countyscore
45.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.1Water Quality 86Property Tax 82.2

County Report Card

About Uintah County, Utah

Solid Infrastructure Below National Median

Uintah County records a composite score of 45.5, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. Despite this, the county outperforms many peers in environmental safety and utility reliability. It offers a stable, low-risk environment compared to many parts of the country.

A Lower-Cost Alternative in Utah

At 45.5, Uintah County ranks below the Utah state average of 53.9. While it may lack the educational rankings of urban Utah, it provides a much higher degree of environmental security. It stands as a reliable, lower-cost option within the state's diverse geography.

Exceptional Safety from Natural Risks

The county’s risk score of 96.1 is nearly elite, indicating very low exposure to natural disasters. It also boasts a strong water score of 86.0 and a favorable tax score of 82.2. These factors make it one of the most physically and fiscally secure places to live in the region.

Educational and Safety Improvements Needed

The school score of 13.3 and safety score of 36.3 are the primary factors limiting the composite ranking. Additionally, health scores of 43.8 show room for improvement in medical access or outcomes. These social services represent the next frontier for improving local quality of life.

Ideal for Risk-Averse Residents

Uintah County is a strong choice for those who value environmental stability and low taxes above all else. With a $270,200 median home value and a $914 median rent, it remains highly accessible for average earners. It suits individuals looking for a low-risk lifestyle with reliable utility services.

Score breakdown

Tax82.2Cost34Safety36.3Health43.8Schools13.3Income66Risk96.1Water86Weather26.1
🏛82.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡36.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓13.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤26.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.1
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

Daggett County
Utah
74.2
Duchesne County
Utah
40.1
Carbon County
Utah
49.2
Moffat County
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Rio Blanco County
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Grand County
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Garfield County
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Summit County
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Deep Dives

Uintah County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Uintah County

via TaxByCounty

Uintah taxes slightly above national average

Uintah County's effective tax rate of 0.535% sits just above both the state average of 0.498% and falls in the 60th percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $1,447 trails the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's moderate median home value of $270,200.

Moderate taxes among Utah counties

Uintah County ranks 10th among Utah's 29 counties by effective tax rate at 0.535%, slightly above the statewide average of 0.498%. Its median tax of $1,447 sits well below the state median of $1,815, making it one of the more affordable counties in Utah.

Lower taxes than most regional neighbors

Uintah County's 0.535% rate slightly exceeds rich County's 0.290% but falls well below neighboring Daggett County and exceeds Sanpete County (0.511%). Among northeastern Utah counties, Uintah's tax rate remains moderate and favorable.

Median home costs $1,447 in taxes annually

A typical Uintah County home valued at $270,200 generates an annual property tax bill of $1,447. The tax obligation is remarkably consistent whether you own outright or carry a mortgage, with annual bills hovering around $1,427–$1,457.

Verify your assessment for potential savings

Even in moderate-tax counties like Uintah, homeowners should periodically review their assessments against recent comparable sales. Filing an appeal is simple and free if you believe your home is overvalued relative to the current market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Uintah County

via CostByCounty

Uintah slightly underperforms national average

Uintah County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% sits below the national benchmark, but the county's median household income of $69,861 trails the national average by 6%. Residents here spend a reasonable share of their income on housing, though lower overall earnings reduce financial flexibility compared to national norms.

Moderate affordability in eastern Utah

Uintah County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% ranks among Utah's better performers, sitting below the state average of 16.6%. At $914 per month for median rent—17% below Utah's $1,101 average—the county offers solid affordability for renters in the state's northeast.

Consistent eastern Utah pricing

Uintah County's $914 rent closely mirrors Sanpete County ($911) and Sevier County ($878), reflecting stable pricing across rural and semi-rural eastern Utah. The county's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio performs better than Sanpete (16.2%) despite similar absolute rent costs, reflecting its slightly higher median income.

Affordable housing in Uintah

Renters spend $914 monthly while homeowners average $1,031, consuming 15.7% to 17.7% of a median $69,861 household income. The typical Uintah family dedicates roughly $10,968 to $12,372 annually to housing—a manageable burden in the region's modest-income economy.

Uintah suits remote workers and outdoor enthusiasts

Consider Uintah County if you work remotely or have portable income and value eastern Utah's natural attractions and lower costs than the Wasatch Front. The county's median home value of $270,200 and 15.7% rent-to-income ratio offer solid affordability for those not tied to urban job markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Uintah County

via IncomeByCounty

Uintah County slightly trails national average

Uintah County's median household income of $69,861 falls approximately $4,894 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it just below national norms. The modest gap reflects a county economy performing slightly below average on the national scale.

