41.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 95.8Water Quality 86Property Tax 75.5

County Report Card

About Tooele County, Utah

High Earnings in a Challenging Profile

Tooele County’s composite score of 41.5 is below the national median of 50.0. While overall rankings are impacted by educational and safety scores, the county remains an important part of the regional economy. It presents a specialized profile of high income coupled with infrastructure needs.

Trailing Utah’s High Average Scores

The county’s 41.5 score trails the state average of 53.9, highlighting a gap in local services compared to other Utah hubs. However, its income scores remain competitive with the wealthiest counties in the state. This makes it a strategic choice for workers looking for high pay outside the Salt Lake core.

Strong Incomes and Reliable Water

The income score of 95.8 is impressive, with a median household income exceeding $101,846. Water infrastructure is another highlight, earning a high score of 86.0 for reliability and quality. These strengths provide a solid foundation for households focused on financial growth.

Addressing Education and Safety Gaps

A school score of 7.0 and a safety score of 26.4 are significant challenges that weigh down the composite index. Housing cost is also an issue, with a cost score of 13.1 and a median home value of $391,300. These metrics suggest that community services have not yet caught up with the rapid income growth.

The Commuter's High-Income Hub

Tooele County is best suited for working professionals who prioritize high salaries and modern infrastructure over school ratings. With a $1,134 median rent, it offers a distinct alternative to more expensive neighboring markets. It is a practical home base for those focused on building wealth and household stability.

Score breakdown

Tax75.5Cost13.1Safety26.4Health72.1Schools7Income95.8Risk51.1Water86Weather32.2
🏛75.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠13.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼95.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡26.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
72.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
51.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤32.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱28.7
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

Tooele County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tooele County

via TaxByCounty

Tooele's taxes exceed national and state averages

Tooele County's effective tax rate of 0.589% sits 18% above the state average of 0.498% and in the 70th percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $2,303 falls below the national median of $2,690, despite the elevated rate, due to lower median home values of $391,300.

Above-average taxes among Utah counties

Tooele County ranks 6th among Utah's 29 counties by effective tax rate at 0.589%, notably above the statewide average of 0.498%. Its median tax of $2,303 exceeds the state median of $1,815, placing it in Utah's higher-tax tier.

Higher than most nearby counties

Tooele County's 0.589% rate exceeds Salt Lake County (0.563%), Sanpete County (0.511%), and Uintah County (0.535%), though it falls below San Juan County's exceptional 0.844%. Among the Wasatch Front and central Utah counties, Tooele carries one of the steeper tax burdens.

Median home tax runs $2,303 yearly

A typical Tooele County home valued at $391,300 generates an annual property tax bill of $2,303. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $2,358, while those owning outright pay less at $2,072.

Challenge assessments to reduce bills

In a county with above-average tax rates, assessment accuracy becomes critical—an overvalued home can mean hundreds of dollars in unnecessary annual taxes. Review your assessment notice carefully and file an appeal if your home is assessed higher than comparable recent sales in your area.

Cost of Living in Tooele County

via CostByCounty

Tooele offers affordability with strong income

Tooele County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% ranks among Utah's best and well below the national standard, while its median household income of $101,846 significantly exceeds the national average of $74,755. Residents enjoy both higher earnings and lower proportional housing costs—a rare combination.

Utah's affordability and income leader

Tooele County combines the second-highest median household income in Utah ($101,846) with one of the lowest rent-to-income ratios (13.4%), placing it at the state's affordability sweet spot. The county's $1,134 median rent sits between Rich County and Salt Lake, but far stronger incomes make it more manageable.

Strong position between Salt Lake and rural counties

Tooele County's $1,134 rent sits between Salt Lake's $1,493 and rural counties like Sevier ($878), while its median income of $101,846 rivals Salt Lake's $94,658. The county offers a balanced commuter advantage—closer to the metro than Sanpete or Sevier, yet with better affordability than Salt Lake proper.

Strong wages make housing manageable

Renters spend $1,134 monthly while homeowners average $1,568, consuming 13.4% to 18.5% of a median $101,846 household income. The typical Tooele family dedicates roughly $13,600 to $18,800 annually to housing—reasonable given their above-average earnings.

Tooele: commuter haven with strong affordability

If you're seeking proximity to Salt Lake's job market without its housing premium, Tooele County delivers excellent value—strong median income with one of the state's lowest rent-to-income ratios. The county's $391,300 median home value and manageable rents make it ideal for families balancing work access and cost control.

Income & Jobs in Tooele County

via IncomeByCounty

Tooele's income leads the nation solidly

Tooele County's median household income of $101,846 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $27,091, or 36.2%. This substantial premium reflects a county economy powered by manufacturing, mining, and industrial sectors offering strong wage opportunities.

