47.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 80.3Disaster Risk 77.3

County Report Card

About Sevier County, Utah

Competitive Infrastructure on a National Scale

Sevier County’s composite score of 47.4 is just below the national median of 50.0. While the overall score is slightly lower, it maintains high rankings in infrastructure and fiscal management. This suggests a resilient county that provides solid foundational services.

Stable Living Below State Average

At 47.4, Sevier County trails the Utah state average of 53.9. However, it distinguishes itself with superior utility scores compared to several more expensive neighbors. It offers a unique profile for those who find the state's average cost of living too high.

Top-Tier Water and Income Stability

The county excels in water quality and management with a score of 86.0. An income score of 75.1, supported by a $73,765 median household income, provides a solid financial floor for families. Additionally, the 80.3 tax score ensures that more of that income stays in residents' pockets.

Improving School and Safety Metrics

School scores of 16.1 and safety scores of 31.5 are the primary areas where the county currently struggles. These metrics suggest that investments in public safety and education are needed to compete with higher-ranked Utah counties. Strengthening these community pillars would significantly boost the composite score.

Suited for Practical, Utility-Focused Living

Sevier County is ideal for individuals who prioritize reliable utilities and moderate incomes over top-tier educational scores. A $274,100 median home value makes homeownership attainable for many working families. It is a pragmatic choice for those seeking low taxes and consistent local services.

Score breakdown

Tax80.3Cost38.1Safety31.5Health56.5Schools16.1Income75.1Risk77.3Water86Weather38.5
🏛80.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠38.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼75.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡31.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
56.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓16.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
77.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤38.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱25.7
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

Sevier County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sevier County

via TaxByCounty

Sevier's taxes track slightly above national average

Sevier County's effective tax rate of 0.552% places it just above the state average of 0.498% and in the 60th percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $1,513 falls well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's smaller median home value of $274,100.

Slightly above average for Utah

Sevier County ranks 13th among Utah's 29 counties by effective tax rate at 0.552%, modestly above the statewide average of 0.498%. Its median tax of $1,513 sits below the state median of $1,815, making it affordable relative to the broader state landscape.

Moderate rates in south-central Utah

Sevier County's 0.552% rate edges above nearby Sanpete County (0.511%) but trails Tooele County (0.589%) and significantly undercuts San Juan County's exceptional 0.844%. Among central and south-central Utah counties, Sevier sits solidly in the moderate tier.

Median home tax bill is $1,513 annually

A typical Sevier County home valued at $274,100 generates an annual property tax bill of $1,513. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,595, while those owning outright pay slightly less at $1,415.

Appeal your assessment if needed

Like all Utah counties, Sevier occasionally has homes assessed above fair market value, creating opportunities for tax savings. Filing an appeal with documented comparable sales data can help ensure your tax bill reflects your home's true worth.

Cost of Living in Sevier County

via CostByCounty

Sevier beats national affordability standards

Sevier County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% sits comfortably below the national benchmark, and its median household income of $73,765 nearly matches the national average of $74,755. Renters here enjoy better affordability than typical Americans, with reasonable housing costs relative to earnings.

Utah's affordable sweet spot

Sevier County ranks among Utah's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% well below the state average of 16.6%. At $878 per month for median rent—22% below Utah's $1,101 average—the county offers solid affordability for both renters and homeowners.

Lower costs than most peers

Sevier County's $878 rent is the lowest among comparable central and southern Utah counties, beating Sanpete ($911), Uintah ($914), and Rich ($743 is lower, but Rich is smaller). The county's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio outperforms most neighboring regions, reflecting a favorable balance of wages and housing costs.

Affordable living in Sevier

Renters spend $878 monthly while homeowners average $1,002, consuming 14.3% to 16.3% of a median $73,765 household income. At roughly $10,500 to $12,000 annually for housing, Sevier families retain more income for savings and other needs than most Utah counties.

Sevier County: rural charm, strong affordability

If you're seeking small-town Utah living with below-average housing costs and near-national-average incomes, Sevier County delivers an attractive mix. The county's median home value of $274,100 and favorable rent-to-income ratio make it an underrated option for budget-conscious relocators.

Income & Jobs in Sevier County

via IncomeByCounty

Sevier's income nearly matches national average

Sevier County's median household income of $73,765 falls just $990 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely at national parity. This alignment suggests a county economy performing at typical American income levels.

Middle-of-the-pack Utah performer

Sevier County's $73,765 median income ranks it below Utah's state average of $80,176 by about $6,400, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 29 counties. Per capita income of $30,447 trails the state average of $35,055, indicating room for individual wage growth.

