countyscore
52.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 99.5Property Tax 96Health 84.1

County Report Card

About Summit County, Utah

Elite Incomes and National Standing

Summit County earns a 52.6 composite score, placing it above the 50.0 national median. This reflects its status as a high-wealth county with exceptional health and lifestyle metrics. It stands as one of the most economically prosperous counties in the nation.

A High-Wealth Alternative in Utah

The county's score of 52.6 is slightly below the Utah state average of 53.9, primarily due to extreme housing costs. Despite the price of entry, it leads the state in income levels and individual health metrics. It represents the luxury end of the Utah residential market.

Unmatched Earnings and Health Scores

An income score of 99.6 and a median household income of $137,058 make the county an economic powerhouse. The health score of 84.1 further highlights an active, well-served population with excellent outcomes. A tax score of 96.3 provides further incentive for high earners to settle here.

The Reality of Extreme Housing Costs

The cost score of 1.9 is one of the lowest in the country, driven by a median home value of $1,000,400. Safety scores of 32.6 also indicate room for improvement in local security or incident rates. These factors make the county inaccessible to many despite its high income potential.

A Luxury Haven for High Earners

Summit County is designed for affluent professionals and families who prioritize wellness and high earnings above all else. With a median gross rent of $1,969, it requires a significant financial commitment. It remains the top choice for those who want a premium Utah lifestyle and can afford the price tag.

20406080100961.932.684.165.899.539.934.238.5Tax96Cost1.9Safety32.6Health84.1Schools65.8Income99.5Risk39.9Water34.2Weather38.552.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Summit County DNA

Foverall

How Summit County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Summit County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (99.5/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (1.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
96+44
Cost
1.9-46.1
Safety
32.6-22.4
Health
84.1+34.099999999999994
Schools
65.8+11.799999999999997
Income
99.5+48.5
Risk
39.9
Water
34.2-23.799999999999997
Weather
38.5-17.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$1,067,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,987/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$1,067,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$79,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum7.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $138,114/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

51.5

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
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Counties with similar scores

Lawrence County
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Median income: $44,882
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Kanabec County
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Orleans County
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Ashland County
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Perry County
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Nearby counties

Morgan County
Utah
58
Duchesne County
Utah
39.8
Wasatch County
Utah
55.3
Uinta County
Wyoming
53.3
Salt Lake County
Utah
35.4
Rich County
Utah
73.8
Davis County
Utah
49
Weber County
Utah
38.7

Deep Dives

Summit County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Summit County

via TaxByCounty

Summit's rate is Utah's lowest

Summit County's effective tax rate of 0.347% ranks in the bottom 10% nationally and is the lowest across all 29 Utah counties. Despite the low rate, the median tax bill of $3,469 exceeds the national median of $2,690, driven by an exceptionally high median home value of $1,000,400—reflecting the county's desirable resort communities.

Lowest rate in Utah overall

Summit County's effective tax rate of 0.347% is the state's lowest, far below the Utah average of 0.498%. The county's median tax of $3,469 ranks highest statewide, entirely due to its luxury property market rather than high tax rates.

Lowest rate among surrounding counties

Summit County's 0.347% effective rate significantly undercuts adjacent Tooele County (0.589%), Uintah County (0.535%), and Salt Lake County (0.563%). The county's tax-friendly environment reflects its status as an exclusive resort destination with strong commercial tax revenue.

Median home costs $3,469 in taxes yearly

A typical Summit County home valued at $1,000,400 generates an annual property tax bill of $3,469, the highest median in Utah. While the effective rate is the state's lowest, the astronomical home values drive a substantial annual tax obligation for most homeowners.

High-value homes should verify assessments

In Summit County's luxury market, even small percentage errors in assessment can mean thousands of dollars in annual tax overpayment. Homeowners with million-dollar-plus properties should routinely request independent assessments and file appeals if assessments drift above comparable recent sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Summit County

via IncomeByCounty

Summit County dominates national income rankings

Summit County's median household income of $137,058 crushes the national median of $74,755, exceeding it by 83.3% or $62,303. This extraordinary premium ranks Summit among the wealthiest counties in America, driven by resort tourism and second-home economies.

Utah's uncontested income champion

Summit County ranks decisively first in Utah for median household income, towering above the state average of $80,176 by nearly $57,000. Per capita income of $74,755 matches the entire national median household income, underscoring concentrated, exceptional wealth in the county.

Dramatically outearning all peer counties

Summit County's $137,058 income far exceeds even the second-highest earner, Salt Lake County ($94,658), by $42,400. The gap reflects Summit's unique position as a destination economy with high-value tourism, real estate, and resort employment.

Housing costs strain despite high incomes

Despite exceptional income, Summit County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio reflects housing costs of approximately $1,971 monthly, driven by the county's $1,000,400 median home value. Even affluent residents face significant housing cost burdens relative to income.

