Chapter 1
UTAH
POWER RANKING - #1
The Narrows in Zion National Park
ABOUT UTAH
Alright, let’s talk about Utah. You know, the Beehive State. Yeah, Beehive, because apparently, they’re all buzzing with...what? Picture this: you’re walking around Salt Lake City—a nice town if you like feeling judged—and you run into a guy named Brigham. Yeah, Brigham. This guy looks like he came off a Mormon assembly line: polo shirt, khaki shorts, and a smile that says, “I’ve never had a drop of caffeine in my life, and I’m dead inside.”
Brigham’s not just your regular guy, though. Oh no, this dude’s a Mormon missionary with a side hustle in skiing and Jell-O salad-making. He’ll talk your ear off about growing up in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains like it’s some epic tale of survival. He’ll tell you how he shreds down slopes steeper than his family tree —and then, when you ask him about polygamy, whoosh, he dodges that question like it’s dodgeball, and he’s the last man standing.
Now, Utah wasn’t just some happy accident of geography. No, this place was carved out of the desert by sheer willpower... and a bunch of guys who followed some dude with magic glasses. You heard me. Joseph Smith, up in Upstate New York, sees an angel—Moroni because apparently, Gabriel was busy—and this angel tells him to dig up some golden tablets. Yeah, 104
golden tablets. And the guy translates them using special glasses. That’s how the Book of Mormon happened—take that, J.K. Rowling!
So, the Mormons are like, “Hey, let’s start a religion!” And they did, except everyone else was like, “Uh, no thanks.” They got chased from state to state—Ohio, Missouri, Illinois—like a traveling roadshow nobody wanted to see. Then, boom, Joseph Smith gets killed by a mob because, you know, he was running for president and also advocating for polygamy. That’ll do it.
Brigham Young takes over, and what does he do? He’s like, “Let’s keep going west, far enough so nobody will bother us!” And where do they land? Utah. Utah! He sees the Great Salt Lake and says, “This is the place.” Really? This salty wasteland is the place? What were the other options? Mars?
So, now Utah’s part of the U.S. after the whole Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and Brigham’s the first governor. The Mormons set up shop and built these perfect little towns with streets laid out like they were planning for an invasion or something. And you know they planted trees everywhere, right? Gotta make the desert look less like, well, a desert.
And let’s not forget that temple. You ever try to get in there? Yeah, good luck. They’ve got a golden angel on top, and you’re not getting through those doors unless you’ve got a VIP pass, aka Mormon credentials. It’s like trying to get into the Vatican, except without the cool art and the pope.
Finally, after decades of people freaking out about the whole polygamy thing, Utah’s like, “Okay, we’re done with that. Can we be a state now?” Boom, 1896, statehood. But here’s the kicker: the state is still like 62 percent Mormon, except Salt Lake County, where it’s down to 49 percent. So, it’s basically like living in a religious theme park where half the people still believe in the rides, and the other half are like, “Eh, I’m just here for the churros.”
So yeah, welcome to Utah. Avoid eye contact, and remember, caffeine is the devil’s juice.
VITAL STATISTICS
Nickname: Utah is often informally referred to as “The Beehive State” due to the early Mormon settlers’ industriousness and cooperative efforts, likened to the qualities of a beehive.
Joined Union: Utah became the 45th state in the United States on January 4, 1896.
Size: Utah covers approximately 84,899 square miles, making it the 13th largest state by land area in the country.
Ethnicity:
White: Approximately 78-80% of Utah’s population identifies as White.Hispanic or Latino: Around 14-16% of the population in Utah identifies as Hispanic or Latino.Asian: The Asian population constitutes about 3-5% of Utah’s residents.Black or African American: The Black or African American population in Utah is relatively small, accounting for less than 2% of the state’s residents.
College Grads:
Bachelor’s degree: Roughly 32-34% of Utahns aged 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree.