Outearning lowest neighbors, trailing highest

Sevier County's income exceeds San Juan County ($54,890) and Sanpete County ($67,459) but trails wealthier neighbors like Rich County ($76,875) and Uintah County ($69,861). Its $274,100 median home value positions it competitively within the regional peer group.

Housing costs remain healthily affordable

Sevier County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio is among Utah's strongest, consuming approximately $880 monthly relative to median household income. This leaves over 85% of median income available for non-housing expenses, savings, and wealth building.

Capitalize on affordable housing advantage

Sevier County's excellent housing-cost ratio creates a unique opportunity for residents to save aggressively toward retirement accounts, home equity, or education investments. By maintaining disciplined savings habits, residents can significantly outpace national average wealth accumulation rates.

Safety in Sevier County

via CrimeByCounty

Sevier County Remains Safer Than Average

Sevier County's total crime rate of 1,615.3 per 100,000 is comfortably lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 97.4, indicating a generally secure environment for families.

Higher Crime Than the Utah Average

While safer than the nation, Sevier's crime rate of 1,615.3 is higher than the state average of 1,204.8. Consequently, its safety score of 97.4 sits slightly below the Utah average score of 98.1.

Comparing Sevier and Sanpete Counties

Sevier County faces more crime than neighboring Sanpete County, which has a much lower rate of 600.4 per 100,000. Sevier’s property crime rate of 1,490.7 is more than triple Sanpete's rate of 454.6.

Focusing on Local Property Crime

The local violent crime rate is 124.6, which is nearly three times lower than the national average of 369.8. However, property crime at 1,490.7 per 100,000 is the primary driver of local law enforcement activity.

Securing Property Against Theft

Since property crime is the most frequent issue in Sevier, residents should prioritize locking vehicles and homes. Simple additions like deadbolts and window locks provide a strong deterrent for local opportunistic crimes.

Health in Sevier County

via HealthByCounty

Sevier County near national health average

At 77.3 years, Sevier County's life expectancy essentially matches the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The 17.3% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national median, suggesting room for improved prevention and chronic disease management.

Slightly below Utah average

Sevier County's 77.3-year life expectancy trails Utah's 77.9-year state average by 0.6 years. The county ranks in the middle tier of Utah health outcomes, with neither pronounced advantages nor serious challenges.

Central Utah's mixed health picture

Sevier County's 77.3-year life expectancy closely mirrors Sanpete County (77.2 years) but substantially lags Summit County (84.0 years) by 6.7 years. The region shows marked differences in longevity across relatively short distances.

Limited primary care, decent mental health support

Sevier County provides 46 primary care providers and 278 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—both below state or regional highs. The 11.7% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Utah's average, creating barriers for residents seeking care.

Insurance opens access to local care

With 11.7% of Sevier County residents uninsured, signing up at Healthcare.gov or Utah's marketplace is a direct path to coverage. Getting insured ensures access to the county's 46 primary care providers and mental health services.

Schools in Sevier County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Schooling for the Sevier Valley

Sevier County features 14 public schools that accommodate 4,807 students under one central district. The system is well-distributed with five elementary schools, three middle schools, and five high schools.

Focusing on Student Graduation and Growth

The graduation rate of 85.0% shows a dedicated focus on secondary completion, though it trails the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,683, reflecting a lean and efficient use of resources compared to state benchmarks.

The Unified Sevier District Reach

Sevier District oversees all 14 schools in the county, providing a streamlined educational path from kindergarten through graduation. The county does not host any charter schools, keeping the focus entirely on traditional public school excellence.

Balanced Town and Country Education

Schools are split between eight rural locations and six town settings, averaging 370 students per campus. Richfield High is the largest school with 739 students, while Pahvant School provides a focused environment for grades 3-5.

Relocate to the Heart of Sevier

Families moving to the area often prioritize homes near Richfield to access the county's largest educational facilities. The consistent district management provides a stable environment for those researching their next home purchase.

Disaster Risk in Sevier County

via RiskByCounty

Sevier County ranks among America's safest

Sevier County's composite risk score of 22.74 places it far below the national average and in the very low risk category. The county benefits from geographic isolation and lower exposure to most major hazard types.

Utah's third-safest county

At 22.74, Sevier County scores well below Utah's state average of 36.19, ranking among the state's most resilient counties. Only Rich County and Uintah County score lower for overall disaster risk.

