Your Guide to Living in Salt Lake County, Utah (Insiders Guide)

Salt Lake County blends mountain adventure with a fast‑growing economy. In 2025, the region stays dynamic: new transit investments are underway, housing prices remain competitive for the West, and the lifestyle still centers on trails, lakes, and quick access to ski country. Below you’ll find the latest facts—plus why Daybreak’s 5‑Minute Life makes daily living easier.

Fast Facts (2025)

Population

~1.18M residents in 2025, Utah’s largest county. Source

Median Home Prices

Salt Lake County: $591K median sale (July 2025, Zillow); $590K median list (Aug 2025, Realtor.com). Zillow • Realtor.com

Taxes

Income tax: flat 4.50% for 2025 (HB 106). Utah Legislature

Sales tax (South Jordan): combined rate generally 7.25–7.45% depending on district. Utah Tax Commission

Jobs

Utah unemployment: 3.3% (Aug 2025). Job count +33.6k YoY. Workforce Services

Commute

Mean one‑way time: ~22.4 minutes (ACS 2023, county‑wide). FRED/ACS

Air Quality

ALA 2025: SLC‑Provo‑Orem ranks #9 for high‑ozone days; inversion & wildfire smoke drive peaks. American Lung Association

Housing Snapshot (2025)

Prices stabilized year‑over‑year. County‑wide, Zillow reports an average home value of $561,356 (+1.7% YoY). Listings in August hovered near $590K. Competition varies by neighborhood; well‑priced homes still go under contract quickly (often in 3–4 weeks). Zillow • Realtor.com

Tip: If you want new construction with walkable amenities, compare Daybreak’s villages and quick‑move‑in options. Start here: Find a Home.

Jobs & Economy

The state’s labor market remains healthy in 2025, with unemployment at 3.3% and steady job growth. Key sectors include tech, healthcare, outdoor products, and finance. Major employers cluster near transit and I‑15/I‑215, reducing cross‑valley commutes for many workers. Source

Getting Around: TRAX, FrontRunner & Freeways

TRAX light rail (Blue, Red, Green lines) and the S‑Line streetcar connect neighborhoods to Downtown, the university, and the airport. County bus service and UTA On Demand fill gaps. As of April 2025, rail frequencies run every 15–30 minutes depending on time of day. UTA System Map (Apr 2025)

Meanwhile, the FrontRunner Strategic Double‑Tracking project is advancing to improve reliability and allow more frequent service along the Wasatch Front. Project site • 2025 update

Even by car, commutes remain reasonable. The county’s mean one‑way commute is roughly 22 minutes, and TomTom’s 2024 index showed fast central‑city drive times. ACS • Axios

Cost of Living & Taxes (2025)

• State income tax: flat 4.50% for 2025 (HB 106, effective May 7, 2025; retroactive to Jan 1, 2025). Bill text • Summary
• Sales tax (South Jordan): combined rate generally 7.25–7.45% per Utah Tax Commission tables. State rate sheet
• Property tax: Utah’s effective rates are lower than many coastal states; verify local mill levies by city and school district.

Air Quality & Seasons

Winters can bring inversion (trapping cold air and emissions), and wildfire smoke can affect late summer. In 2025, the American Lung Association ranked the metro #9 for high‑ozone days and noted challenges with short‑term particles. Use local AQI apps and plan outdoor activity accordingly. ALA 2025

Schools & Higher Education

K‑12 districts in the county include Granite, Jordan, Canyons, and Salt Lake City. Higher‑ed options range from the University of Utah to Salt Lake Community College and private institutions.

Healthcare

Salt Lake County offers major hospital systems and specialty care. For Daybreak residents, U of U Health South Jordan provides emergency and multi‑specialty services close to home.

Outdoors & Lifestyle

From the Wasatch ski resorts to red‑rock weekend trips, the county is a hub for four‑season fun. Closer in, Daybreak’s Oquirrh Lake, trails, and parks make everyday recreation simple.

Why Daybreak (South Jordan) Works in 2025

• Walkability: The 5‑Minute Life puts schools, shops, parks, and transit within easy reach. See how
• New districts: Downtown Daybreak continues to evolve, with the Bee’s ballpark district planned to bring even more dining and entertainment.
• Homes for every stage: From 55+ living to lake‑adjacent townhomes and right‑sized single‑family homes. Browse Move‑In Ready options.

You’ll likely want to head to the mountains from mid-November to April. Utah is known for having the “Greatest Snow on Earth,” and the resorts within an hour of Salt Lake City enjoy an average of 500 inches of snowfall per year. 

Daybreak residents don’t have to leave the area to enjoy countless recreational amenities. The area has three dozen (and counting) parks, 50+ miles of trail, several pools (including a splash pool for kids and swim areas reserved for residents 55 and older), a 67-acre freshwater lake (with a watercourse coming soon), beach clubs, “the loop” network of trails, bicycle highways, and park spaces, the Spoke bike park, and more.

Try the Best Restaurants in Salt Lake County

After a long day enjoying all the outdoor activities Salt Lake County offers, you can sample the area’s food scene. Salt Lake City is among the top 30 best foodie cities in America. You can find every cuisine, from local favorites like BBQ, Hawaiian, and Native American to international flavors like Japanese, Argentinian, German, and many more. 

The top-rated local restaurant? Valter’s Osteria, a high-end Italian restaurant offering an authentic Tuscan experience. Be sure to try the Pasta Al Forno Vera (a delicious homemade lasagna with meat sauce perfected by Valter’s mother). If you’re looking for something with a more woodsy vibe, try the award-winning Log Haven. Nestled in a historic cabin in the Wasatch National Forest, it’s known as one of America’s Most Scenic Restaurants. And if you’re a brunch lover, check out the nearly 100-year-old Ruth’s Diner and nosh on Trevor’s Potato Burrito. Or order the buckwheat pancakes or huevos rancheros at Roots Cafe.

With so many options and local favorites, you’re sure to find a spot you love. And if you drop-in to tour Daybreak, you’ll have nearly 20 dining options —from fast food and coffee shops to farm-to-table restaurants. It’s all right here.

Checklist: Is Salt Lake County a Fit?

• You want mountain access and a strong job market.
• You prefer moderate commutes with rail options.
• You value master‑planned amenities, trails, and community events.
• You’re comfortable planning around occasional air‑quality advisories.

Data sources linked above: Utah Legislature (HB 106 tax rate), Utah Tax Commission, Utah Dept. of Workforce Services (Aug 2025 update), Zillow & Realtor (2025 housing), UTA (Apr 2025 system map; FrontRunner double‑tracking), FRED/ACS (2023 commute time), and American Lung Association (2025 State of the Air).

Next Steps

Ready to explore homes and neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle today—and five years from now? Start with Find a Home or swing by The Cove House & Info Studio for a tailored tour.