Below-average rank among Utah counties

Uintah County's $69,861 median income ranks it in the lower-middle tier of Utah's 29 counties, trailing the state average of $80,176 by $10,315. Per capita income of $30,586 similarly lags the state average of $35,055, suggesting wage growth opportunity exists.

Competing as a moderate earner regionally

Uintah County's income sits between Sanpete County ($67,459) and Rich County ($76,875), positioning it as a moderate performer regionally. Its $270,200 median home value aligns competitively with similar-income neighboring counties.

Housing costs reasonably balanced

Uintah County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio translates to approximately $914 monthly in housing costs relative to median income, remaining comfortably below affordability strain levels. The ratio allows residents meaningful flexibility for savings and non-housing priorities.

Strengthen finances through intentional saving

Uintah County residents with moderate incomes should prioritize building emergency reserves and exploring pathways to higher-wage employment through training or education. The county's affordable housing-to-income ratio creates opportunity to redirect savings into long-term wealth vehicles like retirement accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Uintah County

via CrimeByCounty

Uintah County National Safety Standing

Uintah County holds a safety score of 97.7, supported by a total crime rate of 1,477.0 per 100,000 residents. This rate is nearly 40% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Uintah vs. Utah State Figures

With a crime rate of 1,477.0, Uintah County sits above the Utah state average of 1,204.8. Its safety score of 97.7 is just below the state average score of 98.1, reflecting its position as a moderately safe Utah region.

Uintah and Sevier Regional Comparison

Uintah County is slightly safer than Sevier County, which reports a higher crime rate of 1,615.3 per 100,000. Uintah's safety score of 97.7 edge's out Sevier's score of 97.4, suggesting a marginally more secure environment.

Breakdown of Local Crime Stats

Property crime is the primary concern in Uintah at 1,240.6 incidents per 100,000 people. The violent crime rate is 236.4, which remains well below the national average of 369.8.

Effective Strategies for Home Safety

Focusing on property security, such as installing smart doorbells and perimeter lighting, can deter local theft. Residents should also secure outdoor equipment and tools, as property crime is the county's most frequent offense.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Uintah County

via HealthByCounty

Uintah County trails U.S. life expectancy

At 74.6 years, Uintah County's life expectancy falls 1.8 years behind the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 18.0% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces elevated chronic disease burdens compared to national norms.

Among Utah's lowest health outcomes

Uintah County's 74.6-year life expectancy ranks among the state's lowest, falling 3.3 years short of Utah's 77.9-year average. The county's health challenges are significant and warrant urgent attention.

Eastern Utah health disparities

Uintah County's 74.6-year life expectancy exceeds San Juan County (72.8 years) but trails nearly all other regions, falling 9.4 years behind Summit County (84.0 years). Eastern Utah shows the state's most severe health gradients.

High uninsurance and limited providers

Uintah County's 12.2% uninsured rate ranks among Utah's highest, and the county provides only 39 primary care providers and 180 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. These dual barriers—lack of coverage and limited capacity—compound healthcare access challenges.

Coverage is urgent in Uintah County

With 12.2% uninsured, Uintah County residents should prioritize enrollment at Healthcare.gov or Utah's marketplace to access the county's limited providers. Getting covered removes financial barriers to appointments for the 1 in 8 residents currently without insurance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Uintah County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive Education Hub in the Basin

Uintah County features 16 public schools serving 7,779 students through three school districts. The system includes eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools to cover the diverse needs of the Uintah Basin.

Steadily Investing in Student Achievement

The county reports an 81.7% graduation rate and a school score of 46.9. Investment remains competitive for the region, with $5,971 spent per pupil to support a wide range of academic and vocational programs.

Diverse District and Charter Options

Uintah District is the dominant provider, managing 13 schools and 7,004 students. Families also have access to choice through two charter schools, including Terra Academy, which serves 646 students across all grade levels.

Balanced Rural and Town Campus Life

The county offers a perfect split between eight rural and eight town school locales, with an average size of 486 students. Uintah High stands out as the largest facility, housing 1,808 students in a comprehensive secondary environment.

Establish Roots Near Vernal Schools

Prospective residents often look toward Vernal to stay close to the county's major middle and high schools. The combination of large district resources and charter school flexibility makes this a versatile area for home buyers with children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Uintah County

via RiskByCounty

Uintah County ranks among safest nationally

With a composite risk score of 3.98, Uintah County places among America's safest counties for natural disasters. The very low rating reflects minimal exposure to most major hazard types.

Utah's safest county overall

Uintah County's score of 3.98 sits far below Utah's state average of 36.19, making it the state's lowest-risk county. Only Rich County comes close to matching this exceptional safety profile.