Master’s degree: Approximately 11-13% of the same age group have earned a master’s degree.
GROWTH OF THE STATE:
Population: As of the most recent estimates, Utah has a population of over 3.4 million people, making it the 30th most populous state in the U.S.
*ABOVE PER MOVEBUDDHA ** UNITED VAN LINES 2024 NET MIGRATION = 0.99
HIGH CRIME AREAS
WARNING: From 2018-2023, the city of Salt Lake City has been in the FBI UCR top 25 for at least 3 of those years
Cities with crime rate over the National Average: According to the FBI UCR data, in 2022, among Utah cities with a population of at least 10K,
Salt Lake City had the highest Total Crime Rate per 100K residents (7,433.47)
Salt Lake City suburb Murray (5,445.55),
Salt Lake City suburb West Valley (3,321.98),
Provo suburb Lindon (3,145.45),
Ogden (3,102.34).
National Average (2500)
IN PRAISE OF
Spectacular Natural Landscapes: Utah’s got this thing called the “Mighty 5.” You’ve got five national parks—Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. It’s like nature got a little too creative and just went wild with the landscape. Each park looks like a different postcard from a sci-fi movie. You step in there, and it’s like, “Whoa, did I just enter a painting?” It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, or as I like to call them, people who have way too much energy. And the diversity? It’s nuts! You’ve got these towering red rocks in southern Utah, and then, bam, you’re in the alpine forests of the Wasatch Mountains. It’s like Mother Nature just threw a bunch of landscapes in a blender and hit puree. Hiking, biking, skiing—you could literally do something different every day. Unless you’re like me, you just sit on your couch wondering why you’re not doing any of it.
Outdoor Recreation: Let’s talk skiing, folks. Utah boasts the “Greatest Snow on Earth.” Seriously, it’s like they put a little magic in that snow. You’ve got Park City, Deer Valley, and Snowbird—these places are like Disneyland for skiers. You strap on some skis, and suddenly, you’re flying down the mountain, feeling like a superhero. But wait—there’s more! If skiing’s not your jam, you can rock climb, mountain bike, canyoneer, or raft your way into oblivion. It’s like an outdoor buffet for adrenaline junkies.
Strong Economy: Now, here’s where it gets interesting—Utah’s economy is booming, especially around Salt Lake City and Provo, which are now known as the “Silicon Slopes.” Sounds fancy, right? Tech companies are popping up like mushrooms after a rainstorm, and it’s creating jobs left and right. And the unemployment rate? Low! You can actually get a job without having to sell your soul. There are opportunities everywhere—from tech to healthcare to tourism. It’s like a smorgasbord of job options!
High Quality of Life: Utah is a family-friendly paradise. It’s like a giant playground for families with safe communities and schools that are actually good. And there’s stuff to do for everyone, not just the kids. Plus, people here are into health and fitness. It’s like everyone’s on a quest to be the fittest version of themselves. You can’t just sit around; you gotta get out and do stuff!
Cultural and Historical Richness: And let’s not forget the culture! Utah’s got cultural events like the Sundance Film Festival, which is basically a magnet for filmmakers and celebrities. You never know who you’ll bump into—probably someone way cooler than you! Then there’s the history. You’ve got sites related to the LDS Church and the pioneer era. Historic Temple Square in Salt Lake City is a must-see if you want a taste of the past. It’s like walking through a time machine, except the time machine is just a really old building full of stories.
DO NOT MISS!
Moab, located in southeastern Utah, is a breathtaking destination surrounded by stunning landscapes like Arches National Park and Canyonlands, showcasing incredible red rock formations that feel almost otherworldly. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless adventures here, from hiking and mountain biking to rock climbing and river rafting, making it a perfect playground for those seeking excitement. Beyond the natural beauty, Moab boasts a vibrant arts scene with galleries and festivals that celebrate local culture and talent. With its mix of stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences, Moab is a remarkable place to explore and enjoy.
