Utah’s Community Quality of Life Index reached 63.2 out of 100 points in 2026, marking its lowest level since measurements began in 2011, according to a report published in October 2026. The index, developed by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Utah Chamber, and Utah Foundation, shows a decline from the 64.1 rating recorded in 2022.
Housing affordability remains the lowest-rated community factor in the index with an individual rating of 2.1 out of 5. As of the beginning of 2026, the median sales price of a single-family home in Utah was $544,000, ranking among the ten most expensive in the country. This price point falls within the severely unaffordable range according to Utah’s median multiple. Additionally, 91% of renters were priced out of a median-priced home in 2026, an increase from 59% in 2015.
The cost of living was identified as the second-lowest-rated factor with a rating of 2.7. In the second quarter of 2026, the cost of living index for Salt Lake City was 101.4, meaning goods cost an average of 1.4% more in that area than the rest of the nation. In August 2026, the U.S. Consumer Price Index increased 3.4% from a year prior.
Opportunities for good jobs also saw a significant decline, accounting for a half-point decrease in the overall index. The individual performance rating for job opportunities dropped from 3.5 in 2022 to 3.1 in 2026, representing a 10% decrease. This follows a period where the average monthly nonfarm wage in Utah grew from $5,646 in 2024 to $5,681 in 2025.
While affordability and job opportunities declined, certain factors bolstered the index. The highest-rated factors included the availability of spiritual or religious activities or groups (4.2), attractiveness of natural surroundings (4.2), and availability of parks and recreation spaces (4.1). Community support was identified as the single most important factor in determining an individual's overall perception of their community's quality of life.
