despite the low grade, the rate of 28.3 violations per 100,000 people remains below the Utah state average of 70.1.

Federal Watershed Data Unavailable

This county's water bodies are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment. No data currently exists for the share of impaired water bodies or pollutant causes in Sanpete County.

Focused Monitoring Efforts on Local Water

Forty-one monitoring sites have gathered 4,160 measurements over the past five years. Efforts primarily focus on tracking physical attributes, nutrients, and inorganic materials in the water supply.

Sevier River Flows Sharply Lower

The Sevier River below San Pitch River is flowing at 64 cfs, just 26% of its long-term mean. This represents a significant deficit compared to the 246 cfs typically expected for this gauge.

Mitigate Risks from Low Flows

Extremely low streamflow on the Sevier River can increase the concentration of nutrients and inorganic pollutants. Residents should remain vigilant about water quality notifications, especially given the county's D grade.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sanpete County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Central Utah Highlands

Sanpete County maintains an annual average of 47.9°F, which is roughly 6 degrees cooler than the national median. The central Utah location places it in a classic high-elevation valley climate.

Reflecting the Utah Average

The county sits just below the Utah state average of 48.9°F. Its precipitation level of 13.7 inches matches the state average exactly, providing a representative look at the state's moisture levels.

Snowier Than Sevier County

Sanpete is slightly warmer than neighboring Sevier County, which averages 46.2°F. It receives significantly more snow than Sevier, recording nearly 60 inches annually compared to Sevier's 44 inches.

Balanced Seasons with Heavy Snow

July temperatures average 71.3°F, though the county still sees 33 days of extreme heat. Winters are cold and snowy, with 59.6 inches of accumulation and a December-February average of 27.5°F.

Maintain Four-Season Readiness

Residents need to prepare for a true four-season cycle by maintaining both heating and cooling systems. Winter readiness should include reliable snow clearing tools for the 60 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sanpete County

via SoilByCounty

Central Utah's mineral-rich soil profile

County-specific pH data is not currently cataloged, though regional soils typically lean alkaline compared to the 6.5 national median. This chemistry influences which nutrients are readily available to your plants.

Texture varies from valley to peak

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are not yet mapped for this area. Digging a small sample helps you determine if your soil feels gritty and fast-draining or smooth and moisture-retentive.

Organic matter is a local variable

While county-level data is missing, the 7.59% state average represents the potential of well-managed Utah soils. Increasing available water capacity is a primary challenge for Sanpete's agricultural community.

Watch the water in the valley

Official drainage groups remain unrecorded, making personal observation of your land's hydrology crucial. Proper drainage is essential for maintaining healthy root systems in the semi-arid climate.

Hardy harvests in Zone 6a

Garlic, onions, and berry bushes do exceptionally well in this climate. Prepare for a mid-range growing season that benefits from the moderate spring temperatures.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sanpete County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Sanpete's Arid Lawn Environment

Sanpete County scores 27.4 on the lawn difficulty scale, falling just below the state average of 28.5. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, homeowners face a climate that is nearly twice as difficult as the national median of 50.0. Success requires a focused strategy to manage both cold winters and dry summers.

Moderate Growth in a Dry Climate

The county receives exactly 13.7 inches of rain per year, matching the Utah state average but falling far short of the 30-inch ideal. With 33 extreme heat days, turf is less stressed by temperature than in southern Utah, but it still requires careful monitoring. Growing degree days total 2331, supporting a standard pace for mowing and maintenance.

Proactive Soil Management in Sanpete

While specific county-wide soil data is unavailable, local lawns typically struggle with the high alkalinity common across the region. A home soil test is the best way to determine if you need sulfur to lower pH or specific nutrients like iron. Ensuring good drainage is critical to prevent salt buildup from irrigation water.

Severe Drought Across the County

Sanpete County is currently 100% covered by severe drought (D2+) conditions, a critical challenge for any homeowner. After 51 weeks of drought over the last year, water conservation is no longer optional; it is a necessity. Switching to smart irrigation controllers can help reduce waste by only watering when the soil is actually dry.

Sizing Up the Growing Window

Plan your major lawn projects between the last spring frost on May 26 and the first fall frost on September 25. Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass perform well in Zone 6a if they are well-maintained during the dry months. Be sure to overseed in late summer to help the lawn recover from the intense severe drought period.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sanpete County's county score?
Sanpete County, Utah has a composite county score of 54.6 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 Sanpete County rank among counties in Utah?
Sanpete County ranks #13 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 Sanpete County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Sanpete County is $1,536, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Sanpete County a tax score of 84.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sanpete County?
The median household income in Sanpete County, Utah is $67,459 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sanpete County earns an income score of 60.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sanpete County, Utah a good place to live?
Sanpete County scores 54.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Sanpete 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 Sanpete County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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