Most affordable places for buying a home in Utah, 2024 edition

KSL Homes looks at areas where your mortgage payment may go a little further.

There’s no doubt, buying a home in Utah is not as easy as it used to be. And it’s not just because your parents’ dollar went further. The average home price across the Wasatch Front jumped 40% from 2020 to 2022, according to the Salt Lake Realtors Executive Report, from $380,000 to $520,000.

The good news: In 2023, home prices dropped about 2.3%. The bad news: They’re back up 3% for 2024, to an overall average price of $530,500. Even with lower mortgage rates on the horizon, monthly payments can be pretty steep. What’s a wannabe homeowner to do? 

Before giving up on your dream, consider rethinking your dream location. If you’re willing to live outside of Utah’s most populated areas, there are several counties with more affordable housing options.

Uintah County | Median sales price $399,000*

Largest cities: Vernal, Roosevelt, Maeser

If you can work from home anywhere in the state, why not move to one of the most picturesque? Uintah County is nestled in the Uinta Basin, the place for outdoor recreation. On the weekends, head to the mountains for ATV riding, fishing, boating and hiking. And there’s a dinosaur quarry to boot.

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There's an abundance of fine art offerings in Iron County. Photo courtesy Utah Shakespeare Festival

Iron County | Median sales price $425,000

Largest cities: Cedar City, Enoch, Parowan

If you worry that living away from the state capital will mean losing out on cultural events, think again. Iron County is home to the Utah Shakespeare Festival, the Southern Utah Museum of Art and a slew of art festivals sprinkled throughout the year. Southern Utah University is in Cedar City, too, so you can get in some college sports while you’re there. Plus, you’ll still be close to skiing and now the national parks, too.

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Cache County | Median sales price $485,000

Largest cities: Logan, Smithfield, North Logan

Logan may best be known as the home of Utah State University, but it’s more than just a college town — or the place to get exceptional ice cream. Cache Valley residents enjoy an overall lower cost of living, exceptional public schools and a lower crime rate than many similarly sized cities in the U.S. If you’re buying a home in Utah, consider this county that Niche ranked No.1 for families.

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Move to Box Elder County and enjoy peach summers.

Box Elder County | Median sales price $485,000

Largest cities: Brigham City, Tremonton

Sure, Box Elder County is the premier location for bird watching, but there’s more to this scenic spot. It’s also steeped in historic sites, unique land art and old-timey charm. And in the summer, there are peaches as far as the eye can see. While the towns are quaint, there’s big box store shopping just a few miles away. Construction and manufacturing are the largest employment sectors there.

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Juab County | Median sales price $489,000

Largest cities: Santaquin (southern portion), Nephi, Mona

Juab County has just seven cities, including the county seat of Nephi. The populations are small, and there aren’t many amenities aside from a few small stores and diners. If you’re craving a small town, you’ll find it here. But if you need to have a supermarket store nearby, you’re only a few minutes from bustling Utah County. While the price may be similar to other communities, you may get more for your dollar — so you can afford a place with an office for your remote work.

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Weber County has some beautiful vistas.

Weber County | Median sales price $494,800

Largest cities: Ogden, Roy, West Haven

Getting out of the city without actually leaving the city? That’s Weber County. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate quick access to skiing, hiking and boating. Indoor enthusiasts who prefer shopping and dining experiences will be just as satisfied. If you’re looking for bigger backyards for the kids to play in, search homes in the northwest portion of the county.

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Life is still relatively rural in Tooele County, but you're not far from the city.

Tooele County | Median sales price $495,000

Major cities: Stansbury Park, Tooele, Grantsville, Wendover

While it may seem way out west, Tooele County is actually a relatively short commute to Salt Lake City. If you can travel during non-peak times, it should be 45 minutes or less. Because there’s been a lot of development in the area in recent years, you may find a newer, larger home than you could afford in a more densely populated area. Call it rural living, but within a short drive of all the city has to offer.

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Building or buying a home in Utah? Start your search on KSL Homes.

*Realtor.com, 2024