Utah's third-highest income county

Tooele County ranks third in Utah behind only Summit County ($137,058) and Salt Lake County ($94,658), exceeding the state average of $80,176 by $21,670. Per capita income of $37,365 surpasses the state average of $35,055, indicating robust individual earnings across the county.

Outearning most regional peers decisively

Tooele County's $101,846 income exceeds all neighboring counties except Summit, including Rich County ($76,875) and Sevier County ($73,765). The county's industrial base supports significantly higher wages than most nearby regions.

Housing costs remain very manageable

Tooele County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio is among Utah's best, consuming roughly $1,136 monthly on housing relative to median income. This leaves over 86% of income available for other expenses, savings, and wealth accumulation.

Strong income and affordability fuel wealth growth

Tooele County residents combining high income with low housing costs are ideally positioned for aggressive wealth building through retirement savings, real estate investment, and diversified portfolios. Consider maximizing tax-advantaged accounts to accelerate long-term financial independence.

Safety in Tooele County

via CrimeByCounty

Tooele County Safety Overview

Tooele County maintains a safety score of 97.2, with a total crime rate of 1,792.5 per 100,000 residents. This rate is notably lower than the national average of 2,385.5, indicating a safer than average environment.

Tooele vs. Utah State Averages

The county's crime rate of 1,792.5 exceeds the Utah average of 1,204.8 per 100,000. As a result, its safety score of 97.2 is slightly below the state average of 98.1, pointing toward a need for continued vigilance.

Tooele and Salt Lake Comparison

Tooele County is significantly safer than its neighbor Salt Lake County, which reports a crime rate of 3,609.2. Tooele's safety score of 97.2 offers a more secure alternative to the neighboring urban core.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

The violent crime rate of 343.1 is near the national average of 369.8, while property crime sits at 1,449.4. These numbers suggest that while property crime is more common, violent crime remains a relevant local statistic.

Strengthening Home Defenses

Residents should invest in comprehensive home security, including motion sensors and reinforced door frames. Since violent crime is closer to national levels than in neighboring counties, community awareness is key.

Health in Tooele County

via HealthByCounty

Tooele County near U.S. health average

Life expectancy of 77.1 years closely mirrors the U.S. average of 76.4 years, showing broadly typical American longevity. At 15.4%, the poor/fair health rate matches national averages, suggesting moderate overall wellness.

Below Utah's health median

Tooele County's 77.1-year life expectancy falls 0.8 years short of Utah's 77.9-year state average. While the county's health outcomes aren't dire, they lag the state norm slightly.

Mid-range outcomes in western Utah

Tooele County's 77.1-year life expectancy sits between Sevier County (77.3 years) and San Juan County (72.8 years), showing moderate regional variation. It substantially trails Summit County (84.0 years) by 6.9 years.

Severe primary care shortage

Tooele County has only 14 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest statewide—creating significant access barriers. The positive news: its 7.7% uninsured rate is the second-lowest in Utah, though few providers means coverage alone doesn't guarantee timely appointments.

Get covered despite provider gaps

Tooele County's 7.7% uninsured rate is excellent, but the 8 in 100 residents without coverage should enroll at Healthcare.gov. Insurance won't solve the county's primary care shortage, but it removes financial barriers when appointments do open.

Schools in Tooele County

via SchoolsByCounty

Growing Education Options for Tooele Families

Tooele County hosts 30 public schools serving 26,541 students across four districts. The infrastructure is heavily focused on primary education, with 19 elementary schools supporting the region's rapid growth.

Expanding Capacity for a Growing Population

The county graduation rate is 81.0%, and per-pupil expenditure is $5,092. As the population increases, the county continues to balance efficiency with the needs of a large and diverse student body.

Large Districts and Digital Innovation

Tooele District is the primary provider with 24,055 students across 27 schools. The county also embraces innovation, featuring the Digital Education Center which serves over 8,500 students in a flexible KG-12 format.

Substantial Schools in Town and Country

Average school size is high at 885 students, with most schools situated in town or rural locales. Beyond the digital center, Stansbury High and Tooele High are the largest physical campuses, both serving over 1,700 students.

Find Space and Schools in Tooele

With a mix of traditional town campuses and massive digital options, Tooele offers unique flexibility for modern families. Home buyers should explore the Grantsville and Stansbury Park areas for access to the county's major high schools.

Disaster Risk in Tooele County

via RiskByCounty

Tooele County faces moderate disaster risk

Tooele County's composite risk score of 48.89 sits above the national average and in the relatively low risk category. The county experiences significant exposure to wildfires and earthquakes.

Above Utah's average but not extreme

At 48.89, Tooele County exceeds Utah's state average of 36.19 by about 35 percent. This positioning places it in the upper-middle range of Utah counties for overall disaster vulnerability.