Optimize wealth across multiple asset classes

Summit County's exceptional income positions residents to diversify investments across stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative assets while maintaining comfort. Working with wealth management professionals becomes essential to optimize tax efficiency and long-term portfolio growth at this income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Summit County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong National Safety Standing

Summit County reports a total crime rate of 1,580.3 per 100,000 residents, remaining well below the national average of 2,385.5. This gives the county a solid safety score of 97.5.

Navigating Above the State Average

Summit County’s crime rate of 1,580.3 is higher than the Utah state average of 1,204.8 per 100,000 people. Despite this, its safety score of 97.5 remains close to the state average score of 98.1.

Summit and Salt Lake Comparison

Summit County is significantly safer than neighboring Salt Lake County, which has a much higher crime rate of 3,609.2. Summit’s safety score of 97.5 reflects a more secure landscape compared to its metropolitan neighbor.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

Violent crime in Summit is 249.3 per 100,000, which is below the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1,331.0, making up the vast majority of all reported local incidents.

Vigilance in a Resort Community

With property crime as the main concern, high-quality locks and security cameras are recommended for local homeowners. Being mindful of seasonal population shifts can also help residents stay proactive about home security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Summit County

via WeatherByCounty

Alpine Cold and High Snow

Summit County's 44.1°F annual average is nearly 10 degrees colder than the national median. This high-altitude mountain climate is defined by long winters and brief, cool summers.

Colder and Wetter Than Most

Summit is one of Utah's coolest counties, sitting nearly five degrees below the state average of 48.9°F. Its 18 inches of annual precipitation is significantly higher than the state average of 13.7 inches.

Vastly Different from the Valley

The county is much colder and snowier than neighboring Salt Lake County, receiving over 90 inches of snow. It shares a similar alpine profile with Rich County but remains slightly warmer.

A Winter-Dominant Climate

The county records 92.9 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 23.6°F. Summers are exceptionally mild, with only 19 days of heat reaching 90°F.

Serious Winter Prep Required

High-performance winter gear and heavy-duty snow removal are non-negotiable for the nearly 93 inches of snow. Homeowners should prioritize insulation and pipe protection for the cold 24.8°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Summit County

via SoilByCounty

High-altitude soils define the landscape

Specific pH data is not currently available for this mountainous county. Most soils in this region trend more alkaline than the 6.5 national median due to mineral runoff.

Rocky textures prevail in the mountains

Detailed sand and clay percentages are not recorded, but mountain soils often contain more coarse material. This mix affects how well your garden retains moisture during the dry summer months.

Short seasons and varied fertility

Local organic matter levels are unmapped, but they likely differ from the high 7.59% state average. Focus on adding compost to improve the soil's natural growing potential in alpine conditions.

Mountain slopes dictate water flow

Because official drainage classes are missing, residents must watch how snowmelt moves through their property. Proper drainage prevents erosion on the steep terrain common throughout the county.

Short summer wins in Zone 5b

Stick to fast-maturing crops like lettuce and snap peas that handle the cool nights. Cold frames help extend the brief window of warmth in this alpine climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Summit County

via LawnByCounty

Mountain Lawns in Summit County

Summit County presents a difficult environment for traditional lawns with a difficulty score of 27.2. This is slightly below the Utah state average and far more challenging than the national average of 50.0. In Zone 5b, the focus shifts from managing heat to surviving long, cold winters and a short growing window.

High Precipitation and Cool Summers

Lawns benefit from 18.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the Utah state average of 13.7. Extreme heat is rare, with only 19 days per year reaching 90°F, significantly lower than the state's 43-day average. Low growing degree days (1675) mean grass grows slowly, requiring less frequent mowing than in the valleys.

Managing High-Altitude Soil Health

Specific soil data for Summit County is currently limited, so local testing is the best way to determine your lawn's needs. Mountain soils can often be rocky or shallow, which impacts how well they hold water and nutrients. Identifying your specific soil texture will help you choose the right fertilization and aeration schedule.

Navigating Severe Mountain Drought

While 41 weeks of drought were recorded last year, 67.4% of the county currently faces severe (D2+) drought conditions. All residents are living in abnormally dry conditions, requiring careful management of mountain water resources. Using drought-tolerant fine fescues can help your lawn thrive with less supplemental irrigation.

Wait for the Early June Thaw

Your primary growing window opens after the last frost on June 7 and closes quickly by September 18. Hardiness Zone 5b is perfect for fine fescues and Kentucky bluegrass, which can handle the deep snow and cold. Seeding should occur early in the summer to ensure roots are established before the mid-September frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Summit County's county score?
Summit County, Utah has a composite county score of 52.5 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 Summit County rank among counties in Utah?
Summit County ranks #15 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 Summit County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Summit County is $3,701, with an effective tax rate of 0.35%. This earns Summit County a tax score of 96/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Summit County?
The median household income in Summit County, Utah is $138,114 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Summit County earns an income score of 99.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Summit County, Utah a good place to live?
Summit County scores 52.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Summit 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 Summit County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.