What do 3 million Utah residents know that we don’t? They know that the best places to live in the Beehive State are some of the best places to live in America.
You can thank some of Utah’s best places to live for Frito Lay and Skywest Airlines. And you can thank the other half for higher education institutions like The University of Utah and Brigham Young for educating the future of those companies.
How’d we find the best places in Utah? We used Saturday Night Science to compare Utah places with 5,000 or more residents. We took into account factors like home prices, household income, education, and safety.
Here are Utah’s unique utopias.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Map | Methodology | Summary
The 10 Best Places To Live In Utah For 2024
What is the best place to live in Utah? The best place to live in Utah is Kaysville. Kaysville also made the list as one of the best Utah places to retire for 2024.
Coincidence? We think not.
Look below for more about Utah’s top places and a complete ranking of every place in Utah.
For more reading, check out:
The 10 Best Places To Live In Utah For 2024
| Stat | Kaysville | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,714 | 3,283,809 |
| Rank Last Year | 1 | – |
| Median Home Value | $612,119 | $510,835 |
| Median Income | $121,867 | $86,833 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.6% | 3.4% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0086 | 0.0270 |
More on Kaysville: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
We don’t go handing out 10/10 SnackAbility scores to just any old city; they have to have a solid market for jobs and housing, safe streets, excellent schools, and be affordable. That’s just what you get with Kaysville, a city between Salt Lake City and Ogden. Kaysville’s crime rate is about 65% below the national average and ranks as the 6th lowest in Utah. Unemployment and poverty rates are sub-4%. Schools have a student-teacher ratio 35% better than the statewide average. And rent in Kaysville costs just $1,342/month, the lowest you’ll find on this list and substantially lower than the average rent in Utah.
All of these factors came into play when we named Kaysville Utah’s best city for retirement. Plus, when it’s time to have the grandkids over for a visit, having Cherry Hill Waterpark in the neighborhood is an extra treat.
| Stat | Syracuse | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,798 | 3,283,809 |
| Rank Last Year | 4 | – |
| Median Home Value | $553,580 | $510,835 |
| Median Income | $125,602 | $86,833 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.2% | 3.4% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0097 | 0.0270 |
More on Syracuse: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Nestled between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, Syracuse offers a diverse economy, family-oriented community, and a beautiful natural setting. As for the last point, Syracuse is the gateway to Antelope Island State Park, which has backcountry trails for bikers, hikers, and horseback riders, along with several campsites and sandy beaches. Look out for bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and antelope while you’re here.
Rent in Syracuse is pretty expensive at $2,044/month, but over 90% of residents own their homes, which are moderately priced at around $553,580. Why would someone choose to settle down in Syracuse? Well a crazy low 1.2% unemployment rate, a high rate of health insurance coverage (97.4%), and the 16th lowest crime rate in Utah are just some reasons, off the top of my head.
| Stat | South Jordan | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 78,118 | 3,283,809 |
| Rank Last Year | 7 | – |
| Median Home Value | $631,787 | $510,835 |
| Median Income | $119,822 | $86,833 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.5% | 3.4% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0150 | 0.0270 |
More on South Jordan: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
A popular bedroom community of Salt Lake City, South Jordan’s population has ballooned by nearly 50% in the last decade. Sure, having the capital as a neighbor is a big draw, but South Jordan’s got plenty going for it on its own. There’s Oquirrh Lake for anglers of every ability, The District, a mixed-use development where you’ll find entertainment and restaurants aplenty, and more parks than you can shake a stick at.
