countyscore
55.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.1Property Tax 88.1Health 84.9

County Report Card

About Wasatch County, Utah

Outperforming the National Median

Wasatch County secures a strong 55.9 composite score, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This puts it in a higher percentile for overall quality of life across the United States.

A Top Performer in Utah

With its 55.9 score, Wasatch County beats the state average of 53.9. It stands out as one of the more desirable locations in Utah for those seeking a balance of health and wealth.

Elite Incomes and Excellent Health

Wasatch County achieves a nearly perfect income score of 98.2, reflecting a massive $115,146 median household income. It also supports resident well-being with a health score of 84.9.

Extreme Housing Costs and Water Concerns

The housing market is remarkably expensive, resulting in a very low cost score of 2.7 and a median home value of $724,400. Water resource management also presents a challenge, with the water score sitting at just 20.9.

A Haven for the Wealthy

This county is best suited for affluent households who can afford the steep $1,905 median rent. It offers a high-end lifestyle for those who value health and safety more than budget-friendly housing.

2040608010088.12.166.784.942.398.166.520.936Tax88.1Cost2.1Safety66.7Health84.9Schools42.3Income98.1Risk66.5Water20.9Weather3655.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Wasatch County DNA

Foverall

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

Wasatch County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (98.1/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (2.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
88.1+36.099999999999994
Cost
2.1-45.9
Safety
66.7+11.700000000000003
Health
84.9+34.900000000000006
Schools
42.3-11.700000000000003
Income
98.1+47.099999999999994
Risk
66.5+19.5
Water
20.9-37.1
Weather
36-20
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Compare mortgage rates in Wasatch County

Whether buying or refinancing in Wasatch County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$787,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$2,000/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$787,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$80,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum6.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $117,608/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.1

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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Nearby counties

Utah County
Utah
49.6
Summit County
Utah
52.5
Salt Lake County
Utah
35.4
Duchesne County
Utah
39.8
Morgan County
Utah
58
Davis County
Utah
49
Carbon County
Utah
48.7
Weber County
Utah
38.7

Deep Dives

Wasatch County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wasatch County

via TaxByCounty

Wasatch County taxes well below national average

Wasatch County's effective tax rate of 0.446% ranks in the nation's lowest quartile, significantly below the 0.92% national median. Despite having the state's highest median home values, residents pay $3,230 annually—still $540 less than the U.S. median of $2,690.

Utah's most affluent, least taxed county

Wasatch ranks third-lowest among Utah's 29 counties with an effective rate of 0.446%, nearly 0.06 percentage points below state average. Homeowners benefit from both lower rates and strong property wealth.

Ties with Washington, undercuts Weber

Wasatch and Washington counties share the region's lowest rate at 0.446%, making them equally attractive tax-wise. Weber County's rate climbs to 0.621%, making Wasatch $616 cheaper annually on comparable homes.

Higher homes, reasonable tax bill

The median home in Wasatch County reaches $724,400—the state's highest—yet the annual property tax is only $3,230. That's just $269 per month, a testament to the county's low tax burden.

Reassessment could yield bigger savings

Even with favorable rates, many Wasatch County homeowners overpay due to outdated or inflated assessments. A free reassessment request through the county assessor could reduce your burden further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wasatch County

via IncomeByCounty

Wasatch County tops national income rankings

Wasatch County's median household income of $115,146 towers 54% above the national median of $74,755, placing it among the highest-earning counties in the country. This exceptional performance reflects its appeal as a mountain recreation and second-home destination, attracting affluent households.

Utah's highest-earning county by far

Wasatch County leads all Utah counties with a median household income of $115,146, exceeding the state average of $80,176 by $34,970. Its per capita income of $54,096 also surpasses the state average of $35,055 by 54%, signaling exceptional wealth concentration.

Commanding income lead over region

Wasatch County households earn $38,735 more than Washington County ($76,411) and $45,072 more than Wayne County ($70,074). Even compared to affluent Utah County ($96,877), Wasatch residents earn $18,269 more—a substantial premium reflecting the county's exclusive positioning.

High income needed for high-cost living

Wasatch County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% stays just below the affordability threshold, but the median home value of $724,400 demands six times the typical U.S. home price. Strong incomes are essential here; without the county's $115,146 median, housing becomes severely unaffordable.

Elite earners must think strategically

Wasatch County's $115,146 median income positions residents to build serious wealth through tax-advantaged investing, diversified portfolios, and strategic real estate. At this income level, working with a financial advisor to optimize tax efficiency and long-term growth becomes especially valuable.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wasatch County

via CrimeByCounty

Wasatch County Boasts Elite Safety Levels

Wasatch County is exceptionally safe, earning a safety score of 98.8 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 785.6 per 100K is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking High Among Utah Counties

With a safety score above the state average of 98.1, Wasatch ranks as one of Utah's most secure areas. The total crime rate of 785.6 is significantly lower than the state average of 1,204.8.

