Utah (UT)

Nicknamed the "Beehive State," Utah is known for its stunning red rock landscapes, world-class skiing, and rich pioneer history. From the breathtaking national parks to the vibrant culture of Salt Lake City, the state offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and modern attractions.

• Population: ~3.4 million
• Weather: Hot, dry summers (85-100°F); cold, snowy winters (15-40°F).
• Famous Sites: Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon, Salt Lake Temple, Bonneville Salt Flats.
• Top Activities: Hiking, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, exploring national parks, visiting historical landmarks.

Utah’s job market is expanding, with strong career opportunities in technology, healthcare, construction, and finance. These industries offer competitive salaries and job stability. Here are the top five in-demand jobs in Utah based on earnings and job openings. Click on the job titles to view more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Utah has many cities known for their growing populations and active college communities. These larger cities typically host well-known universities and colleges, welcoming numerous new students each academic year. The following table offers details regarding the 10 largest Utah cities, along with their approximate populations and college student enrollments.

Utah is home to some of the best public and private universities, offering diverse programs in business, engineering, healthcare, and more.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Utah

• University of Utah – The state's flagship university, known for its strong research programs in healthcare, engineering, and business.
• Utah State University (USU) – A top research institution offering excellent programs in agriculture, engineering, and business.
• Weber State University – Known for its strong nursing, business, and engineering programs.
• Southern Utah University (SUU) – Offers high-quality undergraduate education and is known for aviation and performing arts programs.
• Utah Valley University (UVU) – An open-enrollment institution known for technology, business, and healthcare programs.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Utah

• Brigham Young University (BYU) – A nationally recognized private university with strong programs in business, law, and engineering.
• Westminster University – A well-regarded liberal arts university with strong business and healthcare programs.
• Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions – Specializes in graduate healthcare programs, including physical therapy and nursing.
• Western Governors University (WGU) – An online university known for its flexible, competency-based degree programs in business, IT, and education.
• Ensign College – Focuses on career-based educational programs, particularly in business and technology.

Utah offers a variety of top public and private high schools that emphasize academic achievement, extracurricular opportunities, and college readiness. These schools provide students with excellent resources to succeed in their future careers and education.

Top Public High Schools in Utah

• Skyline High School, Salt Lake City – Recognized for its strong International Baccalaureate (IB) program and high graduation rates.
• Corner Canyon High School, Draper – Offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and outstanding athletic programs.
• Lone Peak High School, Highland – Known for its rigorous academics, excellent STEM programs, and state championship athletics.
• Park City High School, Park City – Provides outstanding academic opportunities, including AP and dual enrollment courses.
• Davis High School, Kaysville – A top-performing school recognized for college preparation and strong extracurriculars.

Top Private High Schools in Utah

• Rowland Hall, Salt Lake City – A prestigious private school offering a challenging curriculum and strong college counseling.
• Waterford School, Sandy – Known for its liberal arts education, small class sizes, and high college placement rates.
• Juan Diego Catholic High School, Draper – A faith-based institution with strong academics and competitive athletics.
• American Heritage School, American Fork – Provides a classical education with an emphasis on leadership and moral values.
• Layton Christian Academy, Layton – A private school offering a well-rounded education with a focus on academics and community service.

Utah is home to a passionate sports culture, with a strong presence in professional basketball and soccer. While the state does not have teams in the NFL, MLB, or NHL, it boasts a dedicated fan base for its existing major league and minor league teams.

The pride of Utah’s sports scene is the Utah Jazz (NBA). Founded in 1974, the team has seen legendary players like Karl Malone and John Stockton, making it one of the most respected franchises in the league. The Real Salt Lake (MLS) soccer team is another major professional team, winning the MLS Cup in 2009 and consistently competing at a high level.

Apart from these major league teams, Utah hosts several minor league and semi-pro teams across different sports.

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in Utah

Baseball 🏟️

• Salt Lake Bees (Triple-A – Los Angeles Angels affiliate) – A top-tier minor league baseball team that plays at Smith’s Ballpark.
• Ogden Raptors (Pioneer League – Independent) – A popular team known for exciting games in an intimate setting.

Soccer ⚽

• Real Monarchs (MLS NEXT Pro – Developmental team for Real Salt Lake) – A competitive squad developing future MLS stars.

Hockey 🏒

• Utah Grizzlies (ECHL – Colorado Avalanche affiliate) – A strong minor league team with a loyal fan base.

Basketball 🏀

• Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League – Utah Jazz affiliate) – A developmental team that helps groom future NBA talent.

With a mix of major and minor league teams, Utah has plenty of exciting sports action for fans to enjoy year-round.

1. Home to the Greatest Snow on Earth ❄️ – Utah’s snow is famous for being light and fluffy, making it a paradise for skiers and snowboarders.
2. Has the First KFC 🍗 – The first-ever Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise was opened in Salt Lake City in 1952.
3. Home to the Mighty Five National Parks 🏞️ – Utah has five stunning national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands.
4. Saltier Than the Ocean 🌊 – The Great Salt Lake is saltier than seawater, making it easy for people to float on its surface.
5. Invented the First Traffic Light 🚦 – The first electric traffic light was installed in Salt Lake City in 1912.
6. A Giant, Ancient Lake Once Covered Utah 🏔️ – A prehistoric lake called Lake Bonneville covered much of Utah during the Ice Age.
7. Has a Town Named After a Sci-Fi Hero 🚀 – The town of Enterprise was named after the Star Trek spaceship, the USS Enterprise.
8. The Deepest Canyon in Utah is Not the Grand Canyon 🤯 – Utah’s deepest canyon, Kings Canyon, is deeper than the Grand Canyon in some places.
9. The World's Largest Natural Bridge 🌉 – Utah’s Rainbow Bridge is one of the largest natural rock arches in the world.
10. Chocolate Lovers Rejoice 🍫 – The Utah-based company, Mrs. Cavanaugh’s Chocolates, is famous for making delicious gourmet chocolates.