We just hope you’re comfortable kicking it with the state’s elite, because South Jordan is one of Utah’s richest cities, with a median household income of $119,822/year. Unemployment is sub-2%, and the poverty rate sits at 2.6%. And the city’s tax dollars go to all the right places, seeing as South Jordan’s school district spends 25% more per student than the statewide average. Just be prepared for housing costs over 50% higher than your typical city in Utah.
| Stat | Centerville | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 16,740 | 3,283,809 |
| Rank Last Year | 11 | – |
| Median Home Value | $547,704 | $510,835 |
| Median Income | $113,697 | $86,833 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.4% | 3.4% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0194 | 0.0270 |
More on Centerville: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
We’re wrapping our tour of Utah’s best of the best with Centerville, a city of 16,740 just 15 minutes north of Salt Lake City. Being next to the state’s capital comes with obvious perks; weekend trips to Temple Square are a real treat, for example. But Centerville has its own culture as well. You can catch a local production at the Centerpoint Legacy Theatre and history buffs can learn about the region’s heritage at the Whitaker Museum.
At 38, Centerville has the oldest median age of cities on this list. That doesn’t mean they don’t support the next generation, though. On the contrary, Centerville’s school district spends 15% more per student than the statewide average. That love of learning doesn’t disappear after high school either; about half of Centerville’s residents have a college degree, and nearly 20% have a master’s degree or higher as well. The median household income in Centerville is $113,697/year and a typical home sells for $547,704. Both of those numbers went up by around 5% since last year, so things just keep getting better in Centerville.
| Stat | Farmington | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,463 | 3,283,809 |
| Rank Last Year | 3 | – |
| Median Home Value | $629,364 | $510,835 |
| Median Income | $115,278 | $86,833 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.2% | 3.4% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0141 | 0.0270 |
More on Farmington: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
It may have been a silver medalist last year, but in 2024, Farmington takes the top spot for best place to live in Utah. Situated on Interstate 15 between Salt Lake City and Ogden, Farmington’s a great city for just about everyone. It topped our list of the best cities for families in Utah, thanks in part to its 9.5/10 education score. More importantly (for the kids, anyway), Farmington is home to Lagoon Amusement Park, with over 60 thrilling rides and a water park. And even the most voracious shopaholic will meet their match at Station Park, an outdoor mall with shopping and restaurants galore.
The poverty rate in Farmington is just 4.7% and the unemployment rate is a very low 2.2%. Farmington is also safe and the cost of living is relatively low, besides housing. Homes in Farmington are around $629,364 and property values went up nearly 10% just last year, so there’s no time like the present if you’re thinking of moving here.
| Stat | Highland | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,267 | 3,283,809 |
| Rank Last Year | 5 | – |
| Median Home Value | $877,307 | $510,835 |
| Median Income | $166,429 | $86,833 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.8% | 3.4% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0327 | 0.0270 |
More on Highland: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Located in the Utah Valley between Salt Lake City and Provo, Highland ranks as Utah’s 6th best city. Here you’ll find a quiet, tight-knit vibe with one-acre minimum lot sizes, keeping the residential areas decidedly suburban. You’ll also find the youngest locals of anywhere on this list, with a median age of 24. These young-uns are super smart, seeing as around 60% of residents have a bachelor’s degree, and nearly a quarter of folks have a master’s, PhD, or professional degree. That kind of educational success doesn’t happen overnight; Highland’s public schools are some of the best in Utah and have achieved the 12th lowest high school dropout rate statewide.
The poverty rate in Highland sits at a measly 2.0% and 95.3% of residents have health insurance, the 19th highest rate in Utah. Fair warning: no city on this list has a higher cost of living than Highland, which outstrips the statewide index by over 30%. Housing is especially expensive; just about double Utah’s average price. The median rent in Highland is $2,122/month and homes sell for around $877,307. Luckily, Highland residents also have the highest median household income in the state at $166,429/year.
| Stat | Mapleton | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,756 | 3,283,809 |
| Rank Last Year | 2 | – |
| Median Home Value | $683,277 | $510,835 |
| Median Income | $123,534 | $86,833 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 3.4% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0052 | 0.0270 |
More on Mapleton: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Situated on the majestic foothills of Sierra Bonita Mountain 10 miles southeast of Provo, Mapleton comes in as the 7th best place to call home in Utah. 60% of the land in Mapleton is undeveloped, so you can expect property values to keep rising here (they went up 5% last year alone). Mapleton is a warm and welcoming community that loves to party. For evidence of this statement, just come to the Pioneer Day celebration in summer, for incredible food and an out-of-this-world fireworks show.
