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Is Orem a Good Place to Live? Orem, Utah: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Orem ranks #440 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #205 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in Utah. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (93.1%, #79 of 437) and short commutes (20.1 min, #99 of 524), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.2%, #457 of 468).
Orem by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Orem's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Orem?
Orem's cost of living index is 98.2, 2% below the US level of 100 and #593 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,438/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $501,606, 6% below the typical Utah home ($534,582).
| Measure | Orem | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 98.2#593 of 1,308 | 98.9 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $501,606#814 of 1,187 | $534,582 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,517/mo#352 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $472,300#933 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,438/mo#667 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.7x#982 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.7%#534 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Utah is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Orem housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Orem is in the Provo-Orem, UT metro.
Utah housing market →Is Orem safe?
Orem recorded 134 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 59% below the US rate of 328 and 43% below Utah's 236. That ranks #203 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #85 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Orem Police Department. Property crime runs 1,243 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Orem | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 134#203 of 1,085 | 236 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,243#331 of 1,085 | 1,416 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Utah is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Orem?
The median household in Orem earns $83,342, in line with the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Utah ($96,658). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Orem | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $83,342#559 of 1,312 | $96,658 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 3.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 10.2%#519 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -1.2%#1103 of 1,132 | +1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Utah is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Orem?
The median resident of Orem is 27 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 43.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #375 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Orem | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 27 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 43.6%#375 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 57.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Orem's schools and health?
Orem's 20 public schools graduate 93.1% of students in four years (Utah 88.2%), with 23.8 students per teacher and $9,204 spent per pupil. 30.3% of adults are obese and 7.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Orem | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93.1%#170 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 23.8#1131 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $9,204#1177 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 30.3%#410 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.7%#80 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.1%#657 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.5%#827 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Utah is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 16,104 students are enrolled in Orem's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Orem?
The average commute in Orem is 20.1 minutes (Utah 23.2); 2.3% of workers take transit and 16.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Orem scores 14.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #113 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.6°F and winters 34.3°F, with 17.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Orem | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 20.1 min#349 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5%#570 of 1,312 | 5.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 66.6% | 67.7% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.3% | 1.9% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2% | 2.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 16.5% | 15.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.3#113 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Utah is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41.2 | 23.8 | 2 |
| Feb | 47.6 | 27.5 | 1.6 |
| Mar | 58.4 | 34.6 | 1.6 |
| Apr | 65.6 | 39.7 | 1.9 |
| May | 75.7 | 47.4 | 2 |
| Jun | 87.2 | 55 | 0.9 |
| Jul | 95.2 | 62.3 | 0.5 |
| Aug | 92.9 | 61 | 0.7 |
| Sep | 83.1 | 52 | 1.2 |
| Oct | 68.5 | 40.9 | 1.6 |
| Nov | 53.2 | 31.6 | 1.4 |
| Dec | 41.4 | 24.4 | 1.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Provo Byu.
| Measure | Orem | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 54.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 34.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 17.2 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Provo Byu.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Orem?
Utah County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 56% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Utah County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 72% of US counties.
| Measure | Orem | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 48#788 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.2%#932 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Utah County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Utah County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.08% | 96% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.032% | 93% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.062% | 25% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Orem compare with similar-size cities?
Orem is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #205 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 97,182.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orem, UTPop. 97,182 | #440 | 59.2 | $83,342 | $1,438/mo | 134 | 20.1 min |
| Beaverton, ORPop. 97,812 | #402 | 60.0 | $98,622 | $1,826/mo | 253 | 24.1 min |
| Deltona, FLPop. 97,334 | #1025 | 49.6 | $76,924 | $1,711/mo | part year | 34 min |
| Portsmouth, VAPop. 97,190 | #1074 | 48.4 | $60,491 | $1,300/mo | 773 | 23.7 min |
| Tracy, CAPop. 96,966 | #565 | 57.1 | $121,119 | $2,478/mo | 194 | 42.5 min |
| Yakima, WAPop. 96,961 | #1111 | 47.7 | $62,815 | $1,117/mo | 522 | 17.8 min |
| Edmond, OKPop. 96,825 | #229 | 63.7 | $103,183 | $1,344/mo | 139 | 23.3 min |
| Lawrence, KSPop. 96,051 | #637 | 56.0 | $65,009 | $1,091/mo | 441 | 19.8 min |
| Reading, PAPop. 95,242 | #1177 | 45.8 | $44,091 | $1,067/mo | 258 | 24.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Orem compare with the rest of Utah?
