Living in Utah

Utah is a unique place. It is geographically diverse, from stunning mountain ranges in Northern Utah to Red Rock arches in Southern Utah. The climate of Utah is also drastically different in the different regions of the state. Northern Utah is known for having the "Greatest Snow on Earth," but Southern Utah is very warm and rarely ever sees snow. Temperatures and snow fall also very greatly even within Northern Utah. For expample, Cache Valley has night temperatures 10 degrees lower than the Wasatch Front.

Utah Culture

Utahns are known for conservative values and a high priority on families. Much of this influence is because more than half of Utah Residents are of the Mormon Faith. Utah is also one of the safest states in terms of crime. Of course different individual areas vary.

Utah leads the nation in family size. According to the 2008 census, the average Utah Family had 3.76 people. Utah also has the most households headed my married people and the most stay at home Moms. Utahn's also marry younger than any other state. The average man marries at 26.1 years old, and the average woman marries at 23.5.

Ethnically, the large majority of Utahns are white, 91%.

Utah Education

With the youngest average age in the nation, and a high population of children, Utah has some of the lowest per pupil funding. With that said, Utah actually leads the nation in Advanced Placement testing, and national test scores are above the average.

Utah Property Taxes

Property taxes in Utah are well below the national average. Utah Ranked 32nd nationally for property taxes. Weber County actually had the highest rate for property taxes, but being that Weber County homes have an lower average value, the actual tax was less. Salt Lake County has the highest average property taxes in Utah.

Utah Homes

According to the 2008 census the median home value in Utah was $236,000. Nearly $40,000 more than the national average. Home prices in Salt Lake are substantially more expensive than the more rural areas of Utah.

The average Utah household has an annual income of $56,633. This ranks Utah 15th nationally. Utah ranks 23rd nationally for cost of living.

Overall, Utah is a great place to live and raise a family.