Why is Everyone Moving To Utah? (2024)

FAQs

Why is Everyone Moving To Utah? ›

Jobs, affordability, and quality of life are the top reasons why everyone is moving to Utah. According to the world population index, Utah ranks in the middle of affordability of U.S. states. The state economy is a major factor in bringing in newcomers. Utah's economy consistently ranks among the best in the nation.

In 2023, the Utah population grew by 52,664 people, an annual growth rate of 1.69%. The state's population has registered an increase every year since 2012. More and more Americans annually leave their former places of residence, moving to Utah, because this is one of the most cozy and comfortable states in the USA.

It is also one of three states that has access to Google Fiber and an increasingly strong presence in the tech industry. Things are coming up Utah. The fundamentals driving this growth are Utah's booming economy, low unemployment, and a very affordable quality of life.

Clark County in Nevada and Maricopa County in Arizona – homes to Las Vegas and Phoenix, respectively – are the top two counties to send new residents to Utah. Based on U.S. Census Bureau data from 2015 to 2019, Clark County has sent 3,916 annual migrants to the Beehive State while Maricopa County has sent 3,730.

Average Cost of Living in Utah: $42,653 per year

Get ready to tap your savings or earn quite a bit, as Utah has the 30th lowest cost of living across the United States, according to MERIC's 2022 Cost of Living Index data gathered in 2022.

Obviously, there are lots of scenic and recreational opportunities in the state. But without Mormons, there would be no Utah, and the I-15 corridor would be a string of mediocre communities. Utah is a thriving region for education and the arts because of its people. This dynamic is a real boon for us Gentiles.

So what contributes to this happiness? Is it the mountain views? The fry sauce? According to WalletHub, Utah was ranked the highest for sports participation, volunteer rates, fewest work hours, lowest divorce rate and the overall safest state.

The economy of Utah is a diversified economy covering industries such as tourism, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, information technology, finance, and petroleum production. The majority of Utah's gross state product is produced along the Wasatch Front, containing the state capital Salt Lake City.

A year after being named the happiest state in the U.S., Utah has dropped from the top spot in 2022. According to the newest WalletHub rankings, Utah is now the fourth happiest state in the country... and we're not happy about it.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Utah? ›

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Utah? According to one estimate, you'll need somewhere between $43,000 and $66,000 per year. This criteria is based on the needs for housing, food, transportation, health care and taxes. Here's all that in context for those living in Utah.

Utah is known for its scenic beauty, and it might seem that it's one of the most expensive places to live in the country. However, this outdoor adventure paradise is actually cheaper than many states in the US. With low energy prices, property taxes, and a low utility index score, Utah has plenty to boast about.

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah was the fastest-growing state between the 2010 and 2020 censuses largely because more people moved into the state than out of it.

Costs of Living in Utah vs Texas

Texas is estimated to be up to be more than 1.5% more expensive to live in than Utah. Childcare is 7.5% more expensive in Texas, and sports and entertainment eat more out of your pocket than they do in Utah.

Mississippi has the lowest cost of living in the United States. With a cost of living index of 83.3, expenses are nearly 17% less than the national average. Mississippi's housing costs are the lowest in the nation.

Florida. Florida is 15.3% cheaper than Salt Lake City, Utah, and the biggest factor in that difference is the median home cost. The median home cost is 43% cheaper in Orlando than Salt Lake City. Grocery prices are steep in Florida, and in Miami specifically groceries are more expensive than the national average.

The Mormon population in the United States varies greatly from state to state. Utah has the highest concentration of Mormon adherents, with 66% of the population identifying as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What do Mormons call non Mormons? ›

In the terminology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), the word "gentile" can be used to refer to people who are not members of the LDS Church, since members regard themselves as regathered Israelites.

Provo has been ranked #2 most happiest city and #4 most smiliest city in America! Instagram can tell you what's new, what's cool, and what's for dinner.

Massachusetts: “The Happiest State in the U.S.”

Our research studies reveal that the state of Massachusetts topped the rankings for 3 of our categories: Well-being, Mental Health, and Family, and featured in the top 11 states for three more: Health Care, Financial Security, and Work.

As of Jun 4, 2023, the average annual pay for the Upper Class jobs category in Utah is $49,812 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $23.95 an hour. This is the equivalent of $957/week or $4,151/month.

| Nov. 16, 2021, 7:00 a.m. With a net worth pegged at $5.7 billion, Utah native Jeff T. Green is now believed to be the wealthiest person who hails from the Beehive State.