Mapleton knows how to keep things civil; it ranks among Utah’s safest cities, with crime being 75% less common than your typical city in Utah. Seeing as crime and poverty go hand-in-hand, that peaceful vibe seems to be fostered by a ridiculously low poverty rate of 2.8%, the 9th lowest statewide. Homes in Mapleton may be the 7th priciest in the state, but having the 8th highest median household income at $123,534/year helps offset that cost in a big way.
| Stat | Fruit Heights | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,018 | 3,283,809 |
| Rank Last Year | 13 | – |
| Median Home Value | $671,857 | $510,835 |
| Median Income | $117,123 | $86,833 |
| Unemployment Rate | 0.8% | 3.4% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0208 | 0.0270 |
More on Fruit Heights: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Fruit Heights, located in eastern Davis County, Utah, offers an attractive lifestyle with a population of 6,018. The city showcases a strong economy, as shown by its 117,123 median income and a median home value of $671,857. The town has a low crime rate of 0 per capita.
Strategically situated as part of the Ogden-Clearfield Metropolitan Area near Farmington and Kaysville, Fruit Heights provides access to outdoor adventures in the Wasatch Mountain Range.
| Stat | Salem | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,467 | 3,283,809 |
| Rank Last Year | 8 | – |
| Median Home Value | $578,428 | $510,835 |
| Median Income | $101,700 | $86,833 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.2% | 3.4% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0051 | 0.0270 |
More on Salem: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
A rural farming community located 20 minutes south of Provo, Salem comes in as the 9th best place to live in Utah. If you need a breath of fresh air, there’s nowhere better than Salem Pond, a serene spot for fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking, complete with walking trails and a playground. Come August, be ready to don your party face, because the week-long Salem Days is a non-stop celebration of Salem’s community.
Salem is nicknamed the City of Peace, and it’s easy to see why; Salem has the 3rd lowest crime rate in Utah, with only one violent crime being reported in the last year of available data. Unemployment and poverty rates hover around 3%, so you know everyone gets a piece of the pie here. A pretty big piece, actually, when you consider that the median household income in Salem is $101,700/year.
| Stat | Cedar Hills | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,977 | 3,283,809 |
| Rank Last Year | 6 | – |
| Median Home Value | $625,536 | $510,835 |
| Median Income | $130,847 | $86,833 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.8% | 3.4% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0327 | 0.0270 |
More on Cedar Hills: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Cedar Hills, the 10th best place to live in Utah for 2024, is a city known for its low cost of living and abundant attractions. Situated in north-central Utah County, the town is nestled on the slopes of Mount Timpanogos, providing breathtaking views and outdoor adventures like hiking and biking. Additionally, Cedar Hills is surrounded by American Fork Canyon and Alpine Loop.
Cedar Hills is a vibrant community with top-notch schools, making it an ideal place for families. The city’s median home price is $625,536, making it one of the more affordable places to live.
Mapping The Best And Worst Places To Live in Utah
Best Places To Live In Utah Size Requirement
Before we even started to collect data on the best places to live in Utah, we had to answer a tough question: Is it fair to pit cities with populations over 100,000 against places with a population of 18?
We firmly decided no, that just isn’t fair.
So, to create our ranking, we broke the best places to live into three tiers:
- Cities — Populations over 5,000
- Towns — Populations between 1,000 and 5,000
- Small Towns — Populations below 1,000
This filter left 83 cities, 72 towns, and 137 small towns.
We then decided no matter how much anyone loves their town, the best cities to live in Utah have more of everything, and therefore, you need over 5,000 people to truly be ‘the best.’
Methodology: How We Calculated The Best Cities To Live In Utah
Now that we had our set of the best possible cities, it was time to rank them using Saturday Night Science.
