List of Cities in Utah Alphabetically

by btobers · Published August 25, 2024 · Updated November 11, 2024

Utah has around 245 incorporated cities and towns. The state capital and largest city is Salt Lake City, known for its ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and its winter sports industry. Other large cities include West Valley City, Provo, West Jordan, Orem, Sandy, Ogden, St. George, Layton, and South Jordan. Utah’s cities are primarily located along the Wasatch Front, a region that runs through Salt Lake City and its suburbs. The state’s economy is driven by technology, mining, and outdoor recreation, with many smaller towns serving as gateways to national parks and outdoor activities.

1. Salt Lake City

City Facts

Population: Approximately 200,133 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 385, 801
Zip Codes: 84101–84199
County: Salt Lake County

Geography and History

Salt Lake City, the capital and largest city in Utah, is nestled between the Wasatch Mountains to the east and the Great Salt Lake to the northwest. The city has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Salt Lake City was founded in 1847 by Brigham Young and other Mormon pioneers who sought to establish a religious haven. The city’s layout was designed with wide streets and large city blocks, reflecting the early settlers’ vision. Over the years, Salt Lake City has evolved into the economic and cultural hub of Utah. Its economy was originally driven by mining and agriculture, but it has diversified into sectors like finance, technology, and healthcare. The city is also known for hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics, which further boosted its global profile.

Colleges and Universities

University of Utah: A major public research university known for its strong programs in medicine, engineering, and business. The University of Utah also houses a renowned hospital and medical center.
Westminster College: A private liberal arts college offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on personalized education.
Salt Lake Community College (SLCC): Offers associate degrees and certificates, and is known for its career-focused programs and transfer opportunities to four-year universities.
Neumont College of Computer Science: A private college specializing in computer science, offering bachelor’s degrees in technology fields.
Ensign College: A private, LDS-affiliated institution offering career-focused degrees in business, technology, and healthcare.

Major Landmarks

Salt Lake City is home to the iconic Temple Square, the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which includes the Salt Lake Temple, Tabernacle, and the Family History Library. The Utah State Capitol, located on a hill overlooking the city, offers panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley. The Natural History Museum of Utah and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts are both located on the University of Utah campus, offering cultural and scientific exhibits. Liberty Park, one of the city’s largest parks, features the Tracy Aviary. The Great Salt Lake and nearby Antelope Island provide outdoor recreational opportunities, while the Salt Palace Convention Center hosts numerous events and conferences.

2. West Valley City

City Facts

Population: Approximately 140,230 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 385, 801
Zip Codes: 84119–84128
County: Salt Lake County

Geography and History

West Valley City is located in the Salt Lake Valley, just west of Salt Lake City. The city has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Originally a collection of smaller farming communities, West Valley City officially became a city in 1980, following rapid suburban development in the post-World War II era. Its growth was fueled by its proximity to Salt Lake City and the availability of affordable housing. Today, West Valley City is known for its diverse population and strong industrial base, with companies in manufacturing, retail, and distribution contributing to its economy. It is also a major entertainment hub within the region, with venues like the Maverik Center hosting concerts, sporting events, and more.

Colleges and Universities

Utah State University (Salt Lake Campus): Offers undergraduate and graduate programs, primarily in business, education, and health sciences, through a regional campus in the area.
Salt Lake Community College (Taylorsville Campus): Serves students in West Valley City with associate degrees and certificate programs, focusing on vocational and transfer pathways.
Ensign College (Proximity to Salt Lake City): Offers career-focused programs that attract students from West Valley City.
Western Governors University (Online programs available): A non-profit, online university offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, business, healthcare, and IT.
University of Phoenix (Utah Campus): A private institution offering degree programs in business, education, and healthcare, with flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Major Landmarks

The Maverik Center, home to the Utah Grizzlies hockey team, is a major entertainment venue in West Valley City. The Utah Cultural Celebration Center showcases art, music, and performances from the city’s diverse communities. Centennial Park is one of the city’s largest green spaces, offering sports fields, a splash pad, and walking trails. The Valley Fair Mall is a major shopping and dining destination. The Utah Olympic Oval, located nearby in Kearns, is a legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympics and is open to the public for ice skating and speed skating events. West Valley City also hosts the Harman Theatre, home to local theater productions and cultural performances.

3. Provo

City Facts

Population: Approximately 116,618 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 385, 801
Zip Codes: 84601–84606
County: Utah County

Geography and History

Provo is located about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City, nestled between Utah Lake to the west and the Wasatch Mountains to the east. The city experiences a semi-arid climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Provo was founded in 1849 by Mormon settlers and named after the French-Canadian trapper Étienne Provost. Historically, the city grew as a center of agriculture and education, with Brigham Young University (BYU) playing a pivotal role in its development. Today, Provo is a major center for technology, education, and outdoor recreation, benefiting from its proximity to both Salt Lake City and the “Silicon Slopes,” Utah’s growing tech corridor.

