Utah County

Utah · UT

#28 in Utah
65.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Utah County, Utah

Utah County outpaces national median

Utah County scores 65.1 on the CountyScore composite index, 30% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects solid fundamentals across tax burden, health outcomes, and income levels that exceed many American communities.

Middle of the pack in Utah

Utah County ranks in the middle tier among Utah's counties with a score of 65.1, slightly below the state average of 72.1. While it doesn't lead the state, it remains well-positioned compared to national benchmarks.

Tax advantages and good health

Utah County excels with a tax score of 89.4 and effective tax rate of just 0.457%, among the state's lowest. Residents also benefit from strong health outcomes (79.5 score) and solid median household income of $96,877, putting them well above national averages.

Housing costs strain budgets

The county's cost score of 55.8 reflects median home values of $489,200, straining affordability for many buyers. With a median household income of $96,877 against these housing prices, young families and lower-income workers may find homeownership challenging despite the favorable tax climate.

Best for established families

Utah County suits established families and professionals with solid incomes seeking favorable tax treatment and good health infrastructure. It's less ideal for first-time homebuyers or retirees on fixed incomes, given the gap between housing costs and income levels.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax89.4Cost55.8SafetyComing SoonHealth79.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome46.6Risk4.7WaterComing Soon
🏛89.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠55.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼46.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
79.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
4.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Utah County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Utah County

via TaxByCounty

Utah County taxes rank low nationally

Utah County's effective tax rate of 0.457% sits well below the national median of 0.92%, putting it in the bottom quarter of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $2,234, compared to a national median of $2,690—a $456 annual savings on a typical home.

Below average for Utah

Among Utah's 29 counties, Utah County ranks in the lower half with an effective rate of 0.457%, compared to the state average of 0.498%. Homeowners here pay $419 less in annual property tax than the typical Utah county resident.

Competitive with neighboring counties

Utah County's 0.457% rate matches Wasatch and Washington counties (both 0.446%), making this region consistently affordable. The area sits significantly below Weber County's 0.621%, the highest in the region.

What a typical home costs in taxes

On a median home value of $489,200, Utah County homeowners pay approximately $2,234 annually in property taxes. This translates to roughly $186 per month, or $56 less than the national average.

You may be overassessed

Research shows many homeowners across Utah pay more than they owe due to inflated assessments. Contact your county assessor to request a free reassessment—you could lower your bill significantly.

Cost of Living in Utah County

via CostByCounty

Utah County rents eat 17.9% of income

Utah County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% sits just above the national sweet spot, where housing experts recommend spending no more than 30% of income on rent. With a median household income of $96,877—well above the national median of $74,755—residents here earn considerably more than average Americans, making housing slightly more affordable despite higher rents.

Among Utah's most affordable counties

Utah County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks it as one of the state's most affordable places, sitting above Utah's 16.6% state average by just 1.3 percentage points. At $1,441 per month, rents run $340 higher than the state median, but the county's strong median income of $96,877 absorbs that cost more comfortably than most neighboring counties.

More affordable than mountain neighbors

Utah County renters pay $1,441 monthly—substantially less than Wasatch County's $1,905 but more than Wayne County's $1,018. When adjusted for income, Utah County's 17.9% ratio outperforms Washington County (23.0%) and Wasatch County (19.9%), making it a relative bargain in the central Utah region.

Income stretches across housing costs

A typical Utah County household earning $96,877 annually pays $1,441 in rent or $1,720 for owner costs, leaving substantial income for other expenses. The county's healthy income-to-housing ratio means a renter devotes just 17.9% of earnings to rent, while homeowners spend 21.3% on monthly ownership costs.

Consider Utah County's balanced market

If you're relocating from a high-cost metro and earn above $90,000, Utah County offers the rarest combination in the state: strong incomes, reasonable rents, and a below-average rent burden. Compare this county's 17.9% ratio to Wasatch County's 19.9% or Washington County's 23.0% to see where your salary stretches furthest.

Income & Jobs in Utah County

via IncomeByCounty

Utah County earns well above national average

Utah County's median household income of $96,877 significantly outpaces the national median of $74,755—a 30% premium that places it among higher-earning counties nationwide. This strength reflects a younger, growing population with strong workforce participation in tech, education, and professional services.

Top earner in Utah's county rankings

At $96,877, Utah County's median household income ranks second in Utah, trailing only Wasatch County. The county surpasses the state average of $80,176 by $16,701, demonstrating consistent economic vitality across its communities.

Outearning surrounding counties significantly

Utah County households earn $20,466 more than Washington County ($76,411) and $26,803 more than Wayne County ($70,074). Compared to nearby Weber County ($87,083), Utah County maintains a $9,794 income advantage, underscoring its position as a regional economic engine.

Income covers costs with healthy margin

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.9%, Utah County meets the affordability benchmark of 20% or less, meaning housing remains manageable relative to earnings. The median home value of $489,200 requires disciplined saving, but household incomes prove sufficient for homeownership without excessive financial strain.

Strong earnings create investment opportunity

Utah County residents earning $96,877 median income have meaningful capacity to invest beyond rent and basic expenses. Consider directing surplus income toward retirement accounts, diversified portfolios, or real estate—steps that build long-term wealth and financial resilience.

Health in Utah County

via HealthByCounty

Utah County lives longer than most Americans

Utah County residents live an average of 79.4 years—1.6 years longer than the U.S. average of 77.8 years. Just 11.9% of the county experiences poor or fair health, a notably lower rate than the national benchmark, suggesting strong overall health outcomes for most residents.

Utah County tops state health rankings

Utah County's 79.4-year life expectancy outpaces Utah's state average of 77.9 years, placing it among the healthiest counties in the state. With one of the lowest poor/fair health rates statewide, the county consistently performs above-average on key health indicators.

Healthiest in its regional peer group

Utah County's life expectancy matches or exceeds most neighboring Utah counties, though Wasatch County edges ahead at 81.0 years. Its 11.9% poor/fair health rate ranks favorably compared to Washington County (14.1%) and Weber County (14.8%).

Good access, still some gaps

Utah County has 41 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 344 mental health providers per 100,000—well above many rural Utah counties. With an 8.0% uninsured rate, slightly below the state average of 10.2%, most residents have healthcare coverage.

Check your coverage options today

Even though Utah County's uninsured rate is low, 1 in 12 residents still lack health insurance. Visit healthcare.gov or Utah's Health Insurance Marketplace to explore plans that fit your needs and budget.

Disaster Risk in Utah County

via RiskByCounty

Utah County faces high disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 95.32, Utah County ranks in the relatively high category—well above the national average. This score reflects significant exposure to earthquakes, wildfires, and flooding that demand serious preparedness planning.

Second-riskiest county in Utah

Utah County's score of 95.32 far exceeds the state average of 36.19, making it the second-most hazard-prone county in Utah. Only one other county in the state faces comparable natural disaster risk.

Higher risk than surrounding areas

Utah County's composite score of 95.32 significantly outpaces nearby Wasatch County (33.52) and Weber County (87.02). Your county faces notably more concentrated hazard exposure than most neighboring communities.

Earthquakes and wildfires top concerns

Earthquake risk dominates at 98.82, while wildfire risk follows closely at 98.86—both among the highest in the nation for these hazards. Flood risk is also substantial at 90.49, creating a triple threat that affects property, lives, and infrastructure.

Secure comprehensive disaster coverage

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquakes or wildfires, so Utah County residents should purchase separate policies for these critical risks. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is essential given your county's 90.49 flood risk score.

ByCounty Network

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