UtahPop. 114,766Mid-size cities
Is Provo a Good Place to Live? Provo, Utah: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Provo ranks #625 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #102 of 256 mid-size cities and #15 of 20 in Utah. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.2%, #18 of 241) and short commutes (18.4 min, #20 of 256), and trails on high poverty (23%, #232 of 256) and a shrinking population (-0.5%, #213 of 241).
Provo by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Provo'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 Provo?
Provo'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 $1,193/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $480,829, 10% below the typical Utah home ($534,582).
| Measure | Provo | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 98.2#593 of 1,308 | 98.9 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $480,829#782 of 1,187 | $534,582 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,602/mo#423 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $467,200#923 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,193/mo#430 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 7.3x#1173 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.3%#711 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Provo 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. Provo is in the Provo-Orem, UT metro.
Utah housing market →Is Provo safe?
Provo recorded 177 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 46% below the US rate of 328 and 25% below Utah's 236. That ranks #303 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #43 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Provo Police Department. Property crime runs 1,119 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Provo | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 177#303 of 1,085 | 236 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,119#273 of 1,085 | 1,416 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Provo?
The median household in Provo earns $64,171, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below Utah ($96,658). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 23% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Provo | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $64,171#946 of 1,312 | $96,658 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.2%#155 of 1,058 | 3.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 23%#1189 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.5%#952 of 1,132 | +1% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Utah is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Provo?
The median resident of Provo is 23.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 45.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #344 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Provo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 23.6 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 45.2%#344 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 39.4% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Provo's schools and health?
Provo's 20 public schools graduate 89.3% of students in four years (Utah 88.2%), with 20.4 students per teacher and $11,102 spent per pupil. 30.7% of adults are obese and 6.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Provo | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 89.3%#449 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 20.4#955 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $11,102#1053 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 30.7%#436 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 6.1%#22 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 21.5%#1271 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 12.6%#923 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Utah is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 15,333 students are enrolled in Provo's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Provo?
The average commute in Provo is 18.4 minutes (Utah 23.2); 5.1% of workers take transit and 16.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Provo scores 12.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #444 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 | Provo | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 18.4 min#215 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 5.5% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 56.5% | 67.7% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5.1% | 1.9% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 10.2% | 2.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.2% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 16.1% | 15.7% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.3#444 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | Provo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 54.6°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 75.6°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 34.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 17.2 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Provo?
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 | Provo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 48#788 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.2%#932 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Provo compare with similar-size cities?
Provo is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #102 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 114,766.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provo, UTPop. 114,766 | #625 | 56.3 | $64,171 | $1,193/mo | 177 | 18.4 min |
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #546 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 | 23.9 min |
| Westminster, COPop. 115,484 | #474 | 58.5 | $100,272 | $1,882/mo | 288 | 27 min |
| Odessa, TXPop. 115,322 | #826 | 52.8 | $73,472 | $1,315/mo | 286 | 22.4 min |
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #432 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 | 28.2 min |
| Waterbury, CTPop. 114,869 | #1059 | 48.7 | $51,886 | $1,225/mo | 295 | 28 min |
| Carlsbad, CAPop. 114,373 | #336 | 61.2 | $142,748 | $2,808/mo | 212 | 27.1 min |
| Las Cruces, NMPop. 114,197 | #1047 | 49.0 | $55,422 | $974/mo | 496 | 18.9 min |
| Pompano Beach, FLPop. 114,147 | #1030 | 49.5 | $67,195 | $1,724/mo | part year | 27.1 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 Provo compare with the rest of Utah?
Provo ranks #15 of the 20 Utah cities we track, with a score of 56.3 against Utah's statewide 75.4. Its households earn 34% below the Utah median. Violent crime is 25% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% 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 Provo's score calculated?
Provo scores 56.3 out of 100, #625 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 Provo. Similar-size median 52.9.
52.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Provo's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
87.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Provo. Similar-size median 53.8.
60.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Provo's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
44.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Provo's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
64.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Provo. Similar-size median 51.2.
25.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Provo. Similar-size median 42.1.
39.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Provo. Similar-size median 50.1.
72.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Provo's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
59.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
36.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Provo's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Provo 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 Provo
Is Provo, UT a good place to live?
Provo ranks #625 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #102 of 256 mid-size cities and #15 of 20 in Utah. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.2%, #18 of 241) and short commutes (18.4 min, #20 of 256), and trails on high poverty (23%, #232 of 256) and a shrinking population (-0.5%, #213 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Provo?
Provo'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 $1,193/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $480,829, 10% below the typical Utah home ($534,582).
What is the crime rate in Provo?
Provo recorded 177 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 46% below the US rate of 328 and 25% below Utah's 236. That ranks #303 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #43 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Provo Police Department. Property crime runs 1,119 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Provo?
The median household in Provo earns $64,171, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below Utah ($96,658). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 23% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Provo?
Median rent in Provo is $1,193/mo (Census), #430 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,602/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Provo?
The typical home value in Provo is $480,829, up 1.6% in a year, against $534,582 for Utah and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $467,200.
How are the public schools in Provo?
Provo's 20 public schools graduate 89.3% of students in four years (Utah 88.2%), with 20.4 students per teacher and $11,102 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Provo?
The average commute is 18.4 minutes, #215 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Utah. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Provo?
Provo 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 Provo walkable?
Provo scores 12.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #444 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 Provo 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 Provo?
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 Provo?
Provo has 114,766 residents. The median resident of Provo is 23.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 45.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #344 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Provo compare with the rest of Utah?
Provo ranks #15 of the 20 Utah cities we track, with a score of 56.3 against Utah's statewide 75.4. Its households earn 34% below the Utah median. Violent crime is 25% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% below the typical Utah home.
What cities are similar in size to Provo?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Provo's population of 114,766 are Manchester, NH (#546 overall), Westminster, CO (#474 overall), Odessa, TX (#826 overall), Elgin, IL (#432 overall), and Waterbury, CT (#1059 overall). Provo is #625.