Real Estate Directory - Utah

Population: 2,351,467 (2003 figures)
Capital city/population: Salt Lake City 179,894
Largest cities/population:

  • Salt Lake City - 179,894
  • West Valley City - 111,687
  • Provo - 105,410
  • Sandy - 89,319

Utah is the 13th largest state, with a total area of 84,904 square miles. It has a dry, continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. In the northern portion, average annual temperature is 42ºF; in the southern portion, it averages 60ºF. Annual precipitation ranges from less than 5” – 40”. Utah was admitted to the Union on January 4, 1896. Fillmore was Utah’s first territorial capitol, named for President Millard Fillmore, and Levan (“navel” spelled backwards) is named for its central location in the state.

HOUSING

Salt Lake City – Single-family, three bedroom homes are selling for an average of $259,000, with four bedroom homes averaging $393,000. These homes are staying on the market for an average of 42 days. Agents report substantial growth, in part due to the undervalued nature of the market. Salt Lake City is also home to a cathedral, a heritage center, a planetarium, and several beautiful private gardens.

West Valley City – This city is located on the western edge of Salt Lake City. Single-family homes are selling for an average price of $145,208. Three bedroom homes are selling for $139,000; four bedroom homes for $152,000. These homes are remaining on the market for approximately 40 days.

Provo – For the last quarter of 2005, Provo had a total of 51 home sales. One home, selling for over $2,000,000, stayed on the market for only five days, but the majority of the homes are remaining on the market for a longer period of time. Most of the homes sold are in the $120,000 - $160,000 price range; YTD statistics are showing a 9.7% increase in the average asking price. Provo is home to Brigham Young University, the city’s major employer.

Sandy – This diverse community is showing some nice growth. Average sale price of single-family homes is $316,857, with homes remaining on the market for an average of 35 days. There are a wide variety of properties available, and commercial expansion is providing consistent job growth for the town. Rental sales for single- and multi-family units are attractive to investors. Sandy has a great historic downtown area, and is close to good ski hills.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

Principal industries include services, trade, manufacturing, government, transportation, and utilities. Manufactured goods include medical instruments, electronic components, food products, fabricated metals, transportation equipment, steel, and copper. Crops include hay, corn, wheat, barley, apples, potatoes, cherries, onions, peaches, and pears. Per capita income for 1995 was $18,223.

SCHOOLS

Utah has established the Utah Performance Assessment System, whose purpose is to assess how students are doing relative to the Core Curriculum and State requirements for performance. Student performance is influenced by school size, faculty, and factors outside the school environment. A major goal of the State is to ensure that all students learn the Core Curriculum each year to ensure a solid academic future. Student teacher ratio for 1994 was 24:3, with an average teachers’ salary for 1995 of $30,452.

State-supported colleges and universities include the University of Utah – Salt Lake City, Utah State University – Logan, Weber State College – Ogden, and Southern Utah State College – Cedar City. Other institutions include Brigham Young University – Provo, and Westminster College – Salt Lake City.

HISTORY

In the early 1800s, mountain men and traders entered the area in search of furs and natural wealth. In 1841, the first California-bound group of settlers made their way across the Great Salt Lake Desert. Miles Goodyear became Utah’s first settler when he set up a trading post at the site of present-day Ogden. Permanent settlement began a few years later with the arrival of the Mormons. Under the direction of Brigham Young, who planned and oversaw the building of a Temple and city, Salt Lake City was developed.

Confrontations between Native Americans and Mormons led to the Walker War and the Black Hawk War, but serious trouble arose with disintegrations between the Mormons and the federal government. Denied statehood due the practice of polygamy, clashes between church and federal agents became frequent. Congress passed acts forbidding polygamy, and civil liberties were infringed upon. The church advised members to abstain from polygamy, and rights were restored.

The development of mining and the completion of the Union Pacific Railroad encouraged settlers, which ended the cultural and economic isolation of the Mormons.

World War II encouraged industrial growth, and the development of hydroelectric power during the 1950s attracted industries. The federal government has become a huge employer, and computer/technology firms have entered the economy, giving it a firm boost.

RELIGION (2003)

  • Christian – 81%
    • LDS – 60%
    • Protestant – 15%
      • Episcopal – 3%
      • Baptist – 2%
      • Other Protestant or general Protestant – 10%
    • Roman Catholic – 6%
    • Other Christian – <1%
  • Other Religions – 1%
  • Non-Religious – 18%

DEMOGRAPHICS (2003)

  • White non-Hispanic - 85.3%
  • Hispanic - 9.0%
  • Asian - 1.7%
  • Native American - 1.3%
  • Black - 0.8%
  • Mixed race - 2.1%