Is Utah a good place to live? Yes, based on the great job market, stellar economy, and amazing access to nature/recreation, Utah is among the best places to live in the US.

KEY FINDINGS OF THIS REPORT

Utahns' personal quality of life declined from an Index score of 82 in 2018 to 76 in 2022. All seven factors in the Personal Quality of Life Index decreased from 2018 to 2022.

Pew explains that a middle income equals an annual household income of $52,000 to $156,000 for a family of three, based on 2020 dollars.

What is the average hourly wage in Utah? ›

The average hourly wage in Utah is $21.66 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, this can vary depending on the specific industry and occupation.

According to the study, Utah was the 15th most family-friend state. The Beehive State has the lowest divorce rate but ranked as 33rd for affordability. Additionally, Utah was found to be the state with the most young families. In 2022, Deseret News reported that Utah was the 13th best state to raise a family.

Utah is also quite a bit warmer than Colorado. So it's a better state to visit in the fall and spring, before it gets too hot to enjoy. It also has some incredible state and national parks, and towns.

Utah is one of the driest states in the country, and by the time the storms get to the Wasatch Range, the snow tends to have a low moisture content. The cold, dry conditions and high altitude allow the snow crystals to have a structure that makes Utah snow unique.

New Mexico - 45.9% Utah - 51.7% Colorado - 54.1%

Monthly electric bills are a product of how much electricity you use per month and your electric rate. In Utah, the average monthly electric bill for residential customers is $112/month, which is calculated by multiplying the average monthly consumption by the average electric rate: 919 kWh * 12 ¢/kWh.

Augusta, a small city near Georgia's border with South Carolina, is one of the cheapest and safest places to live in the USA. It has a low crime rate and a low cost of living, making it perfect for those looking to live comfortably and save money. Augusta is just 2 hours from Atlanta, an exciting city.

In 2022 alone, there was a 1.25% growth, with the state population totaling just over 3.4 million. According to Steve Bannister, an associate professor of economics at the University of Utah, this population growth is happening for two reasons: migration from other states and the high birth rate in Utah.

The Mormons, as they were commonly known, had moved west to escape religious discrimination. After the murder of founder and prophet Joseph Smith, they knew they had to leave their old settlement in Illinois. Many Mormons died in the cold, harsh winter months as they made their way over the Rocky Mountains to Utah.

Why is Utah's economy growing so fast? ›

Utah is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, and there are key reasons for this migration—namely quality of life benefits, such as the abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, strength in public and private partnerships, and mobility of jobs—all of which are crucial to the state's economic strength.

Major industries of Utah include: coal mining, cattle ranching, salt production, and government services.

Why Are Home Prices So High in Utah? Utah boasts the nation's strongest pace of job growth, along with rock-bottom unemployment, ultra-low mortgage rates, few mortgage delinquencies, and low state and local taxes.

The Villages, FL metro area was the fastest-growing U.S. metro area between 2021 and 2022, increasing by 7.5%.

The Mormon population in the United States varies greatly from state to state. Utah has the highest concentration of Mormon adherents, with 66% of the population identifying as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The majority of Utah residents are members of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints and there are other flourishing religious communities as well. Here's a brief look into the religious landscape of Utah.

The center of Mormon cultural influence is in Utah, and North America has more Mormons than any other continent, although about half of Mormons live outside the United States. As of December 31, 2021, the LDS Church reported a membership of 16,805,400.

Strong population and job growth are also factors in Utah's high inflation rate. If people are holding their breath, hoping that housing and rental prices will go down – Baker said that's not likely.

Utah's labor shortage has put upward pressure on wage rates.

Since labor costs account for approximately two-thirds of the total cost of private businesses, rising wage costs produce cost-push inflation and higher prices for products and services.

Florida is the fastest-growing state in America for the first time since 1957, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The population in the southeastern state, which is known for its warm weather and sandy beaches, now tops 22 million.

What is the #1 state people are moving out of? ›

Top states residents are leaving

The annual 2022 United Van Lines National Movers study is out! But it wasn't good news for New Jersey or New York. A similar report from United Van Lines showed New Jersey as the top outbound state, followed by Illinois, New York, Michigan, and Wyoming.

Context: Utah is facing a shortage of nearly 41,000 affordable and available rental units, per the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Between 2020 and 2021, the number of Utahns experiencing homelessness for the first time increased by 14%, per a report from the state Department of Workforce Services.