Moving to Utah statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Utah?

In 2023, an estimated 90,865 people moved to Utah, while 94,351 moved out. This represents a net loss of 3,486 residents. Despite ranking as the No. 1 state to move to in 2024, high housing costs and the remote nature of some regions have prevented the same mass migration seen in states like Florida or Texas.

According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Utah ranked 38th among the most desired states to move to.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Utah

Utah ranks as the No. 1 best U.S. state to move to in 2024 based on data and weighted factors like affordability and quality of life. While major cities in Colorado and California have been losing population to net migration, the greater Salt Lake City area has been one of a few Western regions to gain significant popularity. Like its northern neighbor, Idaho, several popular Utah cities and towns are attracting new residents.

Saratoga Springs attracted the most new residents and had the highest growth rate, adding 14,838 (39.4% population growth) between 2020 and 2023. Lehi City and Eagle Mountain also attracted 14,315 and 13,314 new residents respectively, leading to exceptionally high growth rates. All of Utah’s most popular towns and cities, with the exception of St. George, are located in and around Salt Lake City. This showcases the desire to find affordable housing in the area.

Based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the top five cities and towns people moved to in Utah between 2020 and 2023 were as follows:

Why do people move to Utah?

Though moves to Utah slowed slightly between 2022 and 2023, there are still many reasons why it’s one of the most popular states. In 2021, approximately 16.6% of new Utah transplants came from California, citing the strong economy as one of their primary motivators. Aside from that, many movers are attracted to the breathtaking natural scenery and activities, including camping, skiing, snowboarding, hiking and more.

Regardless of where people are relocating from, job opportunities are the primary factor driving people to move to the Beehive State. Utah residents can expect to make up to 14% more than the U.S. median household income, despite the cost-of-living index only being slightly higher than the national average. In 2024, the largest Utah industries include trade, transportation, and utilities, government, and professional and business services. These three industries combined account for 47.8% of the state’s nonfarm workers. Construction, however, is the fastest-growing industry, expanding at a rate of 6% between 2023 and 2024.

Utah housing statistics

With a median rent price of $1,723.04 and a median home sale price of $592,100, renters and homeowners can expect to pay over 40% more than the national median for housing.

However, Utah also has the seventh lowest property tax rate in the U.S., at 0.57% — exactly half that of Massachusetts. States with similar rates include South Carolina and West Virginia.

In 2021, the average property owner in Salt Lake County, where Salt Lake City is located, paid $2,365 in annual property taxes. In general, the average property tax paid varies greatly by county in Utah, with residents in Summit County paying an average of $2,823 annually, while those in Garfield County pay substantially less at $908.

Cost-of-living statistics in Utah

Utah’s cost-of-living index is 101.5, making it slightly more expensive than the national average. Gas prices in the state follow this trend, at an average of $3.45 per gallon, or 5.8% higher than the national average ($3.26). This is the case despite a decent amount of oil and gas production and a lack of green alternatives, as Utah ranks as only the 31st most green state in the country.

Though Utah’s cost of living is higher than average, the state also boasts an impressive median household income for residents. The median household income is $85,877 per year, or 16% more than the U.S. median ($75,358). Unemployment is also lower (3%) than the national average of 4.2%.

Utah’s cost of living has increased over time, especially around desirable areas like Salt Lake City. However, despite high housing costs, the Beehive State’s median household income to cost of living comparison is still much healthier than some states, such as California.

Who lives in Utah?

Approximately 3,417,734 people live in Utah as of 2023, ranking it 30th in the U.S. in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 36,498 people compared to 2022.

Utah’s population is skewed male (50.7%) versus female (49.3%). In 2023, 1.73 million Utah residents were male, and 1.69 million were female.

On average, Utah’s population is also significantly younger (32.3 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. The largest age demographic in the state is those between 25 to 44 years old, accounting for 932,019 residents, or 27.3% of the population.

Most Utah residents are white, with this demographic accounting for 89.8% of the population, or 3.07 million people. The Beehive State also has a notable share of residents who identify as Hispanic — 546,948 people, or roughly 16% of the population. This is followed by Asian and Black residents, who account for less than 3% of the population each.

Tips for moving to Utah

Not sure how to start your move to Utah? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

While Utah’s cost-of-living index is only slightly above average, housing and other costs can be considerably higher in popular areas like Salt Lake City. However, the Beehive State is still more affordable than the West Coast states and neighboring Colorado. Whether you’re coming from a more or less expensive state, we recommend researching the median housing prices, property taxes and utility costs in your desired region. Use resources on Utah.gov to compare expenses and build an informed budget.

2. Explore the job market

If you’re choosing to relocate to the areas in and around Salt Lake City, you’ll have access to a strong economy abundant with job opportunities in technology, health care, outdoor recreation and more. While the tourism industry is strong in more rural parts of the state, employment opportunities may be limited. For up-to-date job listings and resources, visit the Utah Department of Workforce Services.

3. Prepare for varied weather

Utah’s unique climate means that, depending on the region, you can expect anything from hot desert summers to cool snowy winters. Being nestled in the Rocky Mountains, weather conditions can also change rapidly. Proper preparation, including snow tires, layered clothing and efficient home heating and cooling systems, is essential. You can stay informed via local weather forecasts through the National Weather Service.

4. Consider transportation options

With a population now over 200,000, Salt Lake City offers a few different public transportation options, including trains and buses. However, there is a general lack of transportation options in rural areas outside the city, meaning a personal vehicle is still the most reliable method of travel. Remember that Utah is full of rough, rugged terrain, so it’s important to be prepared for potential winter road closures and understand local driving conditions. Check the Utah Department of Transportation website for transit options and important road updates specific to your area.

5. Be mindful of natural hazards

Utah residents are safe from hurricanes and tornadoes, but the state’s diverse landscapes can be prone to wildfires, flash floods and winter storms. The dry climate can cause droughts and wildfires to be especially problematic in summer. To ensure you’re prepared for anything in your new area, utilize resources like the Utah Department of Public Safety to stay updated on potential hazards and emergency preparedness tips.

6. Embrace the outdoor lifestyle

Featuring five stunning national parks, including the Arches, Canyonlands and Zion, Utah is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Hiking, skiing, rock climbing and more all await in beautiful locations across the state. Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or not, take the time to explore the local parks and recreation areas to embrace the adventurous lifestyle for which the state is known.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Utah, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.