We ranked each place in Utah across a number of criteria from one to 83, with one being the best.
We then took the average rank across all criteria, crowning the city posting the lowest overall score, the “Best Place To Live In Utah.”
The criteria we looked to determine the best places were:
- Median Home Values
- Median Income
- Population Density (Higher is better)
- Unemployment Rate
- Commute Time
- Crime
- Education Levels
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Poverty rates
Sources of criteria include the New Census Data, FBI Crime Data, and Zillow. We updated this article for 2024. This report is our tenth time ranking Utah’s best places to live.
If your city or town isn’t among the top 10, jump down to the bottom of the post to see a detailed chart of the best places in Utah. Otherwise, buckle up for a ride down good living lane with Kaysville at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Summary: The Best Places In Utah
If you’re looking at areas in Utah with the best economic situations, where there’s lower than average crime, and a lot to do, this is an accurate list.
The best places to live in Utah are Kaysville, Syracuse, South Jordan, Centerville, Farmington, Highland, Mapleton, Fruit Heights, Salem, and Cedar Hills.
Kaysville made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in Utah for 2024.
If you’re curious enough, here are the worst places to live in Utah according to the data:
- Ogden (Pop. 86,754)
- South Salt Lake (Pop. 26,315)
- Roosevelt (Pop. 6,884)
For more Utah reading, check out:
- Cheapest Places To Live In Utah
- Most Dangerous Cities In Utah
- Best Places To Raise A Family In Utah
- Best Places To Retire In Utah
- Richest Cities In Utah
- Safest Places In Utah
- Worst Places To Live In Utah
Best Places To Live In Utah Table
| Rank | City | Population | Unemployment Rate | Home Value | Median Income | Rent | Crime Per Capita |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaysville | 32,714 | 2.6% | $612,119 | $121,867 | $1,342 | 0.0086 |
| 2 | Syracuse | 32,798 | 1.2% | $553,580 | $125,602 | $2,044 | 0.0097 |
| 3 | South Jordan | 78,118 | 2.5% | $631,787 | $119,822 | $1,679 | 0.0150 |
| 4 | Centerville | 16,740 | 1.4% | $547,704 | $113,697 | $1,462 | 0.0194 |
| 5 | Farmington | 24,463 | 2.2% | $629,364 | $115,278 | $1,446 | 0.0141 |
| 6 | Highland | 19,267 | 2.8% | $877,307 | $166,429 | $2,122 | 0.0327 |
| 7 | Mapleton | 11,756 | 3.1% | $683,277 | $123,534 | $1,184 | 0.0052 |
| 8 | Fruit Heights | 6,018 | 0.8% | $671,857 | $117,123 | $1,640 | 0.0208 |
| 9 | Salem | 9,467 | 3.2% | $578,428 | $101,700 | $1,481 | 0.0051 |
| 10 | Cedar Hills | 9,977 | 2.8% | $625,536 | $130,847 | $1,894 | 0.0327 |
