Utah
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
Utah vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in Utah
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Layton | A+ | 82.2 | 82,198 | $104,869 | 221 | 91 |
| 2 | Lehi | A | 81.0 | 75,907 | $77,527 | 223 | 97 |
| 3 | Provo | B+ | 80.1 | 115,162 | $87,943 | 216 | 95 |
| 4 | Ogden | B | 79.7 | 87,321 | $87,616 | 186 | 108 |
| 5 | Draper | B | 79.7 | 51,116 | $85,976 | 204 | 103 |
| 6 | Park City | C+ | 76.7 | 8,376 | $77,239 | 288 | 101 |
| 7 | Orem | C | 75.7 | 97,883 | $104,166 | 162 | 90 |
| 8 | Salt Lake City | C | 75.3 | 200,133 | $87,261 | 164 | 112 |
| 9 | St. George | D | 73.3 | 95,342 | $79,579 | 222 | 97 |
| 10 | Sandy | F | 70.7 | 96,904 | $83,372 | 246 | 116 |
More West States
Utah Rankings Overview
Utah earns an overall grade of A+ with a composite score of 77.4 out of 100, ranking #2 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Education (94/100) while its biggest challenge is Affordability (56/100).
Economy & Employment in Utah
With an unemployment rate of 3.2% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Utah performs above average on economic indicators. The median household income is $87,804, which ranks above the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Utah
Utah's violent crime rate of 228 per 100,000 residents places it in the top half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Utah
Utah ranks #5 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #4 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Utah's overall ranking?
Utah ranks #2 out of 50 states with a composite score of 77.4/100 and a grade of A+.
Is Utah a good place to live?
Utah ranks among the top-performing states in America with a composite score of 77.4/100. Its strengths in areas like economic opportunity and public safety make it an attractive place to live for many residents.
What is the crime rate in Utah?
The violent crime rate in Utah is 228 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Utah's economy compare?
Utah's median household income is $87,804 with an unemployment rate of 3.2%. The unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is above the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Utah?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Utah are Layton, Lehi, and Provo.