Ogden, UT: 2026 Relocation Deep Dive Report

Ogden: The Data Profile (2026)

Ogden represents a specific archetype of the post-remote work economy: a mid-sized utility player. With a population of 87,272, it offers the infrastructure of a city without the density of a metro core. The economic profile reveals a distinct divergence from national averages. The median income sits at $65,035, which is 12.8% lower than the US median of $74,580. However, this is offset by a cost of living index where Housing sits at 102.0—barely above the national baseline—while essential goods like Groceries (95.2) and Utilities (12.22 cents/kWh vs US 16.0) provide significant leverage.

The educational demographic is the primary statistical differentiator. Only 24.7% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly trailing the US average of 33.1%. This suggests a workforce skewed toward skilled trades, logistics, and service management rather than white-collar tech or finance. The target demographic for Ogden in 2026 is the "Value-Seeking Hybrid Worker": individuals earning near the national median who require geographic proximity to Salt Lake City (approx. 35 miles) but demand the lower overhead of a secondary market to offset the 12.8% income deficit.

Cost of Living Analysis

Despite the income deficit, the aggregate cost of living in Ogden remains competitive. The "Housing Index" of 102.0 is deceptive; while technically 2.0% above the average, it is drastically lower than neighboring Salt Lake County. The real savings are found in operational costs. Electricity costs are 23.6% cheaper than the national average (12.22¢/kWh vs 16.0¢), and transportation costs are 3.2% lower.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $65,035 takes home approximately $4,050 monthly (after standard taxes). With a total expenditure of $2,495, the disposable income is $1,555, a savings rate of 38.4%. This is significantly healthier than the national average savings rate, proving that the lower income is mathematically offset by the low cost of living.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Ogden is currently balanced, leaning slightly toward buyers due to the 3.6% unemployment rate. The median home price is accessible compared to the US average, but the price per square foot indicates smaller housing stock. For renters, the 2-Bedroom Fair Market Rent of $1,614 is the critical metric; this consumes roughly 33% of the median household income, keeping it within the standard affordability threshold.

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

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
Given the median home price of $415,000 and the 1BR rent of $1,250, the price-to-rent ratio favors buying for long-term residents. The 8.2% premium on Price/SqFt suggests that inventory is tight for larger homes, but the 13.8% discount on 1BR rent makes renting a viable short-term strategy for the "Hybrid Worker" while scouting for purchase opportunities.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Ogden's economy is insulated by a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is 0.4% better than the national average. This indicates a tight labor market where jobs are available, though the pay scale is lower. The city is heavily influenced by the Hill Air Force Base and manufacturing sectors.

RTO & Commute Impact:
For the hybrid worker, Ogden is a strategic "commute hub." The drive to Salt Lake City averages 35-45 miles (approx. 50 minutes) against the Wasatch Range. While gas prices in Utah fluctuate, the transportation index of 96.8 helps mitigate fuel costs. However, a daily commute to SLC would erode the $1,555 monthly disposable income advantage rapidly. The ideal Ogden resident works 1-2 days in-office in SLC or is fully remote/local.

Quality of Life Audit

Ogden offers a "Good" Health Score of 80.4/100, driven by low smoking rates (10.2%) and excellent air quality (AQI 45). However, the statistical "Achilles' heel" is obesity, which sits at 36.4%—4.5% higher than the US average. This correlates with the local culture and dining options.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Safety is a mixed bag. Violent crime is 456/100k, which is 20% higher than the US average (380/100k) and firmly "Average." However, Property Crime is a significant concern at 2,678/100k, which is 33.9% higher than the national average (2,000/100k). Home security systems and vigilance are required data points for the budget.

Schools & Weather:
K-12 education metrics in Ogden generally lag behind the affluent suburbs to the south (Park City/Heber), with funding heavily reliant on property taxes. Weather is distinct: the current temperature of 27.0°F is standard for January. Residents must adapt to "Inversion" events in winter, where cold air traps particulate matter, though the average AQI of 45 suggests the region recovers quickly.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Disposable Income: The combination of median income and low costs allows for a ~38% savings rate.
• Air Quality: An AQI of 45 is objectively good for a city with manufacturing presence.
• Proximity: Access to SLC job markets without SLC housing prices.
• Unemployment: A 3.6% rate means job security is high.

Cons:

• Property Crime: At 2,678/100k, you are statistically 34% more likely to lose property to theft than the national average.
• Income Ceiling: The median income is $65,035, capping earnings potential unless you commute to SLC or work remote for an out-of-state firm.
• Health Risks: The social environment promotes obesity (36.4%), which may impact long-term insurance premiums and lifestyle.

Final Recommendation:
Ogden is a high-value relocation target for remote workers earning above the median national wage (e.g., $85k+) who want to maximize savings. It is not recommended for career climbers relying on local job markets to increase income, as the wage stagnation is a real risk.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Ogden?
For a single person, a salary of $60,000 allows for comfortable living with savings. For a family of four, $95,000 is recommended to maintain a 20% savings rate while managing the higher property crime risk via security investments.

2. How does Ogden's value compare to Salt Lake City?
Ogden is approximately 15-20% cheaper in total housing costs than Salt Lake City proper. However, you trade walkability and higher local wages for a 50-minute commute during RTO days.

3. Is the high property crime rate a dealbreaker?
It is a "manageable" risk. While 2,678/100k is high, it is largely property theft (auto/burglary). Investing in a garage and home security reduces the statistical risk to near-zero. Violent crime remains average.

4. When is the best time to move/buy?
Winter (Q1) offers the best rental deals, with prices dipping 5-8% below summer peaks. Buying in Q2/Q3 offers more inventory, but prices are at their annual peak due to the proximity to ski resorts driving seasonal demand.