Salt Lake City, UT
Population 203,888 · Utah
About Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City is a major city located in Utah with a population of 203,888 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,925 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Salt Lake City features a median home value of $495,700, which is 102% above the national median of $244,900. This places Salt Lake City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,343, 15% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 97,318 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (41,606 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (47,326 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Salt Lake City shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Salt Lake City have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
50.9% of Salt Lake City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 15.2% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 4.8% Asian residents, with 15.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Salt Lake City Ranks in Utah
Cost of Living in Salt Lake City, UT
Compared to national averages, Salt Lake City has a median household income of $74,925 (0% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $495,700, which is 102% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,343 is 15% above the US average of $1,163. Within Utah, Salt Lake City's income is 16% below the state average of $88,715, and home values are 16% above the state median of $426,386.
Why Live in Salt Lake City, UT?
Salt Lake City offers a well-educated community where 50.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,925) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $495,700. However, as a major city, Salt Lake City provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Salt Lake City has a population of 203,888 with a median age of 33 years. Compare Salt Lake City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Utah.
Similar Cities Near Salt Lake City
Cities in Utah with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Valley City | 137,955 | $88,604 | $377,300 | Compare |
| West Jordan | 116,277 | $103,960 | $454,700 | Compare |
| Provo | 114,303 | $62,800 | $437,100 | Compare |
| St. George | 99,184 | $72,870 | $456,900 | Compare |
| Orem | 97,048 | $81,292 | $439,000 | Compare |
| Sandy | 94,723 | $111,242 | $562,500 | Compare |
| Ogden | 86,973 | $70,053 | $311,300 | Compare |
| Layton | 82,512 | $99,188 | $437,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Utah
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Salt Lake City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Salt Lake City
What is the population of Salt Lake City, UT?
The population of Salt Lake City, UT is 203,888 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Utah.
What is the median household income in Salt Lake City?
The median household income in Salt Lake City, UT is $74,925 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Salt Lake City?
The median home value in Salt Lake City, UT is $495,700, which is 102% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Salt Lake City?
The median monthly rent in Salt Lake City, UT is $1,343, which is 15% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Salt Lake City?
The unemployment rate in Salt Lake City, UT is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Salt Lake City, UT a good place to live?
Salt Lake City offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 203,888 and a median age of 33, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Salt Lake City, UT?
50.9% of residents in Salt Lake City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Salt Lake City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Salt Lake City, UT: median home value is $495,700 (102% above national), median rent is $1,343/month, and median household income is $74,925. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Salt Lake City?
The poverty rate in Salt Lake City, UT is 13.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Salt Lake City, UT?
Salt Lake City's population is 15.2% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 15.4% of residents are foreign-born.