Utah continues to attract families in 2025, thanks to its strong economy, family-friendly environment, and abundant outdoor activities. Recent data shows that approximately 138 new residents are moving to Utah each day, highlighting the state’s growing appeal.
Top Reasons Families Are Choosing Utah
1. Strong Economy and Job Opportunites
✅ Utah boasts a robust economy with a low unemployment rate of 3.0%, outperforming the national average of 3.7%. The state’s average annual salary stands at $55,841. Major employers such as Intermountain Healthcare, Adobe, and Goldman Sachs have a significant presence, especially in the burgeoning “Silicon Slopes” tech corridor. Click here for Utah Stats through the MLS.
2. Family Friendly Communities
✅ Utah is renowned for its family-centric culture. With the lowest child poverty rate in the U.S. and the highest percentage of married households, the state offers a supportive environment for families. Communities like South Jordan, Farmington, and Mapleton are particularly popular among families seeking safe neighborhoods and quality schools.
3. Affordable Living
✅ Despite rising housing costs, Utah remains more affordable than many coastal states. The median home value is approximately $408,466, and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $941. Additionally, Utah’s property tax rate is a low 0.58%, and the state income tax is a flat 4.95%.
4. Access to Outdoor Recreation
✅ Utah’s natural beauty offers families endless recreational opportunities. With five national parks, numerous ski resorts, and extensive hiking and biking trails, outdoor enthusiasts find Utah an ideal place to live. The state’s dry, powdery snow is considered some of the best for skiing globally.
5. Quality Education
✅ Utah’s education system is a significant draw for families. The state spends approximately $8,114 per student, and the average in-state tuition for colleges is $4,299, which is lower than the national average. Areas like Davis and Weber counties are known for their excellent school districts.
📈 Utah’s Recognition as a Top State
In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked Utah as the best state in the U.S. for the third consecutive year. The state scored high in fiscal stability, economy, and infrastructure, reflecting its commitment to providing a high quality of life for its residents.
On A Personal Note From the Author
I moved to Utah in 2008 from New Zealand. I had never been to America so it was a very enlightening experience. But there were times when I felt like a fish out of water. Luckily we had a relocation company to help guide us because we didn’t know anything about Utah or what services to use for transportation, finding temporary housing or what areas to consider for our family to live in. It’s now been 17 years of living in Utah and I love it so much!
Utah has many great things to offer. A big plus for me is that the air is quite dry which actually proved to be beneficial for my health. This has allowed me to enjoy so many outdoor activities. I had bad Asthma in New Zealand and didn’t realize that high humidity makes it worse.
Our family has created many great memories here. Our family enjoys skiing, snowmobiling, sailing at the beautiful Bear Lake (I can’t tell you how much I love that place), fishing, hiking, camping and long weekends in St George. The landscape is just stunning if you can get out to explore all that Utah has to offer.
There is a wonderful family and community feel here in Utah and it’s also a great place for education and business. We enjoy local group meetups and experience how caring the neighbors are. I have seen Utah grow and thrive. Areas of farm land are now filled with new construction homes, parks, schools and amenities. I have traveled nationwide and internationally and Utah ranks high as a place to live and settle down in for all these reasons and more.
Moving to Utah was a great move!
🏡 Considering a Move to Utah?
If you’re contemplating relocating to Utah, explore our comprehensive relocation services at UtahRelocations.com. We offer personalized assistance to help you find the perfect community that fits your needs. CLICK HERE TO CHAT NOW