Colleges and Universities

Brigham Young University (BYU): A private university affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including business, engineering, and the arts.
Utah Valley University (UVU) (Nearby in Orem): The largest public university in Utah, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, particularly strong in business, technology, and the health sciences.
Provo College: A private institution offering career-focused programs in nursing, healthcare, and business.
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions: A graduate school specializing in healthcare programs such as physical therapy, nursing, and occupational therapy.
Ensign College (Proximity to Salt Lake City): Provides career-focused degrees, drawing students from the Provo area.

Major Landmarks

Provo’s most famous landmark is Brigham Young University, with its iconic campus featuring the BYU Museum of Art and the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum. Utah Lake State Park, located on the shores of Utah Lake, offers boating, fishing, and hiking. Provo Canyon, with Bridal Veil Falls, is a popular outdoor destination for hiking, rock climbing, and photography. The Provo City Center Temple is a striking historical building that was converted into a temple after a fire destroyed the original Provo Tabernacle. The Covey Center for the Arts in downtown Provo hosts concerts, plays, and art exhibits. The Peaks Ice Arena, a 2002 Winter Olympic venue, is open to the public for skating and hockey.

4. West Jordan

City Facts

Population: Approximately 118,912 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 385, 801
Zip Codes: 84081–84088
County: Salt Lake County

Geography and History

West Jordan is located in the Salt Lake Valley, just west of the Jordan River and south of Salt Lake City. The city has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. West Jordan was founded in the mid-19th century by Mormon settlers who established farms along the Jordan River. It was named after the biblical Jordan River, reflecting its proximity to the Great Salt Lake. The city remained mostly rural until the late 20th century, when suburban growth began to transform it into one of Utah’s largest cities. Today, West Jordan is a growing suburban community with a strong retail and industrial base.

Colleges and Universities

Salt Lake Community College (Jordan Campus): Offers associate degrees and technical certifications, with a focus on career development and transfer programs.
Broadview University (West Jordan): A private university offering career-focused degrees in fields like business, health sciences, and technology.
Western Governors University (Online programs available): An accredited online university offering flexible bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in education, business, healthcare, and IT.
University of Utah (Proximity to Salt Lake City): The state’s flagship university, providing access to advanced research and education opportunities for residents of West Jordan.
Brigham Young University (Provo): Though located in Provo, many West Jordan residents attend BYU for undergraduate and graduate programs.

Major Landmarks

Gardner Village, a restored 19th-century mill and village, is one of West Jordan’s most popular attractions, featuring shops, restaurants, and seasonal events. The Jordan River Parkway offers walking and biking trails that run alongside the river. Veterans Memorial Park is a large community park that hosts events and offers sports fields and playgrounds. The West Jordan Historical Museum preserves the city’s pioneer heritage. South Valley Regional Airport, a public-use airport, is a hub for private aviation and flight training. The nearby Oquirrh Mountain Temple, a prominent religious site for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stands as a significant landmark in the area.

5. Orem

City Facts

Population: Approximately 98,624 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 385, 801
Zip Codes: 84057–84059, 84097
County: Utah County

Geography and History

Orem is located in Utah County, adjacent to Provo and north of Utah Lake. The city experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Orem was originally an agricultural community, known for its fruit orchards and proximity to the Provo River. It was named after Walter C. Orem, a railroad magnate who played a significant role in developing the local rail system. In the mid-20th century, Orem transitioned from agriculture to suburban growth, becoming one of Utah’s largest cities. Orem is part of the growing “Silicon Slopes” tech region and is known for its strong educational institutions, family-friendly environment, and proximity to outdoor recreation.

Colleges and Universities

Utah Valley University (UVU): A public university and the largest institution of higher education in Utah, offering a wide range of programs from associate to graduate degrees, with particular strengths in business, technology, and education.
Stevens-Henager College (Orem Campus): A private career college offering degree programs in healthcare, business, and technology.
Provo College (Nearby in Provo): Offers career-focused degrees in nursing, healthcare, and business, attracting students from the Orem area.
Brigham Young University (Proximity in Provo): A private university known for its academic excellence, offering programs in business, engineering, and the arts.
Ensign College (Salt Lake City): An LDS-affiliated college offering degrees and certificates in various career-oriented fields.

Major Landmarks

The SCERA Center for the Arts is one of Orem’s cultural hubs, featuring an outdoor amphitheater, a theater, and an art gallery. Utah Valley University’s campus is home to the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts a wide variety of performances. Mount Timpanogos, located just northeast of Orem, is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, with Timpanogos Cave National Monument offering cave tours. Orem’s University Place is a major shopping center that also hosts community events. Additionally, the Orem Owlz, a minor league baseball team, play at the Home of the Owlz stadium, bringing sports fans from across the region.

List of Cities in Utah Alphabetically

1. Salt Lake City

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

2. West Valley City

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

3. Provo

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

4. West Jordan

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

5. Orem

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

List of All Cities and Towns in Utah in Alphabetical Order

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