Utah is having a moment of popularity with out-of-state buyers moving to utah. In fact, the 2020 census ranked Utah as the fastest-growing state in the nation with a growth of 18.4% over the past decade. The growth rate in the Beehive State is directly tied to two factors:
Higher than average national birth rate. Utah is known for large families.
More people are moving to Utah than ever before. In the last year, those moving to Utah accounted for 56% of the Beehive State’s population increase according to a recent University of Utah study.
Planning on moving to Utah? Here are 20 essential things to know before you relocate—plus why Daybreak is a top place to live.
1. Utah’s Population Continues to Grow
Utah is one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. As of 2025, the population has topped 3.5 million and continues to climb thanks to in-migration from neighboring states like California and Arizona. People are drawn to Utah’s strong job market, safe communities, and stunning natural beauty. Areas like Salt Lake County and Utah County are leading the charge, with new developments and neighborhoods springing up constantly.
2. Strong Job Market and Low Unemployment
Looking for career stability? Utah’s got you covered. The state’s unemployment rate hovers around 3.1%—well below the national average—and industries like tech, healthcare, and finance are thriving. Silicon Slopes (Utah’s version of Silicon Valley) continues to draw startups and established companies alike, making it a hotbed for innovation and opportunity.
3. Competitive Tax Rates
Utah offers one of the most straightforward and favorable tax systems in the U.S. With a flat income tax rate of 4.55% and some of the lowest property taxes nationwide, your paycheck stretches further here. Plus, Daybreak and other master-planned communities often include energy-efficient homes that reduce monthly utility costs even more.
4. Housing Market Trends
While the housing market nationwide has seen price hikes, Utah still offers more bang for your buck compared to coastal cities. In 2025, the median home price in Utah sits around $548,333. Communities like Daybreak make homeownership accessible with a variety of floorplans, townhomes, and single-family homes to suit every stage of life.
Utah’s overall cost of living index is 104.9, slightly above the national average, but it’s still a great value considering the quality of life. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are relatively affordable, and in communities like Daybreak, amenities such as community gardens and resident events add value you won’t find just anywhere.
5. High Median Household Income
Utah’s economic strength is reflected in its household earnings. The median household income in Utah has climbed to $98,336, one of the highest in the country when adjusted for cost of living. That means residents are not just surviving—they’re thriving.
6. Utah’s Slang: “Oh My Heck!”
Don’t be alarmed if it seems like Utah has its own language. Here are a few slang terms you may hear as you get acquainted with your neighbors.
“Oh my Heck” is the polite version of OMG.
“Stake House” doesn’t equal steak house. A Stake House is a large church building associated with the LDS Church.
“Holy War” is a football game between University of Utah and Brigham Young University. Things get a little unholy during this rivalry game. Choose wisely are you red or blue?
“Fry Sauce” is an institution. It is a mixture of ketchup and mayonnaise commonly found at fast food restaurants and family BBQs.
“Powder” refers to snow.
“Slots” do not equal slot machines. Gambling is illegal in Utah. Slots refer to the tiny paths carved by water into the canyons of Southern Utah.
“Dirty Diet Coke” is a combo of Diet Coke, coconut syrup and limes.
7. Quality Education Options
Whether you have school-aged kids or plan to pursue higher education, Utah delivers. Top public high schools, charter academies, and universities like BYU and the University of Utah provide excellent options. In Daybreak, schools are integrated right into the community, with walking trails connecting students from home to classroom.
Beyond K–12, Utah supports educational advancement with trade schools, tech bootcamps, and adult learning programs. The state invests heavily in workforce development to meet the needs of its fast-growing economy.
8. National Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Utah is your playground if you love the outdoors. From skiing in Park City to hiking in Zion National Park, the state is overflowing with natural wonder. Utah is home to five national parks, known affectionately as “The Mighty Five.” These parks are home to some of the most pristine landscapes in the world featuring rocks, spires, pinnacles, hoodoos, and an abundance of other fun features.
“The Mighty Five” include:
- Arches National Park. Moab, UT
- Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce, UT
- Canyonlands National Park. Moab, UT
- Capitol Reef National Park. Torrey, UT
- Zion National Park. Springdale, UT
Plan your trip to a national park in Utah.
9. Vibrant Cultural Scene
Utah might surprise you with its cultural offerings. The Sundance Film Festival and a growing food truck and pickleball scene keep things lively and social. Add in art walks, music festivals, and a growing foodie culture, and you’ve got a state that knows how to have fun. In addition to hosting the Sundance Film Festival, Utah is filled with services and programs that enable people to experience arts & culture in their community.
Here are a few of our favorite museums and performance venues:
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George S. and Dolores Dore’ Eccles Theater
Utah Symphony
Hale Center Theater
Urban Arts Gallery
Dreamscapes
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
Natural History Museum of Utah at Rio Tinto Center
Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum
Clark Planetarium
The Leonardo Museum of Creativity and Innovation
Red Butte Amphitheater
Kingsbury Hall
Tuacahn Center for the Arts
With the variety of performance venues mentioned above, you shouldn’t be surprised to find out that Utah loves live music and is home to several well-known performing artists.
