Best Cities for Retirees in Utah
Utah ranks #12 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 72.7. South Jordan is its best city for retirees at 66.2.
- Utah, all states
- #12 of 50
- Population
- 82,686
Why Utah Works for Retirees
Utah ranks #12 nationally for retirees, making it a strong destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's strong fiscal health (71/100) and moderate overall tax burden of 9.46% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Utah's health score of 69/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure — life expectancy here is 79 years, above the national average. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 9.46% of income. The 4.55% income tax rate is relatively modest. Property taxes run 0.55% (effective rate), which is among the lowest in the nation.
At $534,582, the typical home is worth more than the 50-state average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 76/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1South Jordan | A+ | 66.2 | 67.3 | 73 | 92 | 46 | 82,686 |
| 2Riverton | A | 64.6 | 66.3 | 68 | 89 | 46 | 45,457 |
| 3Bountiful | B+ | 64.1 | 62.5 | 64 | 73 | 56 | 45,023 |
| 4Herriman | A | 62.2 | 65.6 | 69 | 85 | 48 | 59,346 |
| 5Sandy | B+ | 61.9 | 60.9 | 69 | 79 | 50 | 94,291 |
| 6Layton | B+ | 61.7 | 62.0 | 61 | 70 | 59 | 83,286 |
| 7Murray | B | 61.2 | 58.7 | 67 | 69 | 58 | 50,188 |
| 8Draper | B+ | 60.5 | 62.2 | 70 | 85 | 41 | 50,278 |
| 9Millcreek | B+ | 59.2 | 60.8 | 71 | 69 | 53 | 63,648 |
| 10Lehi | B+ | 58.9 | 62.1 | 73 | 88 | 49 | 85,173 |
| 11West Jordan | B+ | 58.6 | 58.8 | 63 | 76 | 55 | 116,692 |
| 12Orem | B+ | 58.4 | 59.2 | 67 | 58 | 61 | 97,182 |
| 13Taylorsville | C+ | 56.6 | 54.5 | 58 | 61 | 61 | 58,678 |
| 14Logan | C+ | 54.8 | 54.3 | 62 | 25 | 70 | 54,907 |
| 15Eagle Mountain | B+ | 54.7 | 59.0 | 69 | 83 | 52 | 53,290 |
| 16St. George | B | 54.0 | 57.3 | 60 | 53 | 60 | 101,995 |
| 17Ogden | C+ | 53.0 | 53.5 | 49 | 47 | 68 | 87,413 |
| 18West Valley City | C+ | 52.4 | 52.9 | 52 | 62 | 61 | 138,437 |
| 19Provo | B | 51.2 | 56.3 | 61 | 26 | 65 | 114,766 |
| 20Salt Lake City | C | 49.0 | 49.8 | 65 | 48 | 57 | 208,007 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Utah for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Utah a good state for retirees?
Utah ranks #12 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 72.7/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (76/100) and its weakest is Livability (20/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Utah?
South Jordan ranks #1 in Utah for retirees with a score of 66.2/100, followed by Riverton and Bountiful.
What factors are most important for retirees in Utah?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.