Salt Lake County sits in Wasatch Front with a 2024 population of 1,216,274 residents across 742.07 square miles. The county seat is Salt Lake City, and the region is defined by its professional, scientific, and technical services economy, 34.5-year median age, and median household income of $94,658. Real estate values have moved 2.0% over the past year, with a median home price of $563,228 and typical days on market at 26. This directory profile pulls verified data from the U.S. Census, Utah Department of Workforce Services, and MLS-adjacent public sources to give buyers, sellers, and relocation candidates a full picture of Salt Lake County — economy, schools, market, and lifestyle — before they engage an agent.
Salt Lake County at a Glance
| Population (2024) | 1,216,274 | 5-Year Growth | 2.6% |
| Median Age | 34.5 | Median Household Income | $94,658 |
| Median Home Price | $563,228 | Home Price YoY | 2.0% |
| Median Rent | $1,493 | Days on Market | 26 |
| Active Listings | 4,500 | Unemployment | 3.2% |
| College Degree | 38.6% | Poverty Rate | 9.5% |
| Area | 742.07 sq mi | County Seat | Salt Lake City |
Real Estate Market in Salt Lake County
Salt Lake County is Utah’s largest and most liquid real estate market, with median home values near $563,000 and 2% annual appreciation. The market has moderated from its 2022 peak but remains competitive, with homes pending in approximately 26 days. The ‘Silicon Slopes’ tech sector continues to support demand from high-income professionals.
Current Market Snapshot
Compared with the Utah statewide median of roughly $540,000, Salt Lake County sits above the state average, shaping affordability for first-time buyers, relocators, and investors. Connect with a licensed Salt Lake County directory agent for MLS-verified inventory.
Economy and Employment in Salt Lake County
Salt Lake County supports 68,796 employers with 807,341 total workers. The three dominant industry sectors:
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services jobs in Salt Lake County →
Health Care and Social Assistance
Health Care and Social Assistance jobs in Salt Lake County →
Retail Trade
Retail Trade jobs in Salt Lake County →
This employment mix drives job stability, commute patterns, and long-term appreciation across Salt Lake County — a leading indicator for buyers evaluating relocation to Salt Lake County.
Schools in Salt Lake County
School quality is a top-three driver of home value across Salt Lake County. Buyers should weigh Salt Lake County school district boundaries before selecting a neighborhood.
Notable Schools in Salt Lake County
Judge Memorial Catholic High School
Homes near Judge Memorial Catholic High School →
Rowland Hall
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Cottonwood High School
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Geography and Climate
Salt Lake County covers 742.07 square miles in Wasatch Front. Elevation ranges from 4,200 ft to 11,489 ft. Salt Lake County has a semi-arid Intermountain West climate with hot, dry summers (regularly 100°F), cold winters with moderate snowfall (58 inches average in valley), and Great Salt Lake-effect snow events. The Wasatch Range rises to 11,489 feet. Annual precipitation is approximately 16 inches.
History and Character
Founded: 1852. Name origin: Named for the Great Salt Lake, discovered by American explorer John Fremont in 1843, though the lake was known to Native Americans and Spanish explorers long before.
LDS pioneers led by Brigham Young arrived in Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. The 2002 Winter Olympics hosted numerous events in the county. Temple Square, the Bonneville Salt Flats, and the world-class ski resorts (Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude) make Salt Lake County a global destination. The ‘Silicon Slopes’ tech boom transformed the economy in the 2010s.
Notable people from Salt Lake County: Philo T. Farnsworth (TV inventor), Steve Young (NFL quarterback), Roseanne Barr, and thousands of prominent figures in business, religion, and sports are associated with Salt Lake County.
Utilities and Infrastructure in Salt Lake County
Cities and Towns in Salt Lake County
Explore every city and town in Salt Lake County — click any card for a full local guide, listings, and directory-verified agents.
Salt Lake City
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West Valley City
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West Jordan
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Sandy
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South Jordan
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Taylorsville
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Herriman
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Murray
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Draper
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Riverton
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Holladay
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Cottonwood Heights
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Midvale
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South Salt Lake
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Millcreek
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Bluffdale
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Alta
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Brighton
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Copperton
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Kearns
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Magna
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Emigration Canyon
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White City
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Solitude
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Big Cottonwood Canyon
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Little Cottonwood Canyon
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Taylorsville area
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South Holladay
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Cottonwood
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Alta (surrounding)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Salt Lake County
What is the median home price in Salt Lake County?
As of the latest available data, the median home price in Salt Lake County is $563,228, with year-over-year appreciation of 2.0%. Median monthly rent is $1,493. Prices vary significantly by city and neighborhood within the county — contact a directory agent for MLS-verified current listings.
Is Salt Lake County a good place to live?
Salt Lake County offers a 34.5-year median age, $94,658 median household income, and 3.2% unemployment. The county’s economy is anchored by professional, scientific, and technical services and health care and social assistance, with schools rated 7/10 on average. Whether it’s the right fit depends on your commute needs, school priorities, and lifestyle preferences.
How far is Salt Lake County from Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake County is approximately 0 minutes from Salt Lake City by car via I-15. The nearest commercial airport is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).
What industries drive the Salt Lake County economy?
The top three sectors in Salt Lake County are Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, and Retail Trade. Together they support 807,341 workers across 68,796 employers, with a current unemployment rate of 3.2%.
Data last updated 2026-Q3. Real estate figures reflect the most recent MLS-adjacent aggregates compiled by Utah Real Estate Directory. For live inventory and MLS-verified comps, connect with a licensed Salt Lake County directory agent.