UtahPop. 138,437Mid-size cities
Is West Valley City a Good Place to Live? West Valley City, Utah: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
West Valley City ranks #821 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #142 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 20 in Utah. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (76.6%, #191 of 205) and a shrinking population (-0.6%, #217 of 241).
West Valley City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with West Valley City'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 West Valley City?
West Valley City's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,504/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $465,915, 13% below the typical Utah home ($534,582).
| Measure | West Valley City | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 100.9#710 of 1,308 | 98.9 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $465,915#758 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 | $1,586/mo#406 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $419,100#831 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,504/mo#724 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 19.6%#407 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.
West Valley City 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. West Valley City is in the Salt Lake City, UT metro.
Utah housing market →Is West Valley City safe?
West Valley City recorded 383 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% above the US rate of 328 and 62% above Utah's 236. That ranks #695 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #134 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West Valley Police Department. Property crime runs 1,663 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | West Valley City | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 383#695 of 1,085 | 236 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,663#557 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 West Valley City?
The median household in West Valley City earns $92,209, 11% above the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below Utah ($96,658). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | West Valley City | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $92,209#435 of 1,312 | $96,658 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 3.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 9.9%#488 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 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 West Valley City?
The median resident of West Valley City is 31.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 16.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1246 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | West Valley City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 31.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 16.1%#1246 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 72.1% | 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 West Valley City's schools and health?
West Valley City's 34 public schools graduate 76.6% of students in four years (Utah 88.2%), with 22.3 students per teacher and $10,599 spent per pupil. 33.5% of adults are obese and 10.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | West Valley City | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 76.6%#963 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 22.3#1042 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $10,599#1107 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 33.5%#655 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% | 19.5%#1113 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 19.8%#1215 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. 23,563 students are enrolled in West Valley City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in West Valley City?
The average commute in West Valley City is 22.6 minutes (Utah 23.2); 1.8% of workers take transit and 11.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index West Valley City scores 12.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.3°F and winters 33.4°F, with 15.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | West Valley City | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 22.6 min#556 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.1%#411 of 1,312 | 5.5% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 69.8% | 67.7% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.8% | 1.9% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 2.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 11.9% | 15.7% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.8#355 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 | 38.6 | 24.2 | 1.4 |
| Feb | 44.7 | 28.6 | 1.3 |
| Mar | 55.3 | 36.3 | 1.8 |
| Apr | 61.9 | 41.8 | 2.2 |
| May | 72.6 | 50.4 | 1.8 |
| Jun | 84.1 | 59.1 | 1 |
| Jul | 94 | 68.2 | 0.5 |
| Aug | 91.7 | 66.6 | 0.6 |
| Sep | 80.6 | 56.3 | 1.1 |
| Oct | 65.5 | 43.6 | 1.3 |
| Nov | 50.7 | 32.8 | 1.3 |
| Dec | 39 | 25.3 | 1.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Salt Lake City International Airport.
| Measure | West Valley City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 54.7°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 77.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 33.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 15.5 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 Salt Lake City International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in West Valley City?
Salt Lake County's air had a median air quality index of 57, and 33% of measured days were rated good; 16 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Salt Lake County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
| Measure | West Valley City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 57#995 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 16#949 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.18%#844 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 Salt Lake County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Salt Lake County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.11% | 98% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.014% | 87% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.041% | 5% 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 West Valley City compare with similar-size cities?
West Valley City is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #142 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 138,437.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Valley City, UTPop. 138,437 | #821 | 52.9 | $92,209 | $1,504/mo | 383 | 22.6 min |
| Metairie, LAPop. 139,729 | #1147 | 46.7 | $73,042 | $1,175/mo | no data | 21.7 min |
| Columbia, SCPop. 139,643 | #977 | 50.4 | $55,529 | $1,204/mo | 791 | 17.7 min |
| Miramar, FLPop. 138,600 | #482 | 58.3 | $89,125 | $2,117/mo | 121 | 31.1 min |
| Orange, CAPop. 138,266 | #431 | 59.4 | $117,113 | $2,327/mo | 196 | 25.8 min |
| Warren, MIPop. 137,928 | #1032 | 49.4 | $64,016 | $1,225/mo | 497 | 24.9 min |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #694 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 | 22.5 min |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #858 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 | 26.7 min |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #383 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 | 18.6 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 West Valley City compare with the rest of Utah?
West Valley City ranks #19 of the 20 Utah cities we track, with a score of 52.9 against Utah's statewide 75.4. Its households earn 5% below the Utah median. Violent crime is 62% above the statewide rate. Homes are 13% 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 West Valley City's score calculated?
West Valley City scores 52.9 out of 100, #821 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 West Valley City. Similar-size median 52.9.
60.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by West Valley City's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
70.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in West Valley City. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in West Valley City's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
27.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
West Valley City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
61.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in West Valley City. Similar-size median 51.2.
62.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in West Valley City. Similar-size median 42.1.
35.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in West Valley City. Similar-size median 50.1.
50.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across West Valley City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
62.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
30.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: West Valley City'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 West Valley City 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 West Valley City
Is West Valley City, UT a good place to live?
West Valley City ranks #821 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #142 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 20 in Utah. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (76.6%, #191 of 205) and a shrinking population (-0.6%, #217 of 241).
What is the cost of living in West Valley City?
West Valley City's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,504/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $465,915, 13% below the typical Utah home ($534,582).
What is the crime rate in West Valley City?
West Valley City recorded 383 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% above the US rate of 328 and 62% above Utah's 236. That ranks #695 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #134 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West Valley Police Department. Property crime runs 1,663 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in West Valley City?
The median household in West Valley City earns $92,209, 11% above the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below Utah ($96,658). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in West Valley City?
Median rent in West Valley City is $1,504/mo (Census), #724 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,586/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in West Valley City?
The typical home value in West Valley City is $465,915, up 0.4% in a year, against $534,582 for Utah and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $419,100.
How are the public schools in West Valley City?
West Valley City's 34 public schools graduate 76.6% of students in four years (Utah 88.2%), with 22.3 students per teacher and $10,599 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in West Valley City?
The average commute is 22.6 minutes, #556 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Utah. 4.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in West Valley City?
West Valley City averages 54.7°F over the year, 77.3°F in summer and 33.4°F in winter, with 15.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is West Valley City walkable?
West Valley City scores 12.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #355 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 West Valley City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Salt Lake County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
How is the air quality in West Valley City?
Salt Lake County's air had a median air quality index of 57, and 33% of measured days were rated good; 16 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in West Valley City?
West Valley City has 138,437 residents. The median resident of West Valley City is 31.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 16.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1246 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does West Valley City compare with the rest of Utah?
West Valley City ranks #19 of the 20 Utah cities we track, with a score of 52.9 against Utah's statewide 75.4. Its households earn 5% below the Utah median. Violent crime is 62% above the statewide rate. Homes are 13% below the typical Utah home.
What cities are similar in size to West Valley City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to West Valley City's population of 138,437 are Metairie, LA (#1147 overall), Columbia, SC (#977 overall), Miramar, FL (#482 overall), Orange, CA (#431 overall), and Warren, MI (#1032 overall). West Valley City is #821.