UtahPop. 101,995Mid-size cities
Is St. George a Good Place to Live? St. George, Utah: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
St. George ranks #547 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #80 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 20 in Utah. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.2 min, #9 of 256) and fast population growth (+2%, #17 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
St. George by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with St. George'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 St. George?
St. George's cost of living index is 97.3, 3% below the US level of 100 and #556 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,545/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $496,100.
| Measure | St. George | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 97.3#556 of 1,308 | 98.9 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $496,100#979 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,545/mo#750 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.5x#1108 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.2%#920 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.
Is St. George safe?
St. George recorded 191 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% below the US rate of 328 and 19% below Utah's 236. That ranks #338 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #49 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by St. George Police Department. Property crime runs 830 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | St. George | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 191#338 of 1,085 | 236 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 830#149 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 St. George?
The median household in St. George earns $76,508, 8% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below Utah ($96,658). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | St. George | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $76,508#680 of 1,312 | $96,658 | $80,112 | $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 12.6% | 11.4%#608 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +2%#100 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 St. George?
The median resident of St. George is 38.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 36.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #556 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | St. George | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 38.3 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 36.7%#556 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 66.7% | 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 St. George's schools and health?
St. George's 27 public schools graduate 93.2% of students in four years (Utah 88.2%), with 22.1 students per teacher and $9,074 spent per pupil. 32.9% of adults are obese and 10.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | St. George | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 93.2%#166 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 22.1#1030 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $9,074#1180 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 32.9%#604 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.6%#524 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16%#410 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 10.9%#764 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. 18,494 students are enrolled in St. George's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in St. George?
The average commute in St. George is 17.2 minutes (Utah 23.2); 0.7% of workers take transit and 14.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index St. George scores 9 of 20 (below average walkable), #835 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 84.1°F and winters 42.5°F, with 9.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | St. George | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 17.2 min#149 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.9%#171 of 1,312 | 5.5% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 70.8% | 67.7% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.7% | 1.9% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.7% | 2.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 14.2% | 15.7% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 9#835 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 | 54 | 28.4 | 1.2 |
| Feb | 59.3 | 32.4 | 1.4 |
| Mar | 67.8 | 39 | 1 |
| Apr | 75 | 45.7 | 0.7 |
| May | 85.4 | 55.5 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 96.4 | 64.5 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 101.9 | 71.7 | 0.5 |
| Aug | 99.9 | 70.3 | 1.1 |
| Sep | 92.4 | 60.7 | 0.7 |
| Oct | 78.8 | 47.3 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 63.8 | 34.7 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 53 | 27.9 | 0.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at St George.
| Measure | St. George | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 62.7°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 84.1°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 42.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 9.3 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 St George.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in St. George?
Washington County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 75% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.36% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | St. George | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.36%#1148 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 Washington County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Washington County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.21% | 100% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 83% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0053% | 67% 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 St. George compare with similar-size cities?
St. George is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #80 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 101,995.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. George, UTPop. 101,995 | #547 | 57.3 | $76,508 | $1,545/mo | 191 | 17.2 min |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #288 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 | 16.3 min |
| Conroe, TXPop. 102,360 | #630 | 56.2 | $76,206 | $1,393/mo | 263 | 28.6 min |
| Fishers, INPop. 102,337 | #53 | 70.7 | $130,203 | $1,611/mo | 78 | 26.7 min |
| Highlands Ranch, COPop. 102,257 | #109 | 68.0 | $159,307 | $2,531/mo | no data | 24.2 min |
| Quincy, MAPop. 102,114 | #150 | 66.1 | $98,882 | $2,118/mo | 302 | 34.7 min |
| Daly City, CAPop. 101,964 | #303 | 62.0 | $123,547 | $2,551/mo | 254 | 28.8 min |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #1020 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 | 19.4 min |
| Albany, NYPop. 100,492 | #700 | 54.9 | $61,986 | $1,216/mo | 832 | 20 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 St. George compare with the rest of Utah?
St. George ranks #14 of the 20 Utah cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against Utah's statewide 75.4. Its households earn 21% below the Utah median. Violent crime is 19% below the statewide rate.
| 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 St. George's score calculated?
St. George scores 57.3 out of 100, #547 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 St. George. Similar-size median 52.9.
56.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by St. George's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
88.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in St. George. Similar-size median 53.8.
59.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in St. George's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
41.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
St. George's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
59.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in St. George. Similar-size median 51.2.
52.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in St. George. Similar-size median 42.1.
62.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in St. George. Similar-size median 50.1.
55.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across St. George's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
42.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
30.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: St. George'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 St. George 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 St. George
Is St. George, UT a good place to live?
St. George ranks #547 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #80 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 20 in Utah. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.2 min, #9 of 256) and fast population growth (+2%, #17 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in St. George?
St. George's cost of living index is 97.3, 3% below the US level of 100 and #556 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,545/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $496,100.
What is the crime rate in St. George?
St. George recorded 191 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% below the US rate of 328 and 19% below Utah's 236. That ranks #338 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #49 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by St. George Police Department. Property crime runs 830 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in St. George?
The median household in St. George earns $76,508, 8% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below Utah ($96,658). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in St. George?
Median rent in St. George is $1,545/mo (Census), #750 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 24.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in St. George?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in St. George is $496,100, #979 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in St. George?
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How long is the commute in St. George?
The average commute is 17.2 minutes, #149 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Utah. 2.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in St. George?
St. George averages 62.7°F over the year, 84.1°F in summer and 42.5°F in winter, with 9.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is St. George walkable?
St. George scores 9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #835 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 St. George at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.36% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in St. George?
Washington County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 75% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in St. George?
St. George has 101,995 residents. The median resident of St. George is 38.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 36.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #556 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does St. George compare with the rest of Utah?
St. George ranks #14 of the 20 Utah cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against Utah's statewide 75.4. Its households earn 21% below the Utah median. Violent crime is 19% below the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to St. George?
The tracked cities in other states closest to St. George's population of 101,995 are Bend, OR (#288 overall), Conroe, TX (#630 overall), Fishers, IN (#53 overall), Highlands Ranch, CO (#109 overall), and Quincy, MA (#150 overall). St. George is #547.