| 11 | Bluffdale | 17,460 | 2.2% | $594,901 | $119,009 | $1,663 | 0.0099 |
| 12 | Pleasant View | 10,942 | 1.9% | $617,557 | $121,086 | $1,395 | 0.0081 |
| 13 | Saratoga Springs | 40,391 | 2.2% | $568,121 | $117,005 | $2,061 | 0.0094 |
| 14 | Draper | 50,635 | 2.2% | $740,373 | $126,041 | $1,735 | 0.0183 |
| 15 | Alpine | 10,260 | 1.6% | $974,238 | $161,602 | $2,814 | 0.0327 |
| 16 | Pleasant Grove | 37,453 | 2.6% | $519,347 | $91,322 | $1,410 | 0.0105 |
| 17 | Providence | 8,418 | 2.4% | $493,068 | $98,454 | $1,350 | 0.0153 |
| 18 | West Point | 11,226 | 0.9% | $515,823 | $114,801 | $1,541 | 0.0208 |
| 19 | Perry | 5,579 | 0.3% | $505,366 | $97,259 | $1,042 | 0.0222 |
| 20 | South Weber | 7,939 | 2.7% | $567,755 | $130,769 | $2,000 | 0.0208 |
| 21 | Midway | 6,019 | 4.4% | $869,808 | $130,648 | $3,358 | 0.0094 |
| 22 | Smithfield | 13,658 | 2.7% | $454,486 | $87,175 | $1,050 | 0.0037 |
| 23 | Bountiful | 45,353 | 2.6% | $535,803 | $96,060 | $1,410 | 0.0130 |
| 24 | Cottonwood Heights | 33,257 | 3.2% | $689,403 | $110,197 | $1,547 | 0.0204 |
| 25 | Riverton | 44,864 | 3.5% | $595,710 | $115,869 | $1,665 | 0.0117 |
| 26 | West Bountiful | 5,905 | 1.4% | $557,642 | $123,379 | $1,574 | 0.0208 |
| 27 | Spanish Fork | 42,694 | 1.9% | $501,782 | $93,989 | $1,308 | 0.0115 |
| 28 | Farr West | 7,747 | 1.6% | $593,451 | $108,862 | $836 | 0.0508 |
| 29 | Sandy | 95,635 | 2.2% | $611,302 | $108,165 | $1,640 | 0.0330 |
| 30 | Herriman | 55,301 | 3.2% | $581,187 | $115,198 | $1,702 | 0.0093 |
| 31 | Lehi | 77,110 | 4.4% | $571,784 | $117,243 | $1,681 | 0.0327 |
| 32 | Heber | 16,943 | 2.9% | $604,874 | $98,934 | $1,415 | 0.0094 |
| 33 | Holladay | 31,563 | 3.1% | $738,414 | $106,099 | $1,505 | 0.0835 |
| 34 | North Ogden | 21,065 | 3.2% | $495,123 | $101,766 | $1,419 | 0.0090 |
| 35 | Lindon | 11,478 | 3.7% | $667,420 | $101,188 | $1,389 | 0.0327 |
| 36 | Nephi | 6,507 | 0.7% | $416,654 | $89,026 | $1,040 | 0.0088 |
| 37 | North Salt Lake | 21,875 | 3.1% | $551,467 | $94,365 | $1,507 | 0.0196 |
| 38 | Hyde Park | 5,264 | 3.4% | $535,069 | $93,306 | $1,055 | 0.0153 |
| 39 | Washington | 29,161 | 0.8% | $546,786 | $94,655 | $1,328 | 0.0167 |
| 40 | Woods Cross | 11,432 | 2.3% | $501,407 | $101,742 | $1,417 | 0.0198 |
| 41 | Clinton | 23,389 | 5.3% | $471,171 | $102,712 | $1,710 | 0.0133 |
| 42 | Nibley | 7,373 | 2.6% | $484,518 | $100,108 | $1,449 | 0.0153 |
| 43 | American Fork | 33,986 | 3.3% | $514,944 | $90,490 | $1,583 | 0.0327 |
| 44 | Roy | 39,064 | 2.6% | $425,210 | $83,959 | $1,376 | 0.0121 |
| 45 | Vineyard | 12,663 | 1.8% | $538,594 | $94,018 | $1,729 | 0.0327 |
| 46 | North Logan | 10,981 | 2.2% | $494,144 | $80,597 | $1,413 | 0.0153 |