Outperforming Neighboring Utah County

Wasatch County maintains a lower crime rate than neighboring Utah County, which sees 1,269.2 incidents per 100K. This highlights Wasatch's status as a quiet mountain retreat with minimal criminal activity.

Violent Crime is Rare Here

Violent crime is infrequent at 134.3 per 100K, while property crime sits at 651.3 per 100K. These figures indicate that the few crimes occurring are largely non-confrontational property issues.

Simple Steps to Secure Your Sanctuary

Even in high-safety areas like Wasatch, basic security measures prevent opportunistic property crimes. Locking doors and installing motion lights are effective ways to maintain this peaceful community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wasatch County

via WeatherByCounty

An Elevated Alpine Environment

At 45.6°F, Wasatch County is significantly cooler than the national median temperature. Its high-elevation climate produces a substantial 19.5 inches of precipitation annually, much of which falls as snow.

One of Utah's Cooler Mountain Counties

Wasatch County stays well below the 48.9°F Utah state average, marking it as one of the state's colder high-altitude regions. It also outpaces the state precipitation average by nearly 6 inches per year.

Colder and Wetter than Surrounding Valleys

The county is over five degrees cooler than neighboring Utah County and receives much more moisture. It shares a similar snowy profile with Weber County but experiences significantly fewer extreme heat days.

A Winter-Dominant Seasonal Cycle

The county endures 74.5 inches of snow annually and a chilly January average of 24.3°F. Summers are notably mild compared to the rest of the state, with only 27 days reaching 90°F or higher.

Focus on Winter Resilience

Heavy-duty winter gear and high-performance home insulation are essential for the long, snowy winters. With few extreme heat days, residents can often rely on natural ventilation during the mild 65.2°F summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wasatch County

via SoilByCounty

Mountain Soils and Alkaline Trends

Wasatch County lacks specific local pH and taxonomic data, but it likely mirrors the state’s alkaline average of 7.71. This is notably higher than the national 6.5 median, reflecting the region's mineral-rich geological history. Understanding this balance is the first step toward successful high-altitude cultivation.

Analyzing Mountain Soil Structures

Specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay for Wasatch County are not currently documented. These proportions are vital because they dictate how well the soil retains nutrients and resists compaction. Residents should monitor their soil's feel and behavior during spring thaws to gauge local workability.

Fertility Potential in Alpine Environments

Local organic matter and water capacity figures are unavailable, but the state average of 7.59% organic matter sets a high bar. With a state average water capacity of 0.138 in/in, moisture retention remains a critical factor for mountain growers. Adding organic amendments is a proven way to improve these metrics in alpine soils.

Hydrology in High-Elevation Slopes

Official drainage and hydrologic classifications for this county are not currently available. In mountain regions, drainage varies wildly between valley floors and steep slopes. Proper water management is essential to prevent erosion and ensure stable building sites across the county.

Hardy Growing in Zone 6a

Wasatch County’s Zone 6a designation means a shorter growing season suited for cold-hardy crops like kale, peas, and root vegetables. The cool nights and high altitude can produce exceptionally sweet produce. Embrace the mountain climate by starting seeds indoors to get a head start on the season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wasatch County

via LawnByCounty

Wasatch County's High-Altitude Lawn Outlook

Wasatch County carries a lawn difficulty score of 28.9, placing it right in line with the Utah state average of 28.5. This score is nearly 20 points lower than the national average, reflecting the unique trials of Zone 6a. Higher elevations and shorter seasons mean the margin for error is slim for local gardeners.

Cooler Summers and Short Growing Windows

Wasatch County sees only 27 days of extreme heat, which is much lower than the state average of 43 days. However, the annual precipitation of 19.5 inches still falls short of the 30 inches needed for optimal turf health. Low growing degree days of 1870 signal a shorter, more concentrated period for lawn growth and maintenance.

Preparing Your Wasatch Soil

Limited data on local soil texture and pH makes a home testing kit essential for new lawn projects. Because drainage and nutrient levels vary by elevation, amending with compost can help balance the soil's structure. Understanding your specific site's drainage is the first step toward building a resilient lawn foundation.

Navigating Periodic Dry Spells

The county experienced 40 weeks of drought over the last year, and nearly 32% of the land remains in severe drought. While conditions are less intense than neighboring counties, efficient water use remains a top priority. Mulching around lawn edges and keeping grass at a taller height helps retain soil moisture during dry weeks.

Plan Around a Late Spring Frost

In Zone 6a, cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass perform best in the mountain climate. Wait until after the May 31st frost to begin major planting projects, as the season quickly winds down by the September 20th fall frost. This narrow window requires quick action to ensure turf is established before the cold sets in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wasatch County's county score?
Wasatch County, Utah has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Wasatch County rank among counties in Utah?
Wasatch County ranks #12 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 Wasatch County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Wasatch County is $3,624, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Wasatch County a tax score of 88.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wasatch County?
The median household income in Wasatch County, Utah is $117,608 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wasatch County earns an income score of 98.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wasatch County, Utah a good place to live?
Wasatch County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Wasatch 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 Wasatch 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.