West Jordan, Utah is a suburb of Salt Lake City and is located in Salt Lake City County, Utah.
It is located in the southern part of the Salt Lake Valley.
The city has an elevation of 4,330 feet.
The area is conservative, and the majority of residents are Mormon.
If you are looking for a quiet suburb, West Jordan can be a good choice.
However, before you pack your bags, there are some things you should know about the city.
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Pros of Living in West Jordan, UT
West Jordan has many benefits.
The pros of living in West Jordan include:
- Low Poverty Rate
- Most Residents Have a High School Education
- Ethnic Diversity
- Low Unemployment Rate
- Access to Restaurants and shopping
- Low natural disaster risk
- Religious Freedom and Diversity
- Job Opportunities
- Outdoor Spaces
1. Low Poverty Rate
West Jordan has a poverty rate of about half the national average.
The rate for West Jordan is 6.4%, while the national average is 12.6%.
The government sets a dollar amount for the poverty rate.
Individuals who earn less than that amount are considered below the poverty line.
This means that only 6.4% of West Jordan residents live below the poverty line, and have difficulty maintaining a basic living.
2. Most Residents Have a High School Education
Most residents of West Jordan have a high school education.
93% of residents have a high school diploma, compared to 89% of adults nationwide.
3. Ethnic Diversity
Ethnic diversity provides different cultural experiences and generally means that the population is tolerant of other people.
When considering moving to a new city, it’s an important consideration.
West Jordan has a reasonable amount of ethnic diversity.
68% of residents are white, and 22% are Hispanic. 3% are two or more races, and another 3% are Asian.
4. Low Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in West Jordan is slightly less than the national average.
West Jordan has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, compared to 3.9% for the national average.
5. Access to Restaurants and Shopping
West Jordan has plenty of places to shop and get a bite to eat.
You’ll find chain restaurants like Applebees, and niche dining options like Archibalds Restaurant, which is located in an old flour mill.
Jordan Landing offers 500 acres of shopping enjoyment.
You can also check out Redwood Village and West Jordan Town Center.
6. Low Natural Disaster Risk
West Jordan is at moderate or low risk for most natural disasters.
You won’t have to worry about hurricanes.
The risk of tornadoes and wildfires is low, and the risk from heat is moderate.
7. Religious Freedom and Diversity
West Jordan is well known for having religious freedom and diversity.
More than 60% of residents are Mormon, and 75% of them have some type of religious affiliation.
If you live in West Jordan, you can expect your religious beliefs to be respected.
However, if you aren’t religious, you will be in the minority.
8. Job Opportunities
West Jordan has a variety of job opportunities.
Some of the largest businesses in the city include Jordan Valley Medical Center, DSI Underground Group, and Orange Electric.
There are also lots of retail and customer service jobs in West Jordan.
9. Outdoor Spaces
West Jordan has 475 acres of open space and 350 acres of parkland for residents to enjoy.
If you love the outdoors, this is one of the biggest benefits of living in West Jordan.
You’ll find opportunities to hike, bike, and see the local wildlife.
West Jordan boasts some beautiful views that make hiking well worth the effort.
You can also enjoy a variety of playgrounds, golf courses, pavilions, and baseball fields in the heart of the city.
In the summer, beat the heat at the pool or the splash pad.
Cons of Living in West Jordan, UT
Despite all the benefits of living in West Jordan, there are some downsides as well.
The cons of living in West Jordan, UT include:
- Higher Cost of Living
- Housing is Expensive
- Traffic-Infrastructure Issues
- Poor air quality
- Crime
- Not a lot of nightlife
- Weather extremes
- Dry Conditions
- Public Schools
1. Higher Cost of Living
West Jordan’s cost of living is slightly higher than average for the U.S.
The cost of living is 107, which is 7% higher than the national average.
Salt Lake City is a bit more expensive, with a cost of living 108.
It’s important to know that there are plenty of areas with a higher cost of living compared to West Jordan, but there are also many cities with a lower cost of living.
The main reason that the cost of living is high is housing costs.
2. Housing Is Expensive
Housing in West Jordan is more expensive than average in America.
The average home price in West Jordan is $538,850, which is 25% more expensive than the average American home.
The median home price in America is $431,000.
