Lehi, UT: 2026 Relocation Deep Dive Report

1. Lehi: The Data Profile (2026)

Lehi represents a high-growth, high-income anomaly within the Intermountain West. The city's population currently stands at 90,229, a density that supports robust infrastructure without the congestion of a major metro. The primary economic driver for relocation is the income-to-cost ratio. The median household income is $129,274, which is +73.3% higher than the US median of $74,580. This wage premium significantly outpaces the local cost of living, which indexes at 102.0 for housing but drops to 95.2 for groceries and 96.8 for transportation.

The statistical target demographic is the "Post-Remote Tech Professional." This profile consists of individuals and families earning between $110,000 and $160,000 who require proximity to the "Silicon Slopes" tech corridor but value a suburban, family-centric environment. They are seeking to maximize disposable income while maintaining access to high-speed connectivity and modern amenities.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

While Lehi’s housing market commands a premium relative to the national average, the broader cost ecosystem remains favorable due to competitive grocery and utility pricing. The local electricity rate sits at 12.22 cents/kWh, significantly lower than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh, a critical factor for home offices and EV charging.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single professional earning the median income of $129,274 (approx. $7,850 monthly take-home) retains approximately $5,140 in disposable income after the budgeted expenses. A dual-income household matching the median income clears roughly $9,850 monthly, leaving $4,000 for savings, investment, or debt service.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The Lehi housing market is defined by a "Value Premium." Buying a home costs 2.0% more than the national average, driven by high demand from the tech sector. However, rental prices are surprisingly controlled, suggesting a market where investors are holding properties for appreciation rather than immediate cash flow. The Price per Square Foot ($265) reflects the desirability of the area, yet remains accessible compared to coastal tech hubs.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
Renting offers immediate cash flow savings of roughly $250/month for a 3BR unit compared to the US average. However, buying is the strategic play for long-term wealth accumulation. With the median home price at $545,000 and strong local income growth, equity building outpaces the 2.0% cost premium. For a stay duration of 5+ years, buying is mathematically superior to renting in Lehi.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

Lehi’s economy is heavily anchored in the "Silicon Slopes" tech ecosystem. The Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates in 2026 have solidified the local job market, reducing the outflow of talent to Salt Lake City proper. The average commute time sits at 22 minutes, well below the national average of 27 minutes, despite traffic increases near I-15.

The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which sits below the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a "tight" labor market where skilled workers hold leverage. Industry stability is high, with concentrations in SaaS, cloud computing, and fintech. This insulates the city from the volatility seen in manufacturing or resource-extraction economies.

5. Quality of Life Audit

Lehi excels in health outcomes and safety but trades off on air quality. The Health Score of 86.0/100 is "Excellent," driven by low chronic disease rates. However, the "Silicon Slopes" inversion traps particulate matter, resulting in an AQI of 52 ("Moderate") and a Property Crime rate of 2,567/100k, which is notably higher than the US average.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Weather Context:

• Violent Crime: 233/100k (Low). You are statistically safe from physical harm.
• Property Crime: 2,567/100k (High). Vehicle break-ins and package theft are the primary concerns; home security systems are recommended.
• Schools: The Alpine School District consistently ranks in the top 15% of Utah districts for standardized test scores.
• Weather: Currently experiencing winter conditions with a high of 36°F and a low of 18°F. The region is semi-arid, receiving 20 inches of annual snowfall and 18 inches of rain.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Power: Median income of $129,274 provides significant purchasing power against a 102.0 cost index.
• Health Metrics: Diabetes rates (6.0%) and Smoking rates (6.2%) are drastically lower than national averages.
• Commute: Average commute of 22 minutes is efficient for a tech hub.

Cons:

• Property Crime: Rate of 2,567/100k requires vigilance and security investment.
• Air Quality: AQI of 52 and PM2.5 levels of 10.5 µg/m³ pose risks during winter inversion months.
• Housing Entry Cost: Median home price of $545,000 is a steep barrier to entry compared to the US average.

Final Recommendation:
Lehi is a Strong Buy for professionals prioritizing wealth accumulation and family health. The data suggests that the +73.3% income premium outweighs the +2.0% housing cost and air quality issues, provided you invest in a HEPA filtration system and home security.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Lehi?
To live comfortably (defined as following the 50/30/20 rule), a single person needs a gross income of approximately $75,000. A family of four should target a combined income of $140,000+ to maintain a similar standard of living and savings rate.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Salt Lake City?
Lehi offers +15% more housing space for the dollar compared to Salt Lake City proper, with a -40% reduction in commute time for residents working in the southern tech corridor. However, SLC offers better air quality and cultural amenities.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. The violent crime rate of 233/100k is exceptionally low. The high property crime rate is a regional trend in Utah's tech corridor due to high vehicle density and new construction neighborhoods with lower security oversight.

4. When is the best time to move?
The best time to buy is Q1 (January–March), when inventory is lowest but competition is also lower due to weather, often resulting in 2-3% price concessions. The worst time is Q2 (April–June), when prices peak due to the "Silicon Slopes" hiring cycle.