2026 Scientific Ranking: Best Places to Live in Utah
By the Lead Data Scientist, Ocity.org
In our definitive analysis of Utah's urban centers, we moved beyond anecdotal preference to employ a rigorous, weighted algorithm. We evaluated 11 primary cities across three critical vectors: Safety (weighted 40%), Affordability (30%), and Economic Output (30%). This methodology prioritizes statistical significance over subjective descriptors, yielding a data-driven hierarchy for residents seeking a high-yield, safety-optimized environment. The following ranking represents the objective outcome of this computational model.
Top 3 Winners: A Statistical Deep Dive
Rank #1: Lehi
Lehi secures the top position through superior balance across all metrics, achieving a composite score that outperforms its peers. Its economic output is the highest in the dataset, with a median income of $129,274, positioning it as a premier hub for high-earning professionals. This economic strength is coupled with a moderate cost of living, evidenced by a 1-bedroom rent of $1,282. Crucially, Lehi maintains a violent crime rate of only 233 incidents per 100,000 residents, a figure that contributes significantly to its safety-weighted score. The data indicates a statistically significant advantage in income-to-cost ratio, making Lehi the optimal selection for the 2026 ranking.
Rank #2: South Jordan
South Jordan presents a profile nearly indistinguishable from Lehi in key metrics, resulting in a tightly contested second-place finish. It mirrors the top performer with a violent crime rate of 233/100k and a comparable median income of $126,974. The differentiator lies in a marginally higher rent of $1,301, which, when algorithmically adjusted, slightly reduces its affordability score relative to Lehi. However, its economic output remains robust, and its safety metrics are effectively optimized. South Jordan represents a high-yield alternative with virtually identical safety and income profiles to the top rank.
Rank #3: Sandy
Sandy distinguishes itself as the safety leader among the top tier, achieving the lowest violent crime rate of the top three at 178/100k. This superior safety metric directly boosts its weighted score. While its median income of $108,926 is lower than the top two cities, it remains substantially above the state median. The rent of $1,301 aligns with the higher-cost bracket of the winning group. Sandy’s selection is driven by its data-validated safety profile, offering a secure environment without sacrificing a six-figure income potential, making it a statistically significant choice for safety-first households.
The 'Hidden Gem': Provo
While ranking #9 overall, Provo emerges as the definitive 'Hidden Gem' for value optimization. The data reveals a compelling divergence: a very low cost of living, with 1-bedroom rent at $1,093—tied for the lowest in the top 10. Concurrently, it offers a violent crime rate of 178/100k, matching Sandy for the best safety profile among the lower-income cohort. While its median income of $62,556 is on the lower end of the spectrum, the dramatic reduction in housing costs creates a high-yield value proposition. For residents prioritizing affordability without compromising on safety, Provo’s data profile presents a distinct and statistically significant advantage.
Full Rankings Table
| Rank | City | Population | Median Income | Violent Crime Rate (/100k) | Rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lehi | 90,229 | $129,274 | 233 | $1,282 |
| 2 | South Jordan | 84,508 | $126,974 | 233 | $1,301 |
| 3 | Sandy | 91,934 | $108,926 | 178 | $1,301 |
| 4 | West Jordan | 114,908 | $105,396 | 234 | $1,301 |
| 5 | Layton | 83,523 | $99,866 | 233 | $1,283 |
| 6 | Orem | 95,514 | $82,348 | 167 | $1,093 |
| 7 | St. George | 104,592 | $77,431 | 189 | $1,099 |
| 8 | West Valley City | 134,466 | $80,889 | 345 | $1,301 |
| 9 | Provo | 113,355 | $62,556 | 178 | $1,093 |
| 10 | Ogden | 87,272 | $65,035 | 456 | $1,108 |