Apr 15, 2025 - News

Utah's median household income ranks No. 1 in the U.S. after cost of living adjustment

Kim Bojórquez

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 19: The skyline of downtown Salt Lake City taken from the top of the stadium prior to a game between the Utah Utes and TCU Horned Frogs at Rice Eccles Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. — Utah's median household income after cost-of-living adjustmentssurpasses the rest of the U.S. Photo: Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

Utah's median household income of $98,336 is the nation's highest after adjusting for cost of living, according to a new research brief from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

By the numbers: That's almost 27% higher than the U.S. average ($77,719).

West Virginia has the lowest at $62,094.

The intrigue: Utah's large household size and high share of people in the job market contribute to the nation leading median income.

What they're saying: "For over a decade, Utah's unadjusted median household income ranked among the top third of states," said Natalie Roney, lead author of the brief and research economist at the institute.

"In the more recent past, Utah's household income ranked even higher, ranking first in 2022 and 2023 when adjusting for state-level cost of living."

Yes, but: A high median household income doesn't always translate to greater purchasing power, per the study.

Between the lines: Utah ranks as the seventh most expensive state to buy a house, per Redfin. The median sale price for a house is $566,800.

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Utah's median household income ranks No. 1 in the U.S. after cost of living adjustment

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