Salt Lake City, Utah: Fast Facts
Salt Lake City is the largest city in Utah with a current population of 200,831 as of 2021. Salt Lake City is one of two major urban areas in the Great Basin, the other being Reno Nevada. Salt Lake city is located East of the Great Salt Lake and West of the Wasatch Range.
There is a population growth rate of 0.07%. The median age for those who live in Salt Lake City is 32. 46% of residents in Salt Lake City have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
A variety of industries thrive in the Salt Lake City area. The first being Educational Services, followed by Health Care and Social Assistance.
The highest paid industry is Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction.
The city is known for being the religious center for Mormons.
The racial composition of Salt Lake City is 65% White, 20% Hispanic, and 2% Black.
“When I relocated to Utah back in 2009, I never expected to fall in love with Salt Lake City. I figured I would spend a few years working at my job, get itchy feet, and move away again. What I didn’t anticipate was how Salt Lake City would reach out and wrap its arms around my heart.”
Current Resident
Salt Lake City Neighborhoods
Downtown: This area is the heart and soul of Salt Lake City. A hub for art, restaurants, music, shopping, and nightlife. Downtown, you can visit a wide array of restaurants lining Broadway and Main Street. Visit the historic Temple Square, that Mormons built when first arriving in Salt Lake City. Farmer’s Markets, art galleries, live music, and Utah Jazz NBA allow for endless entertainment in Downtown.
Sugar House: This neighborhood is known as Salt Lake’s artesian flair. Being one of Salt Lake’s oldest neighborhoods, it is now the epicenter for eclectic local shops, restaurants, bookstores, and art galleries. This area is the #1 spot to shop in Salt Lake City. Sugar House Park is the crown jewel, with 110.5 acres of hills, mountain views, bike paths, a large lake, this is definitely a breathtaking experience.
Central City: Just East of Downtown, Central City is known for its outdoor attractions, art galleries, and Trolley Square (a partially enclosed shopping center in a historic trolley barn). The Gilgal Sculpture Garden is an outdoor art museum featuring Mormon scripture and historical statues. Central City’s Liberty Park is the perfect outdoor spot for a picnic by the pond, nike ride, or visiting the large greenhouse.
University/Foothill: This neighborhood is home to the University of Utah. This college town is not only meant for college students. With beautiful art museums, arboretums, and clubs, Foothill has plenty of entertainment. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is the perfect trail located on the hillside above the campus. The Red Butte Garden encompasses trials, a pond, an outdoor amphitheater, and gorgeous views.
Capitol Hill: In Capitol Hill you can get the best view in the city. At the high elevation of Ensign Peak, you can catch a view of the entire Downtown area. Capitol Hill is home to beautiful architecture; From the Capitol building, to its Victorian style homes. The area outside of the Capitol building is known as the Marmalade district, home to many fruit trees planted by pioneers who first inhabited the area.
The Avenues: The Avenues is Salt Lake City’s largest historic district. This area has views of the Wasatch Mountains and the Salt Lake Valley. There are many hiking trails, local eateries and shops, making this area walkable. The Avenues is the perfect blend of historic and contemporary. Memory Grove park is the start of many trails and has monuments, creekside paths, and picnic areas. Governor’s Mansion is a sight to see for a French Chateauesque lover.
Doing Business in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, Utah was named #21 for “Best Place for Business and Careers” by Forbes in 2019.
Key Industries: Educational Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, and Retail Trade.
Major Employers: University of Utah, State of Utah, Intermountain Health Care, United States Government, LDS Church Religious Agencies.
Cost of Living in Salt Lake City
Cost of living in Salt Lake City is 6% lower than the national average
Utility prices are 22% lower than the national average
Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 7% higher than the national average.
Salt Lake City has grocery prices that are 2% lower than the national average.
Healthcare in Salt Lake City is 7% lower than the national average.
Median Household Income of $73,778
Salt Lake City Apartment Living
Average rent in Salt Lake City is $1,478 with an average apartment size of 836 square feet. The neighborhoods that are the most expensive are Sugar House ($1,603) and Capitol Hill ($1,575).
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Salt Lake City increased 14% compared to the previous year. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment increased by 15% compared to the previous year.
What Salt Lake City Renters Want
Here are the top things tenants report looking for in a property.
- Security Features
- Secure Online Payment Options
- Move-in Ready Condition
- Updates Appliances
- Outdoor Spaces
- Flexible Lease Options
“I love this city! I was born and raised and am still here 27 years later. We have so much to do and are so close to the amazing national parks. So much to be thankful for in the city.’’
Current Resident
Arts, Recreation, and Entertainment in Phoenix
Salt Lake city is known for its outdoor vistas. From its many hiking trails, like Dry Gulch Trail, to its short drive to the mountain tops, like Mount Olympus, Salt Lake City is a nature lover’s dream.
Every year in June, Utah’s Art Festival takes place in Downtown Salt Lake City. This weekend-long extravaganza includes over 165 visual artists, live music, food vendors, and more.
There are 9 ski resorts within an hour of Salt Lake City. Some include Alta Ski Area, Brighton, and Snowbird.
Located in the University/Foothill neighborhood, Utah’s Hogle Zoo is 42 acres and houses 800 animals. This zoo offers many exhibits (such as the Rocky Shores exhibit with polar bears and sea lions), zoo classes for children and adults.
One of Salt Lake City’s biggest events is their Sundance Film Festival. This takes place once a year for two weeks. It is the largest independent film festival in the United States. People travel from all over, even some celebrities.
Being that Salt Lake city is in a valley, there are many opportunities for hiking with breathtaking views. These trails range from easy and family friendly, like Ensign Peak, to challenging, like Red Pine Lake.
The Leonardo is an art, technology, and science museum located near Downtown. Their Art Through Experience exhibit is an immersive exhibit featuring artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, da Vinci, and more.
Liberty Park and Sugar House Park are the perfect spots for an afternoon stroll. Liberty Park has many paths, picnic tables, a large greenhouse, an aviary and botanical garden, a pond, and much more. Sugar House Park had many pavilions, playgrounds, a pond, and during the winter, the perfect hill for sledding.
Salt Lake City has great options for shopping. The Gateway is an urban outdoor shopping plaza in Downtown. There are many options for shopping, dining, as well as an Urban Flea Market on the weekends.
Salt Lake City Sports Teams:
- Utah Jazz (basketball)
- Real Salt Lake (Soccer)
- Utah Royals FC (Soccer)
- Utah Warriors (Rugby)
- Utah Grizzlies (Hockey)
- Salt Lake Bees (Baseball)
- Utah Utes (College Football)