Far safer than surrounding counties

Uintah County (3.98) dramatically outperforms all neighboring counties, including Rich County (0.83) and San Juan County (26.81). This advantage reflects geographic isolation and lower exposure to regional hazards.

Wildfire and earthquake risks remain modest

Wildfire risk (71.37) and earthquake risk (56.87) represent Uintah County's primary exposures, though both remain far below the state average. Flood (10.27) and tornado (9.61) risks pose minimal threats.

Standard homeowners insurance suffices

Uintah County's very low disaster risk means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most properties. Consider wildfire coverage only if your home sits in a forested area or near wildland zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Uintah County

via WeatherByCounty

Interior Basin Extremes

Uintah County averages 47.3°F annually, sitting about 7 degrees below the national median. It serves as a classic example of an arid, high-altitude interior basin with significant temperature swings.

Aridity and Cold Winters

The county is cooler and much drier than the Utah average, recording only 8.5 inches of precipitation annually. Its temperature sits 1.6 degrees below the state average of 48.9°F.

Drier Than Mountainous Neighbors

Uintah is much drier than the counties to its west, receiving only 25.1 inches of snow compared to Summit’s 92.9 inches. However, it faces more extreme summer heat with 55 days over 90°F.

Hot Summers and Sharp Freezes

July is hot with 55 days of extreme heat. Winters are sharply cold but dry, with a January average of 18.2°F and only 25.1 inches of total snowfall.

Manage Water and Climate

Residents need robust climate control for both the 55 days of extreme heat and the sub-20°F January lows. With only 8.5 inches of annual rain, intensive water management is required for any outdoor planting.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Uintah County

via SoilByCounty

High pH levels define Uintah's profile

The average pH is 7.91, significantly higher than the 6.5 national median. This alkalinity reflects the arid conditions of the Uinta Basin and influences nutrient availability.

Sand dominates this desert soil mix

With 45.1% sand and 19.2% clay, the soil offers decent structure but limited moisture grip. Silt fills the remaining 30.9% to provide a balanced texture for local farmers.

Organic matter beats national benchmarks

The 3.83% organic matter content exceeds the 2.0% national average, though it trails Utah's 7.59% average. Uintah's soil score of 27.8 reflects its challenges compared to the 41.8 state average.

Drainage data is currently unrecorded

While specific drainage classes aren't in the database, the high sand content generally indicates fast-draining conditions. Builders and farmers should perform on-site percolation tests to confirm water movement.

Hardy crops thrive in Zone 5b

Beets, carrots, and potatoes handle the alkaline soil and cold winters exceptionally well. Start your high-desert garden with soil amendments to balance the pH for more sensitive plants.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Uintah County

via LawnByCounty

The Most Challenging Lawns in Utah

Uintah County records a lawn difficulty score of 23.1, the lowest among these eight counties and well below the state average of 28.5. Residents in Zone 5b are working against some of the most restrictive conditions in the country for growing grass. Success requires meticulous attention to soil chemistry and water management.

Intense Aridity and High Heat

With only 8.5 inches of annual rain, Uintah is the driest county on this list, receiving less than 20% of the ideal lawn precipitation. It also faces 55 extreme heat days, which is much higher than the state average of 43. Despite the cold 5b winters, the high 2666 growing degree days show that summers are long and hot.

Managing Alkaline and Sandy Soil

The soil here is notably alkaline with a pH of 7.91, well outside the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grasses. The texture is a mix of 19.2% clay and 45.1% sand, which can lead to rapid drainage and nutrient leaching. Regular applications of sulfur and organic matter are needed to lower pH and keep moisture in the root zone.

Coping with Year-Long Drought

Uintah County has been in a state of drought for 53 consecutive weeks, with 40.7% of the area currently in severe drought. Because natural rainfall is so low at 8.5 inches, lawns are entirely dependent on irrigation systems. Reducing turf size and using drought-tolerant species like buffalograss can significantly lower your water bill.

Planting for a Short, Dry Window

The window for growth begins after the May 15 frost and lasts until the first freeze on October 3. Because of the high pH and low water, choosing the right grass—like a drought-tolerant fescue or buffalograss—is critical. Aim to complete all seeding by late August so the grass can mature before the cold October nights.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Uintah County's county score?
Uintah County, Utah has a composite county score of 45.5 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 Uintah County rank among counties in Utah?
Uintah County ranks #24 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 Uintah County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Uintah County is $1,447, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Uintah County a tax score of 82.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Uintah County?
The median household income in Uintah County, Utah is $69,861 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Uintah County earns an income score of 66/100 on CountyScore.
Is Uintah County, Utah a good place to live?
Uintah County scores 45.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Uintah 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 Uintah County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.