Unemployment, poverty set Northwest Salt Lake County economy apart from region

Northwest Salt Lake County communities continue to post high unemployment numbers and low per capita income, according to the latest “Northwest Valley Datapoints” published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. 

The report is the fourth in a series of fact sheets designed to provide important data about the communities of West Valley City, Kearns, Taylorsville, Magna and Salt Lake City west of I-15. The fourth installment presents economic data for the region, including findings around income, poverty, employment, commuting and business composition.

Unemployment rates remain elevated in most Northwest Salt Lake County communities and they exceed the statewide average of 3.4 percent, with the highest unemployment rates in Kearns (5.8 percent) and Magna (5 percent) and the lowest in Taylorsville (3.8 percent).

The fact sheet also reports that median household income in Northwest Salt Lake County is approximately $11,000 below the Salt Lake County average, with per capita income trailing Salt Lake County by $13,000. Across the region, 15.7 percent of children live in poverty compared with 8.9 percent of children statewide.

The northwest part of Salt Lake County demonstrates strong labor force participation, according to the Gardner research, with especially high shares of residents working or seeking work in Kearns (73.8 percent) and West Valley City (73.3 percent).

“Our research reveals an engaged workforce and a unique mix of industries and businesses in Northwest Salt Lake County,” said Nate Christensen, research economist at the Gardner Institute. “Data also points to challenges, including higher unemployment, lower-paying local jobs and elevated poverty rates — especially for children. These findings underscore the need for informed strategies to bolster economic well-being.”

The region’s diverse business mix stands out for its high share of large establishments (50-plus employees) and the dominant presence of the trade, transportation and utilities industry.

Women own 37.3 percent of businesses in Northwest Salt Lake County, compared with 35 percent statewide. Racial and ethnic minorities own over half the businesses located in Kearns, Magna and West Valley City, compared with 16 percent across Utah.

A study of commuting patterns in the area found that a majority of working residents in West Valley City, Taylorsville, Magna and Kearns commute outside their home city for employment, with substantial flows commuting daily to Salt Lake City.

The latest “Northwest Valley Datapoints” fact sheets can be accessed through the Gardner Institute website at gardner.utah.edu.