countyscore
49.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.6Property Tax 90.1Health 83.2

County Report Card

About Utah County, Utah

A Hair Below the National Median

Utah County earns a 49.6 composite score, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it remains competitive, it doesn't quite reach the upper tier of U.S. counties for overall livability.

Trailing the Utah State Average

The county lags behind the Utah state average composite score of 53.9. Local factors like high living costs and environmental risks pull it below many of its regional neighbors.

Powerhouse Incomes and Low Taxes

The county boasts an exceptional income score of 94.6, with a median household income of $96,877. Residents also benefit from a 90.1 tax score, fueled by a low effective property tax rate of 0.457%.

High Costs and Natural Risks

Affordability is a major hurdle, as evidenced by a low cost score of 6.3 and a median home value of $489,200. Additionally, a risk score of 4.7 indicates significant vulnerability to natural hazards compared to the rest of the country.

Built for High-Income Professionals

This county is a perfect match for high-earning families who can navigate the expensive housing market. It rewards those who prioritize career growth and low tax burdens over environmental stability.

Score breakdown

Tax90.1Cost6.3Safety43.7Health83.2Schools37.9Income94.6Risk4.7Water64.4Weather37.2
🏛90.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠6.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡43.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡4.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧64.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.4
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Wasatch County
Utah
55.9
Salt Lake County
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Sanpete County
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54.6
Juab County
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Summit County
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Deep Dives

Utah County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Utah County

via CrimeByCounty

Utah County Surpasses National Safety Standards

Utah County maintains a stellar 98.0 safety score, far outperforming the national landscape. Its total crime rate of 1,269.2 per 100K sits nearly 47% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Consistency Across the Beehive State

The county's crime rate of 1,269.2 slightly exceeds the Utah state average of 1,204.8 per 100K. Eighteen reporting agencies contribute to this data, maintaining a safety profile that mirrors the state average score of 98.1.

A Secure Alternative to Regional Neighbors

Compared to Weber County's rate of 1,993.1, Utah County offers a significantly more secure environment for residents. It successfully balances rapid urban growth with a high safety score of 98.0.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crimes account for the vast majority of local incidents at 1,150.4 per 100K. Conversely, violent crime remains exceptionally low at 118.8, which is well below the state average of 178.7.

Stay Vigilant Against Property Theft

While violent crime is rare, over 1,150 property crimes per 100K suggest that theft remains a local concern. Residents should consider smart security systems to protect their homes and belongings.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Utah County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Network for Utah's Growing Youth

Utah County operates a vast educational infrastructure with 197 public schools serving 156,731 students across 28 districts. The system includes 121 elementary schools and 28 high schools to accommodate one of the state's largest student populations.

High Graduation Rates Despite Lean Funding

The county boasts an impressive 92.6% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 89.1%. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of just $5,288, which is nearly $1,500 below the state average.

Alpine District Leads the Way

The Alpine District dominates the local landscape, managing 92 schools and 87,136 students. Families also have significant choice through 31 charter schools, which represent 15.7% of all public campuses in the county.

Suburban Campuses and Large High Schools

Most students attend schools in suburban settings, with 119 campuses located in these areas. The average school size is 808 students, but high schools like Cedar Valley can reach nearly 3,000 students.

Find a Home Near Top-Performing Districts

With high graduation rates and diverse school options, Utah County remains a premier destination for families prioritizing education. Consider exploring homes near the Alpine or Nebo districts to secure access to these highly-rated academic environments.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Utah County

via WeatherByCounty

A Moderate Semi-Arid Valley Climate

Utah County’s 50.9°F average temperature sits just below the national median for mountain valley regions. The county maintains a semi-arid profile with 18.4 inches of annual precipitation, reflecting its position in the Intermountain West.

Warmer Than the Utah State Average

The county is slightly warmer than the state average of 48.9°F, ranking it among the more temperate populated corridors in Utah. It also receives nearly 5 inches more precipitation annually than the typical Utah county.