Higher risk than Summit, lower than Salt Lake

Tooele County (48.89) sits between Summit County (60.08) and the state average, while substantially below the extreme risk of neighboring Salt Lake County (98.57). Rich County (0.83) to the north represents a striking contrast in risk levels.

Wildfires and earthquakes pose major threats

Wildfire risk (97.26) is Tooele County's dominant hazard, with earthquake risk (83.56) presenting a secondary but substantial concern. Flood (18.29) and tornado (13.61) risks remain relatively minor.

Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage

Tooele County residents should ensure wildfire protection and earthquake insurance as essential additions to standard homeowners policies. These two hazards account for the vast majority of the county's disaster risk.

Weather & Climate in Tooele County

via WeatherByCounty

Arid Great Basin Basin Life

Tooele County’s annual average of 50.8°F is slightly cooler than the national median but representative of the Great Basin. Its climate is defined by wide open salt flats and arid valleys.

Hotter and Drier Than Utah

Tooele is warmer than the Utah state average of 48.9°F. However, it is much drier, receiving only 10.4 inches of precipitation compared to the state’s 13.7 inches.

Hottest Summers in the Region

Tooele is significantly hotter than neighboring Salt Lake County, recording 63 days of extreme heat compared to Salt Lake's 40. It is also much drier, with less than half the annual snowfall of its eastern neighbor.

Intense Heat and Dry Winters

Summer is the dominant season here, featuring 63 days with temperatures at or above 90°F. Winters are relatively mild for the region, with 43 inches of snow and a January average of 28.4°F.

Cooling and Dust Control

Air conditioning and heat-safety planning are essential to manage the 63 days of extreme heat. Residents should also focus on dust control and low-water landscaping to accommodate the arid 10.4-inch annual rainfall.

Soil Quality in Tooele County

via SoilByCounty

Tooele's desert identity shapes its soil

Although local pH data is unavailable, regional trends suggest levels higher than the 6.5 national median. The Great Basin environment creates a unique chemical footprint for the soil here.

A mix of valley and mountain textures

Grain-specific data like sand and clay percentages is not currently cataloged for the county. Digging a test pit helps identify whether your patch is dominated by coarse desert sand.

Growth potential relies on local testing

With organic matter data missing, the 7.59% state average serves as a distant benchmark for growers. Improving your soil's water capacity is vital given Tooele's arid, windy climate.

Water management defines Tooele land use

Drainage classes are not officially mapped, so residents must monitor how quickly water disappears after a storm. Good drainage prevents salt buildup, a common issue in the west desert.

Zone 6b offers a flexible season

Tomatoes and peppers enjoy the warmer nights compared to higher-altitude neighbors. Add plenty of mulch to keep moisture in the ground during the hot July peaks.

Lawn Care in Tooele County

via LawnByCounty

Beating the Heat in Tooele

Tooele County matches the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 28.7, though it remains much tougher than the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in this Zone 6b region face a high-stress climate that favors only the hardiest turf. Success here requires a sophisticated approach to irrigation and species selection.

Low Rain and Scorching Days

The county endures 63 extreme heat days annually, which is 20 days more than the state average. This heat is compounded by a very low precipitation rate of just 10.4 inches per year. With 3047 growing degree days, the growth potential is high, but the lack of water acts as a constant constraint.

In-Depth Soil Testing Needed

Specific data on Tooele's soil pH and texture is currently unavailable in the central database. Because the region is prone to high mineral content and alkalinity, a professional soil test is your most valuable lawn care investment. Improving your soil's organic content is the best way to combat the 10.4-inch precipitation deficit.

Persistent Drought Challenges Tooele Turf

Tooele is currently struggling with severe drought across 85.9% of its area, following a full year of continuous drought. Every acre is classified as abnormally dry, putting immense pressure on municipal water supplies. To keep lawns alive, prioritize deep watering during the 63 days of extreme heat to protect the root crown.

Maximize the May to October Season

Start your lawn work after the May 11 frost, giving your grass enough time to establish before the 90°F days begin. Tall fescue is the most recommended type for Zone 6b here because of its deep root system and heat tolerance. You have a solid window until the October 14 frost to prepare your lawn for winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tooele County's county score?
Tooele County, Utah has a composite county score of 41.5 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 Tooele County rank among counties in Utah?
Tooele County ranks #26 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 Tooele County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Tooele County is $2,303, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Tooele County a tax score of 75.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tooele County?
The median household income in Tooele County, Utah is $101,846 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tooele County earns an income score of 95.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tooele County, Utah a good place to live?
Tooele County scores 41.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Tooele 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 Tooele County with other counties side by side.