Safest of the south-central counties

Sevier County (22.74) substantially outperforms neighboring Sanpete County (38.61) and exceeds San Juan County (26.81) in safety. This advantage reflects lower seismic activity and reduced exposure to other regional hazards.

Earthquake risk presents the main concern

Earthquake risk (86.99) and wildfire risk (78.59) are Sevier County's primary exposures, while flood (22.14) and tornado (5.25) risks remain minimal. The earthquake hazard reflects Utah's broader seismic setting.

Add earthquake coverage to your policy

Standard homeowners insurance in Sevier County should be supplemented with earthquake coverage given the county's exposure level. Wildfire protection is also recommended, particularly for properties in forested or wildland-urban interface areas.

Weather & Climate in Sevier County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool and Arid High Desert

With an annual average temperature of 46.2°F, Sevier County is notably cooler than the national median. This reflects its rugged terrain and high-desert mountainous borders.

Drier Than State Averages

The county averages nearly three degrees cooler than the Utah state average of 48.9°F. It is also drier than the state as a whole, receiving only 10.8 inches of precipitation per year.

Cooler Northern Neighbor Comparison

Sevier is cooler than neighbor Sanpete to the north and much drier than mountain-heavy counties to the east. It experiences 25 days of extreme heat, which is fewer than Sanpete’s 33 days.

Moderate Summers, Chilly Winters

Summer days are moderate with a July average of 68.8°F, though 25 days still peak above 90°F. Winters are chilly, averaging 27.6°F from December through February with 44 inches of snow.

Heat and Water Management

Efficient home heating is vital for the sub-30°F winter months. Given the low 10.8 inches of annual precipitation, water conservation measures are important for local landscaping and gardening.

Soil Quality in Sevier County

via SoilByCounty

Sevier's soil reflects a volcanic past

We lack specific pH data, but the region's soils are generally more alkaline than the 6.5 national median. The local geology creates a unique foundation for both farming and building projects.

A diverse mix of sedimentary textures

Detailed sand and clay data are currently unavailable for the county. Identifying your soil texture is the first step toward understanding how it will handle your irrigation schedule.

Building organic matter for better yields

Without specific local data, the state's 7.59% organic matter average serves as a target for soil improvement. Enhancing your soil's water-holding capacity helps crops survive the dry summer heat.

Hydrology data is pending local survey

Since official drainage classes are not yet mapped, observe how your land reacts to heavy rain. Well-drained soil is vital for preventing the salt accumulation common in Central Utah.

Reliable growing in Zone 6a

Apples and stone fruits are popular choices that tolerate the local winter lows. Start your seeds indoors to give them a head start on the productive summer season.

Lawn Care in Sevier County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions for Sevier Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 25.7, Sevier County is one of the more challenging places in Utah to maintain green space. This score is significantly lower than the state average and nearly half the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 6a must be highly efficient with resources to sustain a healthy lawn.

Dry Air and Swift Transitions

Sevier County receives only 10.8 inches of annual precipitation, leaving a massive 20-inch gap compared to ideal lawn requirements. While extreme heat is less frequent here than the state average—only 25 days over 90°F—the lack of moisture is the primary limiter. A total of 1961 growing degree days means a relatively compact season for turf growth.

Customizing Your Soil Strategy

Regional soil data for Sevier is not currently available, making independent soil testing a top priority for any lawn enthusiast. Local conditions can vary wildly, and knowing your soil's drainage class is key to avoiding wasted water. Focus on building organic matter to help the soil hold onto the limited 10.8 inches of rain.

Total Coverage of Severe Drought

The entire county is currently facing severe drought conditions, and has been in drought for 53 consecutive weeks. With 100% of the area at the D2+ level, water restrictions and conservation are essential for community resilience. Allowing your grass to go dormant during the hottest weeks can save it from permanent death during these periods.

A Narrow Window for Success

The growing season is tight, starting after the June 4 frost and ending by September 24. For Zone 6a, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass remain the standard, though they require diligent watering here. Late summer is the best time to aerate and seed, ensuring the lawn is strong before the early fall freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sevier County's county score?
Sevier County, Utah has a composite county score of 47.4 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 Sevier County rank among counties in Utah?
Sevier County ranks #21 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 Sevier County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Sevier County is $1,513, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Sevier County a tax score of 80.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sevier County?
The median household income in Sevier County, Utah is $73,765 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sevier County earns an income score of 75.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sevier County, Utah a good place to live?
Sevier County scores 47.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Sevier 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 Sevier County with other counties side by side.