QUALITY OF LIFE
UTAH IS AN EXCELLENT PLACE to visit and an extraordinary place to live.
The state captivates visitors and residents alike with its spectacular natural beauty, cultural offerings and year-round recreational opportunities. In some seasons in Utah, it is possible to ski, golf, snowmobile and water-ski on the same day. In addition to its extraordinary scenery, recreation and culture, Utah is safe, clean and affordable, creating exceptional quality of life for the state’s residents. CLIMATE AND WEATHER
Like the state’s topography, Utah’s four-season climate is invigorating and diverse. The state’s elevation ranges from a low of 2,200 feet in southwestern Washington County to more than 13,500 feet in the Uinta Mountains in the northeastern corner of the state. The average maximum daytime temperature in Utah’s leading metropolitan areas ranges from an average of about 37 degrees (36 degrees in Salt Lake City; 32 in Park City; 53 in St. George) in January to 93 degrees in July (92 degrees in Salt Lake City; 82 in Park City; 102 in St. George). Utah’s climate features low humidity and plentiful sunshine. In Salt Lake County and many other areas in the state, the summer daytime relative humidity averages less than 30 percent, and sunny skies prevail for an average of 237 days per year. The air quality in the vicinity of Capitol Reef National Park is the best among the lower 48 states. Annual precipitation varies from less than five inches in Utah’s arid Great Salt Lake Desert to more than 60 inches in the northern mountain ranges. In the state’s most densely populated counties—Davis, Salt Lake, Utah and Weber—precipitation averages six inches per year. Snow accumulates to depths of 10 feet or more at some Wasatch Mountain ski resorts; at some locations, the season-long snow total may exceed 50 feet. The ethereal dry powder snow along the Wasatch Front has earned Utah the moniker, “The Greatest Snow on Earth™.”
13 HIGHLIGHTS
The dry, powdery snow found at Utah’s 13 alpine ski resorts is widely considered to be “the greatest snow on earth.” Utah’s cost of living is well below national levels, according to most indicators. Residents of the state have access to excellent health and medical treatment facilities. Utah offers a wealth of world-class outdoor recreation opportunities. Utah welcomed more than 18.2 million visitors in 2005. Southern Utah has the nation’s greatest concentration of national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capital Reef and Zion. Utah arts enthusiasts enjoy a unique mix of exceptional performing arts experiences. Utah sports fans support a variety of professional teams, including The Jazz (basketball), Real Salt Lake (soccer), The Grizzlies (ice hockey), The Blaze (Arena Football) and The Bees (baseball).
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UTAH FACTS 2008