Tipping Warmer than Northern Neighbors

Utah County is warmer than Weber County to the north, which averages 49.5°F. It also remains significantly drier than the alpine environment of neighboring Wasatch County, which sees nearly 20 inches of moisture.

Hot High-Desert Summers and Snowy Winters

Residents face 47 extreme heat days over 90°F annually as July averages reach 75.2°F. Winter brings a stark contrast with 48.8 inches of snow and January temperatures averaging 29.1°F.

Prepare for Wide Temperature Swings

Robust HVAC systems are necessary to handle the shift from freezing winters to nearly 50 days of extreme summer heat. Outdoor enthusiasts should plan for heavy snowfall in the local canyons while the valley floor stays relatively dry.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Utah County

via SoilByCounty

A Foundation of High-Alkaline Soils

While specific taxonomic data for Utah County is currently unrecorded, regional profiles trend toward the state's average pH of 7.71. This measurement sits significantly higher than the national median of 6.5, indicating alkaline conditions. Local growers must often manage these higher pH levels to ensure proper nutrient uptake.

Evaluating Soil Texture and Workability

Sand, silt, and clay percentages for Utah County are not currently available in the primary dataset. These ratios determine how well the ground drains and how easily it can be tilled for farming. Without local data, gardeners should perform a simple jar test to identify their specific soil texture.

Striving for State Fertility Benchmarks

Utah County's organic matter and water capacity data remain unrecorded at this time. For context, the state average for organic matter is a robust 7.59%, while the average water capacity is 0.138 in/in. Amending local soil with compost helps bridge the gap toward these productive state-wide targets.

Managing Water in the Valley

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for the county are not yet classified. Proper drainage is essential for protecting building foundations and preventing root rot in crops. Local site assessments are recommended before starting significant construction or agricultural projects.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 7a

Utah County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, providing a reliable window for growing stone fruits like cherries and peaches. The climate supports a wide range of vegetables if irrigation is managed carefully. Start your garden this spring by focusing on soil-building techniques to maximize your yield.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Utah County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Turf in Utah County

Utah County faces a tough lawn care landscape with a difficulty score of 30.4, significantly more challenging than the national median of 50.0. While this score is slightly better than the Utah state average of 28.5, homeowners in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a must work harder to maintain green spaces. The arid climate requires strategic planning and consistent maintenance to overcome local environmental pressures.

Heat and Low Rainfall Define the Seasons

With only 18.4 inches of annual precipitation, local lawns receive less than half of the ideal 30-50 inches needed for healthy turf. The county endures 47 extreme heat days above 90°F, forcing grass into dormancy without heavy supplemental irrigation. A robust 2964 growing degree days creates a demanding schedule for mowing and nutrient management during the warm months.

Assessing the Soil Foundation

Specific soil data for this county is currently unavailable, though regional trends often lean toward alkaline conditions. Local experts recommend a professional soil test to determine specific pH levels and nutrient deficiencies before starting a new lawn. Amending the soil with organic matter helps improve water retention in this high-desert environment.

Facing Persistent Drought Challenges

The county spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought, with 43.1% of the area currently experiencing severe conditions. Water conservation is vital, so residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation. Using smart controllers and drought-tolerant cultivars can help preserve your lawn while respecting local water restrictions.

Start Your Lawn After the Spring Frost

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the primary choices for Zone 7a, though fescue offers better heat tolerance. Aim to seed or sod after the last expected frost on May 2nd but before the summer heat peaks in July. Establishing a strong root system by the first fall frost on October 16th ensures your turf survives the coming winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Utah County's county score?
Utah County, Utah has a composite county score of 49.6 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 Utah County rank among counties in Utah?
Utah County ranks #17 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 Utah County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Utah County is $2,234, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Utah County a tax score of 90.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Utah County?
The median household income in Utah County, Utah is $96,877 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Utah County earns an income score of 94.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Utah County, Utah a good place to live?
Utah County scores 49.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Utah 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 Utah County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.