Best Cities for Families in Utah
Why Utah Works for Families
Utah is one of the very best state for families, ranking #3 out of 50. With excellent schools, a low violent crime rate of 228 per 100K residents, and a median household income of $87,804, the state offers a solid foundation for raising children. Housing costs track close to the national average with a cost-of-living index of 95.
Education is the single most important factor for families choosing where to live, and Utah delivers on this front. The state's high school graduation rate stands at 88%, roughly in line with national norms. School quality has been a consistent strength, reflected in an education score of 94/100. Childcare runs $10,378 annually for infants β a meaningful expense but in line with national norms.
Safety is the other pillar of family-friendly living. Utah excels here with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the country at 228 incidents per 100,000 residents. With a cost-of-living index of 95, household expenses are close to the national norm β neither a major advantage nor a dealbreaker.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Families
| # | City | Grade | Families Score | Overall | Education | Safety | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Millcreek | A+ | 67.8 | 65.5 | 94 | 76 | 57 | 63,342 |
| 2 | Lehi | A+ | 62.8 | 66.0 | 36 | 96 | 62 | 90,229 |
| 3 | Herriman | A+ | 61.3 | 63.9 | 38 | 97 | 54 | 57,336 |
| 4 | Riverton | A+ | 61.0 | 64.0 | 39 | 97 | 55 | 44,944 |
| 5 | South Jordan | A | 61.0 | 63.5 | 40 | 93 | 60 | 84,508 |
| 6 | Bountiful | A | 60.7 | 61.0 | 40 | 99 | 60 | 45,093 |
| 7 | Logan | B | 60.1 | 55.1 | 44 | 83 | 75 | 53,923 |
| 8 | Provo | B | 59.6 | 54.8 | 45 | 86 | 71 | 113,355 |
| 9 | Layton | B+ | 59.0 | 58.5 | 42 | 88 | 68 | 83,523 |
| 10 | St. George | B | 58.3 | 56.1 | 40 | 88 | 68 | 104,592 |
| 11 | Orem | B | 58.2 | 56.1 | 39 | 86 | 69 | 95,514 |
| 12 | Draper | A | 58.0 | 60.7 | 40 | 85 | 56 | 50,159 |
| 13 | Eagle Mountain | A | 57.4 | 61.9 | 37 | 76 | 56 | 49,514 |
| 14 | Sandy | B+ | 57.0 | 58.0 | 43 | 78 | 62 | 91,934 |
| 15 | West Jordan | B | 54.7 | 56.4 | 35 | 73 | 66 | 114,908 |
| 16 | Murray | B | 52.6 | 54.8 | 34 | 58 | 67 | 49,904 |
| 17 | Taylorsville | C+ | 51.6 | 51.8 | 22 | 76 | 69 | 59,010 |
| 18 | Ogden | C+ | 51.4 | 49.8 | 43 | 55 | 75 | 87,272 |
| 19 | West Valley City | C+ | 51.3 | 51.3 | 27 | 76 | 63 | 134,466 |
| 20 | Salt Lake City | C | 43.5 | 48.5 | 34 | 10 | 67 | 209,606 |