West Jordan, UT: A 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

West Jordan: The Data Profile (2026)

West Jordan represents a specific archetype of the Intermountain West suburban market: high-earning, family-centric, and economically stable, yet facing the pressures of post-2020 migration. The city’s population stands at 114,908, placing it firmly in the "smaller city" category where municipal services scale efficiently without the congestion of a major metro core.

The primary economic draw is the $105,396 median household income, which is a staggering 41.3% higher than the US median of $74,580. However, this income premium is not fully offset by a commensurate cost-of-living spike; the aggregate COL index sits at roughly 99.0 (fluctuating near parity with the US average), driven largely by a housing index of 102.0.

Educationally, the city is slightly below the national curve, with 31.4% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher (compared to the US average of 33.1%). This suggests a workforce heavily skewed toward skilled trades, technology, and healthcare rather than academia or pure research.

Statistical Target Demographic: The data points to dual-income families earning between $90,000 and $130,000 who are priced out of Salt Lake City proper but seek safety, high-quality schools, and a sub-30-minute commute to the Salt Lake metro employment hubs.

Cost of Living Analysis

The financial advantage of West Jordan is found in the "other" categories. While housing hovers just above the national average (102.0), essential goods and utilities provide significant relief. Groceries are 4.8% cheaper than the national baseline (95.2), and transportation costs are 3.2% lower (96.8). Crucially, electricity costs 12.22 cents/kWh, a massive 23.6% saving compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
With a median income of $105,396, a typical household takes home approximately $79,000 annually after taxes. Against a $6,230 monthly family burn rate ($74,760 annually), the surplus is roughly $4,240 per year. This is a tight margin for savings compared to previous years, indicating that the "income advantage" is being absorbed by housing inflation.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in West Jordan is defined by a "middle-market" squeeze. While the median home price is elevated, the rent-to-own ratio favors buying if the resident can secure the down payment. The 1-bedroom rental market is particularly aggressive relative to the housing index.

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

Buy vs. Rent Relative to National Curve:
Buying is the statistically superior financial move for long-term residents. The median home price of $535,000 requires a significant entry barrier, but the rent premium on 1BR units ($1,450) is disproportionately high compared to the broader market. In West Jordan, renting a 3BR unit at $2,400 is more cost-effective per square foot than renting a smaller unit, suggesting a landlord market targeting families waiting to buy.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

West Jordan’s economy is insulated by a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, which sits below the US average of 4.0%. The "post-remote" landscape has solidified the city's role as a bedroom community for the Salt Lake City metro, which hosts the bulk of tech and finance jobs.

Commute & RTO Impact:
With the population at 114,908, the city has not reached critical mass for a self-contained business district. Most workers face a commute of 20–35 minutes to downtown Salt Lake City or the "Silicon Slopes" tech corridor to the north. The high median income ($105,396) implies that these are stable, in-demand roles, likely requiring 2–3 days in-office, making the commute a manageable trade-off for the suburban lifestyle.

Quality of Life Audit

West Jordan scores high on health metrics, specifically regarding lifestyle risks. The smoking rate is exceptionally low at 8.7% (vs. 14.0% US avg), and the diabetes rate is 8.0% (vs. 10.9% US avg). However, air quality remains a regional challenge, with an AQI average of 54 ("Moderate"), driven by winter inversions and PM2.5 accumulation.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Safety is a major selling point. Violent crime sits at 234 incidents per 100k people, significantly lower than the US average of 380. Property crime is right at the national average (2123 vs. 2000 per 100k), suggesting that while physical safety is high, property protection (home security, insurance) remains a standard necessity.

Schools & Weather:
While the education attainment level is 31.4%, the district funding in Utah is robust. The weather profile is distinct: currently, the city is experiencing a high of 36°F and a low of 20°F with "Mostly Clear" conditions. Residents must budget for distinct seasonality, including snow removal and winter driving conditions.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Power: The $105,396 median income provides 41.3% more purchasing power than the national median.
• Safety: Violent crime is 38.9% lower than the US average.
• Health: Low rates of diabetes (8.0%) and smoking (8.7%) indicate a healthy community baseline.

Cons:

• Housing Cost: Home prices are 27.4% higher than the national average, eroding the income advantage.
• Air Quality: An AQI of 54 and seasonal PM2.5 spikes are health risks for sensitive groups.
• Commute Dependency: The city is a commuter hub; remote workers may find the premium unjustified.

Final Recommendation:
West Jordan is a Buy for families prioritizing safety and school access over urban walkability. It is a Pass for single remote workers who can find lower costs and better air quality in smaller, non-metro towns.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in West Jordan?
For a family of four to maintain the median lifestyle (including mortgage on a $535,000 home), a household income of at least $110,000 is recommended to ensure a healthy savings buffer after the $6,230 monthly expenses.

2. How does the value compare to Salt Lake City proper?
West Jordan offers a ~15% discount on housing compared to Salt Lake City proper, but the trade-off is a 20–30 minute commute and fewer walkable amenities. The income-to-cost ratio is actually better in West Jordan due to the lower utility and grocery indices.

3. Is the crime rate actually safe?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of 234/100k (vs. 380 US avg), you are statistically 39% safer from violent crime here than the national average. Property crime is the primary concern, matching the US baseline of 2123/100k.

4. When is the best time to move or buy?
The market is seasonal. Inventory typically peaks in late Spring (May/June). However, with the current interest rate environment and the 102.0 housing index, winter moves (like the current 20°F conditions) often yield negotiation leverage as sellers are less motivated.