Orem ranks #10 of the 20 Utah cities we track, with a score of 59.2 against Utah's statewide 75.4. Its households earn 14% below the Utah median. Violent crime is 43% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical Utah home.
| City | Rank in UT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Jordan, UTPop. 82,686 | #1 | 67.3 | $134,047 | $1,991/mo | 113 |
| Riverton, UTPop. 45,457 | #2 | 66.3 | $126,910 | $2,137/mo | 62 |
| Herriman, UTPop. 59,346 | #3 | 65.6 | $122,650 | $2,019/mo | 64 |
| Bountiful, UTPop. 45,023 | #4 | 62.5 | $104,785 | $1,565/mo | 167 |
| Draper, UTPop. 50,278 | #5 | 62.2 | $128,910 | $1,894/mo | 192 |
| Lehi, UTPop. 85,173 | #6 | 62.1 | $131,299 | $1,964/mo | part year |
| Layton, UTPop. 83,286 | #7 | 62.0 | $102,480 | $1,538/mo | 141 |
| Sandy, UTPop. 94,291 | #8 | 60.9 | $112,176 | $1,777/mo | 221 |
| Millcreek, UTPop. 63,648 | #9 | 60.8 | $98,045 | $1,492/mo | no data |
| Orem, UTPop. 97,182 | #10 | 59.2 | $83,342 | $1,438/mo | 134 |
| Eagle Mountain, UTPop. 53,290 | #11 | 59.0 | $113,648 | $2,020/mo | no data |
| West Jordan, UTPop. 116,692 | #12 | 58.8 | $108,153 | $1,757/mo | 313 |
| Murray, UTPop. 50,188 | #13 | 58.7 | $90,746 | $1,500/mo | 165 |
| St. George, UTPop. 101,995 | #14 | 57.3 | $76,508 | $1,545/mo | 191 |
| Provo, UTPop. 114,766 | #15 | 56.3 | $64,171 | $1,193/mo | 177 |
| Taylorsville, UTPop. 58,678 | #16 | 54.5 | $86,413 | $1,482/mo | 187 |
| Logan, UTPop. 54,907 | #17 | 54.3 | $60,687 | $1,149/mo | 178 |
| Ogden, UTPop. 87,413 | #18 | 53.5 | $72,575 | $1,216/mo | 445 |
| West Valley City, UTPop. 138,437 | #19 | 52.9 | $92,209 | $1,504/mo | 383 |
| Salt Lake City, UTPop. 208,007 | #20 | 49.8 | $75,090 | $1,414/mo | 862 |
All 20 Utah cities we track, by overall score. Utah statewide: median income $96,658, violent crime 235.7 per 100,000.
How is Orem's score calculated?
Orem scores 59.2 out of 100, #440 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Utah's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Orem. Similar-size median 55.5.
59.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Orem's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
89.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Orem. Similar-size median 58.9.
66.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Orem's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
38.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Orem's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
61.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Orem. Similar-size median 56.1.
57.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Orem. Similar-size median 42.4.
30.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Orem. Similar-size median 50.0.
59.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Orem's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
70.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
36.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Orem's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Orem has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Orem
Is Orem, UT a good place to live?
Orem ranks #440 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #205 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in Utah. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (93.1%, #79 of 437) and short commutes (20.1 min, #99 of 524), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.2%, #457 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Orem?
Orem's cost of living index is 98.2, 2% below the US level of 100 and #593 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,438/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $501,606, 6% below the typical Utah home ($534,582).
What is the crime rate in Orem?
Orem recorded 134 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 59% below the US rate of 328 and 43% below Utah's 236. That ranks #203 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #85 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Orem Police Department. Property crime runs 1,243 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Orem?
The median household in Orem earns $83,342, in line with the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Utah ($96,658). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Orem?
Median rent in Orem is $1,438/mo (Census), #667 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,517/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Orem?
The typical home value in Orem is $501,606, up 3% in a year, against $534,582 for Utah and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $472,300.
How are the public schools in Orem?
Orem's 20 public schools graduate 93.1% of students in four years (Utah 88.2%), with 23.8 students per teacher and $9,204 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Orem?
The average commute is 20.1 minutes, #349 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Utah. 5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Orem?
Orem averages 54.6°F over the year, 75.6°F in summer and 34.3°F in winter, with 17.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Orem walkable?
Orem scores 14.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #113 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Orem at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Utah County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 72% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Orem?
Utah County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 56% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Orem?
Orem has 97,182 residents. The median resident of Orem is 27 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 43.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #375 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Orem compare with the rest of Utah?
Orem ranks #10 of the 20 Utah cities we track, with a score of 59.2 against Utah's statewide 75.4. Its households earn 14% below the Utah median. Violent crime is 43% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical Utah home.
What cities are similar in size to Orem?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Orem's population of 97,182 are Beaverton, OR (#402 overall), Deltona, FL (#1025 overall), Portsmouth, VA (#1074 overall), Tracy, CA (#565 overall), and Yakima, WA (#1111 overall). Orem is #440.