Summit County
UT · Pop. 42,709 · Rural County
Summit County sits in Utah across 1,871 square miles, home to 42,709 people at 22.8 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, potatoes. A median home price of $1,000,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.35% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 39-day growing season, average summer highs of 73.9°F and average winter lows of 5.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 16.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Evanston Regional Hospital is 25.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88.1% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.35% holds annual carrying costs down.
- At 22.8 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.9% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 4.5% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 39-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 16.8 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- A median home price of $1,000,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
- The nearest hospital, Evanston Regional Hospital, is 25.7 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Summit County, UT is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 21/100
- Median home price
- $1000k
- Property tax
- 0.35%
- Growing season
- 39 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 16.8"
- Broadband
- 88.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Evanston Regional Hospital, 25.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Summit County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Summit County?
- Summit County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 39-day growing season, average summer highs of 73.9°F, and average winter lows of 5.2°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, potatoes.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $1,000,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.35%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 88.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Evanston Regional Hospital is 25.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Utah Resources
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LandWatch
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More counties in Utah
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The closest counties to Summit County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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