Utah is one of the most expensive states to buy a home in.
Prices have climbed from $436,300 in 2020 to $500,000 in February 2022.
The price increased by 49%, which is the largest increase ever seen in two years.
Renting a house is less expensive, but still above the national average.
It will cost you 9% more than average to rent a home in West Jordan.
3. Traffic-Infrastructure Issues
Traffic can get congested in West Jordan, particularly if you want to travel from one end of the town to the other end, particularly if you are going from East to West or vice versa.
Residents say that the infrastructure was not well thought out.
There are also areas with road work and stretches with potholes.
4. Poor Air Quality
The air quality in West Jordan is poor most of the time.
Depending on the level of pollution, you may want to limit your time outside in the city, particularly if you are sensitive or have any breathing issues.
5. High Crime Rate
The rate of crime in West Jordan is surprisingly high.
Its rating is only 17, which means that it’s safer than only 17% of U.S. cities.
There were 297 violent crimes in West Jordan last year, and 2,439 property crimes.
The rate of property crime is 20.9, while violent crime is 2.3.
This means you are unlikely to be the victim of a violent crime, but your risk of property crime is higher.
6. Not a Lot of NightLife
There are plenty of things to do in West Jordan during the day, but you won’t find any nightlife in the city.
This is likely due to the religious beliefs of the majority of residents.
If you want to go to the club on Friday night, West Jordan might not be the best place to live.
7. Weather Extremes
Winters and summers in West Jordan can be intense.
Temperatures in the summer typically climb into the 90s, and can rarely reach 99 degrees or higher.
In the winter, the lows are usually around 22 degrees, with temperatures rarely hovering around 0 degrees.
You’ll also experience windy conditions often.
The windiest month of the year is April, with wind speeds averaging 7 miles per hour.
8. Dry Conditions
West Jordan doesn’t get a lot of rain.
There’s no major body of water nearby either.
If you are a water lover, you may find this problematic.
9. Poorly Ranked Public Schools
West Jordan schools do not rank well. For example, West Jordan High School ranks 132 out of 167 schools in Utah.
It ranks poorly nationally as well, coming in at 13,263 out of 17,680.
Pros and Cons of Living in West Jordan, UT – Summary Table
Pros of Living in West Jordan, UT | Cons of Living in West Jordan, UT |
---|---|
1. Low Poverty Rate | 1. Higher Cost of Living |
2. Most Residents Have a High School Education | 2. Housing Is Expensive |
3. Ethnic Diversity | 3. Traffic-Infrastructure Issues |
4. Low Unemployment Rate | 4. Poor Air Quality |
5. Access to Restaurants and Shopping | 5. High Crime Rate |
6. Low Natural Disaster Risk | 6. Not a Lot of NightLife |
7. Religious Freedom and Diversity | 7. Weather Extremes |
8. Job Opportunities | 8. Dry Conditions |
9. Outdoor Spaces | 9. Poorly Ranked Public Schools |
West Jordan Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: West Jordan Safety Review
Safety Index:- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Jordan a good place to live?
West Jordan is a good place to live for many people.
It’s family-friendly and fairly conservative.
However, the cost of living is high and the weather can be extreme.
If you are looking for an area with a suburban feel, West Jordan is a good choice.
However, if you want excitement, you won’t be happy here.
What is the poverty rate for West Jordan?
West Jordan has a poverty rate of 6.47%, which is about half of the national average of 12%.
Is it expensive to live in West Jordan?
Yes, West Jordan’s cost of living is higher than average, with housing and transportation prices being more expensive than the national average.
You’ll need a decent income to live comfortably in West Jordan, but you don’t have to be a millionaire.
Is the water in West Jordan hard?
Yes, the water in West Jordan has an average water hardness of 8.7, which is classified as hard.
However, it’s not as hard as other cities in the area.
Salt Lake City, for example, has a hardness of 19.2, which is very high.
Hard water has a high magnesium and calcium content.
While these minerals are good for you, hard water is tough on plumbing and appliances.
It can also be drying for your skin and hair.
Are most people who live in West Jordan Mormon?
Yes.
61% of West Jordan residents are Mormon.
However, the area is known for religious tolerance, so don’t hesitate to call the area home if you have different beliefs.