| 47 | Harrisville | 6,909 | 2.6% | $436,056 | $82,232 | $1,328 | 0.0333 |
| 48 | Springville | 35,195 | 2.7% | $482,657 | $84,699 | $1,367 | 0.0121 |
| 49 | West Haven | 18,334 | 1.8% | $541,856 | $92,425 | $1,553 | 0.0508 |
| 50 | Layton | 81,726 | 2.3% | $502,176 | $93,453 | $1,314 | 0.0189 |
| 51 | Enoch | 7,563 | 3.3% | $431,273 | $74,438 | $1,112 | 0.0040 |
| 52 | Eagle Mountain | 46,109 | 3.4% | $518,567 | $100,837 | $1,740 | 0.0327 |
| 53 | Santaquin | 14,463 | 3.1% | $483,728 | $91,301 | $1,122 | 0.0088 |
| 54 | Payson | 21,529 | 4.9% | $450,962 | $81,387 | $1,258 | 0.0099 |
| 55 | Murray | 50,041 | 3.2% | $519,317 | $81,693 | $1,376 | 0.0529 |
| 56 | South Ogden | 17,476 | 2.1% | $419,515 | $80,762 | $1,252 | 0.0138 |
| 57 | Orem | 97,100 | 3.4% | $484,882 | $77,568 | $1,290 | 0.0188 |
| 58 | Hooper | 9,080 | 2.0% | $598,358 | $103,661 | $0 | 0.0508 |
| 59 | St. George | 96,174 | 3.3% | $502,643 | $69,333 | $1,335 | 0.0136 |
| 60 | Santa Clara | 7,625 | 3.4% | $533,956 | $91,625 | $1,813 | 0.0352 |
| 61 | Logan | 53,246 | 2.5% | $383,131 | $52,473 | $976 | 0.0153 |
| 62 | Hyrum | 9,680 | 3.3% | $421,932 | $75,951 | $953 | 0.0153 |
| 63 | West Jordan | 116,383 | 4.2% | $525,155 | $99,002 | $1,489 | 0.0248 |
| 64 | Ivins | 9,174 | 6.2% | $581,574 | $67,354 | $1,497 | 0.0352 |
| 65 | Grantsville | 12,939 | 4.5% | $501,504 | $94,260 | $964 | 0.0110 |
| 66 | Washington Terrace | 9,220 | 2.9% | $387,788 | $72,558 | $1,085 | 0.0508 |
| 67 | Ephraim | 5,739 | 8.4% | $427,176 | $70,677 | $907 | 0.0087 |
| 68 | Provo | 114,400 | 4.4% | $459,320 | $57,943 | $1,089 | 0.0154 |
| 69 | Moab | 5,329 | 2.2% | $553,694 | $52,385 | $963 | 0.0272 |
| 70 | Tremonton | 10,273 | 2.5% | $393,053 | $67,335 | $1,020 | 0.0169 |
| 71 | Clearfield | 32,369 | 3.0% | $412,470 | $69,889 | $1,372 | 0.0178 |
| 72 | Sunset | 5,443 | 3.1% | $370,865 | $64,604 | $1,046 | 0.0182 |
| 73 | Midvale | 35,609 | 3.0% | $470,067 | $70,742 | $1,379 | 0.0835 |
| 74 | Vernal | 10,141 | 8.9% | $265,391 | $58,869 | $786 | 0.0096 |
| 75 | Richfield | 8,213 | 5.3% | $313,784 | $70,477 | $756 | 0.0328 |
| 76 | Riverdale | 9,313 | 4.4% | $447,847 | $73,642 | $1,267 | 0.0508 |
| 77 | Price | 8,174 | 8.2% | $278,094 | $47,724 | $800 | 0.0150 |
| 78 | Hurricane | 20,609 | 3.2% | $486,730 | $64,182 | $1,147 | 0.0181 |
| 79 | Tooele | 36,315 | 3.9% | $424,381 | $84,225 | $1,117 | 0.0239 |
| 80 | Taylorsville | 59,729 | 4.5% | $473,731 | $81,417 | $1,345 | 0.0835 |
| 81 | Ogden | 86,754 | 4.3% | $374,519 | $66,226 | $1,056 | 0.0310 |
| 82 | South Salt Lake | 26,315 | 4.8% | $426,533 | $57,125 | $1,190 | 0.0835 |
| 83 | Roosevelt | 6,884 | 6.8% | $307,294 | $66,552 | $855 | 0.0292 |