Deep Dive Relocation Report: Orem, Utah (2026)

Orem: The Data Profile (2026)

Orem represents a high-value target for professionals seeking a balance between suburban stability and economic opportunity. The city's population stands at 95,514, creating a mid-sized market that avoids the congestion of major metros while retaining critical infrastructure. The economic engine is robust, with a median income of $82,348, which is 10.4% higher than the US median of $74,580. This income premium is supported by a highly skilled labor pool; 44.3% of residents hold a college degree, significantly outpacing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "post-remote" dual-income household. With 44.3% college attainment, the city is primed for knowledge workers who are no longer fully remote but require a commute to regional hubs (e.g., Salt Lake City or Lehi). The median income of $82,348 suggests these households can absorb the +2.0% housing premium relative to the US average.

Cost of Living Analysis

While Orem’s median income is 10.4% above the national average, the cost of living is generally suppressed outside of housing. The aggregate Housing Index is 102.0, a manageable +2.0% premium. However, daily operational costs are below average: Groceries at 95.2 (-4.8%), Transportation at 96.8 (-3.2%), and Utilities (Electricity) at 12.22 cents/kWh compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Deep Dive: Disposable Income Analysis
Based on the median household income of $82,348, the monthly gross income is approximately $6,862. After federal and state taxes (est. 22% effective rate), net take-home is roughly $5,350. For a single person, the estimated cost of living of $2,725 consumes 51% of net income, leaving $2,625 in disposable income. For a family of four spending $6,685, costs exceed the median net income, indicating that the single-earner median household of $82,348 is insufficient for a family of four without a second income or significantly higher-than-median earnings.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Orem is currently competitive, sitting +2.0% above the national baseline. The median home price reflects the region's desirability and the 44.3% college-educated workforce. Renters face a specific challenge: the 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,460/mo, which is high relative to the broader cost of living indices.

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

Analysis: Buy vs. Rent
The data suggests a split strategy based on household size. For singles or couples, renting a 1BR at $1,150 (vs US $1,300) offers 11.5% savings, making renting the financially superior option to build capital. However, for families requiring a 3BR, the rent of $1,950 is closer to the national average, while the median home price of $525,000 offers long-term equity. Given the +9.6% premium on Price/SqFt ($285), buying is currently a "lifestyle buy" rather than a pure investment play unless holding for 7+ years.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic stability of Orem is defined by a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, which sits below the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a tight labor market where job security is high. In the post-remote landscape, Orem’s location along the "Silicon Slopes" corridor provides a buffer against economic downturns.

RTO & Commute:
With 44.3% of residents holding degrees, the workforce is largely white-collar. Commute times are a critical factor. The average commute in Utah County is approximately 22 minutes. However, for those required to travel north to Salt Lake City or Lehi during peak traffic, this can extend to 45-60 minutes. The -3.2% transportation index helps offset fuel costs, but time cost remains high.

Industry Stability:
The $82,348 median income is bolstered by tech, education (Utah Valley University), and healthcare sectors. The 3.6% unemployment rate suggests that while RTO mandates may shift, the local economy retains enough density to support in-person service and tech roles.

Quality of Life Audit

Orem scores exceptionally well on health metrics, driven by low risk factors. The Health Score of 84.7/100 is a primary selling point. Notably, the Smoking Rate is 6.5%, less than half the US average of 14.0%, and the Diabetes Rate is 7.7%, significantly lower than the 10.9% national average.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Orem is a statistically safe city. Violent Crime is 167 per 100k, which is 56% lower than the US average of 380 per 100k. Property Crime is 1,567 per 100k, which is roughly 22% lower than the US average of 2,000 per 100k.

Air Quality & Weather:
The AQI is 47, classified as "Good," with PM2.5 levels at 5.8 µg/m³ (US average is 8.4 µg/m³). This is a major advantage over many western metros. Weather-wise, the current snapshot shows 25.0°F with a high of 36°F and low of 18°F. Winters are cold but manageable, with mostly clear conditions.

Schools:
With a college-educated population of 44.3%, the local school district (Alpine School District) receives strong community support and funding, generally ranking in the top 25% of Utah districts.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income vs. Cost: Median income ($82,348) exceeds the cost of living index significantly.
• Safety: Violent crime (167/100k) is drastically lower than national averages.
• Health: Top-tier health metrics (84.7 score, 6.5% smoking rate).
• Utilities: Electricity costs (12.22¢/kWh) are 24% cheaper than the US average.

Cons:

• Housing Premium: Median home price ($525,000) and Price/SqFt ($285) are above the national curve.
• Family Income Gap: The median income is insufficient for a family of four without a second earner.
• Winter Weather: Current temps of 25°F and winter inversions can impact AQI seasonally.

Final Recommendation:
Orem is a Buy for singles and couples earning near the median of $82,348, provided they can secure housing at or below the $525,000 median. It is a Rent for families who need the space of a 3BR ($1,950/mo) but lack a dual-income household exceeding $120,000 annually. The safety and health metrics make it a top-tier choice for long-term settlement.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Orem?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 covers the estimated $2,725 monthly budget with a 20% savings rate. For a family, a combined income of $110,000 is recommended to manage the $6,685 monthly burn rate while maintaining savings.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Salt Lake City?
Orem offers -11.5% cheaper 1BR rent ($1,150 vs $1,300+ in SLC) and significantly lower violent crime (167/100k vs 480/100k in SLC), though you sacrifice immediate proximity to major nightlife and airport access.

3. Is the property crime rate a concern?
While Property Crime is 1,567/100k, it is still 22% lower than the national average. It is an "Average" rating relative to the US, but "Safe" relative to peer cities of similar size.

4. When is the best time to relocate?
The current weather (25°F, Mostly Clear) suggests late winter is viable for moving, avoiding the heavy snow of January and the spring mud season. Additionally, the unemployment rate of 3.6% indicates a tight job market, so securing employment prior to moving is critical.