We don’t want to brag, but Donny & Marie
10. Daybreak: A Master-Planned Community
One of the best ways to experience Utah life is by settling in Daybreak. Located in South Jordan, Daybreak is a thoughtfully planned community with a small-town vibe and big-city access. Think parks, splash pads, shops, cafes, and even a future light rail station—all in your backyard. From yoga in the park to community 5Ks, Daybreak encourages an active lifestyle. Residents can join swim clubs, use neighborhood gyms, paddleboard on Oquirrh Lake and the new Watercourse, and so much more!
11. Downtown Daybreak Development
Exciting things are happening in Downtown Daybreak. New restaurants, retail spaces, and entertainment options are turning this area into a go-to destination. It’s like having an urban hub right outside your door, with walkable streets and local businesses that give it a community-first feel.
12. Diverse Food Options
Utah’s food scene is coming into its own. Whether you’re craving Thai food, street tacos, or artisan donuts, you’ll find it here. In Daybreak, food trucks rotate regularly, and local restaurants bring global flavors to a neighborhood near you.
Utah is also home to its own food offerings. Here are a few food items you will want to try when you move to Utah:
Funeral potatoes are a mixture of hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheese commonly served at funerals.
Green Jell-O
Scones, deep-fried and covered in honey butter.
Sweet and succulent Bear Lake raspberries.
Dinner or dessert cooked in a Dutch oven.
13. Family-Friendly Environment
Utah ranks high for families—and Daybreak raises the bar even more. With excellent schools, safe streets, and tons of family events like movie nights and farmers markets, it’s a great place to raise kids. Even the neighborhood layout is designed with community and play in mind.
14. Efficient Transportation
Getting around Utah is easier than you might think. The TRAX light rail system connects many Salt Lake Valley cities, and Daybreak has its own station for a stress-free commute. Plus, highways are well-maintained, and bike-friendly streets are becoming the norm.
15. Embracing Sustainability
Sustainability is more than a buzzword in Utah. Communities like Daybreak are built around eco-friendly principles, from solar-ready homes to community composting. There’s also a strong culture of conservation, supported by initiatives from Utah Clean Energy.
16. Greatest Snow on Earth
And if being home to “The Mighty Five” isn’t enough to convince you to move to Utah—there are also several major ski resorts within an hour’s drive of Salt Lake City. On average 500 inches of snowfall per year with a ski season that typically spans mid-November through to April.
Local ski resorts to explore:
- Snowbird
- Alta
- Solitude Mountain Resort
- Brighton Resort
- Deer Valley Resort
- Park City Mountain Resort
- Sundance Mountain Resort
- Snowbasin
- Powder Mountain
17. Parades and Celebrations Unite Utahns
In the summer months, there is always a celebration going on. Here are a few parades and celebrations you may want to try:
Onion Days in Payson
Utah Pride Parade
Days of ’47 Parade
America’s Freedom Festival
Strawberry Days in Pleasant Grove
Raspberry Days in Bear Lake
Utah’s strong sense of community shines brightest in places like Daybreak, where neighborhood councils, block parties, and volunteer events bring people together. It’s easy to make friends here, and even easier to find ways to give back.
18. Access to Healthcare
With top-tier hospitals and growing medical campuses, Utah offers excellent healthcare access. Intermountain Healthcare and the University of Utah Hospital lead the charge. South Jordan has convenient options, including clinics right near Daybreak.
19. Utah Craft Beer
While you may think Utah is a dry state related to alcohol consumption, it is home to several craft breweries: Bohemian, Red Rock, Uinta, Wasatch, Squatters and Epic.
One thing to note, there are no private liquor stores in Utah. For a full selection of beer, wine and liquor you will need to visit the state-run liquor store.
20. Melting Pot of Diversity
Utah may have a reputation for being a tad bit homogenous. However, the demographic mix continues to diversify as more people consider moving to Utah.
Here are a few quick facts about Utah:
- Median age of the population is approximately 31 years old.
- 40,000 Utah households are multigenerational.
- Average number of children is 2.3.
- 15% of households speak a language other than English.
- 9% of Utahns were born in another country and about the same number have at least one immigrant parent.
- 3.7% of adults in Utah identify as LGBTQ+, 40% are raising children.
- In Utah’s most populated county, Salt Lake County, just under 50% of residents identify as members of the LDS Church.
Planning Your Move
Thinking of making the move? Start with our Planning Your Move to Utah Checklist. And don’t forget to Take a Virtual Home Tour and explore Homes in South Jordan to find your perfect fit.
Buying a New Home in Utah
There are a lot of things to think about when purchasing a new home in Utah. After all your home is a big investment financially and emotionally. A home becomes the central hub of your life. It is where you will rock your baby to sleep at night. Watch the big game with friends. And relax after a long day at work. Regardless of what home means to you, the home buying process always starts with a lot of questions.
Here are a few facts about the housing market in Utah:
- In April 2024, The median price of a single-family home in Salt Lake County was $600,000.
- The median listing home price in Utah County, UT was $577,500.
Moving to Utah Checklist
You may find yourself a little overwhelmed at the thought of moving to Utah, but don’t be. Below are a few resources to help you get started finding your new home in Utah.
