Elk Ridge is a Utah County city, and it is part of the Provo–Orem, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area and is also a short drive away from Salt Lake City. Loafer Mountain surrounds the city, providing picturesque mountain views at every turn. The altitude in Elk Ridge, Utah, is 5,354 feet. Elk Ridge is known for the various indigenous people who originally lived in these ancestral homelands.
The city was founded in 1971 and incorporated as a town on December 2, 1976, and then as a city on November 3, 2000. Elk Ridge is named for the Elk that winter here. Although small and somewhat secluded, Elk Ridge is a great place to live. The views are fantastic, and the hiking possibilities are endless. Elk Ridge should be a top contender if you want to relocate to a rural Utah city. So, if living in Elk Ridge Utah sounds great to you, then read on to learn more!
Is Elk Ridge UT a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Elk Ridge UT is a good place to live. When living in Elk Ridge Utah, you can enjoy top-rated schools, fantastic scenery, and plenty of great housing options.
Where Is Elk Ridge Utah?
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What county is Elk Ridge Utah in? Elk Ridge Utah is in Utah County. When living in Elk Ridge Utah, you’ll be positioned on the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains between Payson and Salman in Utah County; It’s part of the Provo–Orem, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area. Elk Ridge is 19.5 miles from Provo.
Ride UTA does provide public transportation to surrounding areas, but no buses go directly to Elk Ridge. You would have to drive to Payson, which is 4.6 miles away, to utilize the bus service. You can view the routes and schedules for more information.
Elk Ridge Utah Population & Demographics
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How many people are living in Elk Ridge Utah? Elk Ridge, UT, has a population of 4,480 people and has seen a 2,251-person increase since 2010. Between 1980 and 1990, Elk Ridge saw a 102.4% increase in its population, and it’s been increasing since. Elk Ridge is the third smallest Utah County city but boasts the sixth highest median income.
Additional Elk Ridge Demographics:
- Racial and ethnic makeup: 93.7% White (92.18% non-Hispanic), 3.4% multiracial (non-Hispanic or Latino), 0.492% Asian, 0.603%, and 0.268%
- Median age: 29.6 years old
- Sex ratio: 53% males to 47% females
- Educational attainment: 97.5% have high school diplomas or higher, and 36.9% have bachelor’s degrees or higher
- Foreign-born population: 1.5%
- Veteran population: 8.3%
7.4% of people living in Elk Ridge Utah have moved here in the past year, and of the 1,204 housing units, 98% own their homes! The median household income in Elk Ridge is $108,750, which is well above the US average of $69,021.
Before moving to Elk Ridge UT, consider its crime rate and if it’s a safe place to live! Although the FBI does not provide crime rate statistics for Elk Ridge, it does provide information on Saratoga Springs, a larger city 40 miles north of Elk Ridge; we will use Saratoga Springs, Utah, as a reference.
Overall crime:
- Saratoga Springs, UT crime rate per 100k people: 873
- Utah crime rate per 100k people: 2,725
- US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346
Violent crime:
- Saratoga Springs, UT violent crime rate per 100k people: 109
- Utah violent crime rate per 100k people: 261
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388
Property crime:
- Saratoga Springs, UT property crime rate per 100k people: 764
- Utah property crime rate per 100k people: 2,464
- US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958
As such, living in Elk Ridge Utah is very safe. Elk Ridge is among a handful of small, secluded Utah towns known for being quiet and laid-back. If you do need law enforcement for any reason, the Utah County Sheriff’s Department provides law enforcement services to the city of Elk Ridge.
Cost of Living in Elk Ridge Utah
Elk Ridge has a Cost of Living Index of 117.2, which means that living in Elk Ridge Utah is 17.2% more expensive than the average US city; however, Elk Ridge is still 2.6% more affordable than its state.
The most significant cost when living in Elk Ridge Utah is housing; the cost of housing index is 211.2, meaning buying a home in Elk Ridge is 111.2% more expensive than the average US state. The Elk Ridge median home price is $809,231, according to Redfin. You can expect to spend around $11,359 on housing annually in Utah County, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Although there are countless homes for sale in Elk Ridge, Utah, you may want to act fast—the market will likely get competitive as the city grows!
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Renting in Elk Ridge is even pricier; there are only a few rental properties or apartment complexes in or near the city. The median rent in Elk Ridge is up to $3,000 a month!
The Economic Policy Institute suggests an annual household income of $80,393 for a family of four living in Utah County.
Here are Typical *Elk Ridge living expenses to help you gauge what you’ll spend daily.
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $18.00
- Gallon of milk $3.50
- Loaf of white bread: $2.97
- Pound of white rice: $1.75
- Pound of local cheese: $5.38
- Average Elk Ridge utilities per month: $171.85
Source: Numbeo. *These figures are for Salt Lake City, which has a slightly lower COLI, meaning prices may differ when living in Elk Ridge Utah.
Elk Ridge UT Weather & Climate
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What kind of weather can you expect when living in Elk Ridge Utah? Elk Ridge has a Koppen classification of Dsa, which is best described as warm, dry, clear summers and very cold and snowy winters. You will experience four distinct seasons when living in Elk Ridge Utah.
Elk Ridge has an annual snowfall of 51 inches and an annual rainfall of 20 inches. Temperatures vary here drastically, from a low of 4 degrees Fahrenheit to a high of 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Elk Ridge is certainly the place to be if you grow weary of one temperature quickly. The coldest month of the year is January, with an average low of 18 degrees, and the warmest month is July, with an average high of 87 degrees.
The best time of year to visit Elk Ridge depends on what you plan to do. Late June to late August are ideal for warm-weather activities, but October through January are best if you prefer cold weather, snow, and fall colors! While many prefer outdoor activities in warmer weather, Utah has activities that can only occur in the cold months—skiing, hunting, and even some hikes are better in the winter!
Things to Do in and Near Elk Ridge
Elk Ridge is a small rural town with little development, and while there are only a few things to do in and near the city, those few attractions are fantastic options! The best shopping options for residents living in Elk Ridge Utah are Blessed Shoppe and Squak Mountain Company.
Shuler Park
Shuler Park is one of the best parks in Elk Ridge city limits. This large grassy area is dog-friendly and provides great views of the nearby mountains.
80 Park Dr, Elk Ridge, UT 84651, (801) 423-2300
Gladstone Golf Course
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Although Gladstone Golf Course doesn’t have an Elk Ridge Address, it’s located directly outside of the city limits. During the warm months, you can enjoy this state-of-the-art golf course and its delightful clubhouse dining.
1 Gladstan Dr, Payson, UT 84651, (801) 465-2549
Forebay Trailhead
Forebay Trailhead is a popular hiking destination near Elk Ridge. The hike from start to finish is long and isn’t suggested for beginners, but many people go out and turn around whenever they feel fit!
Additional Attractions in and Near Elk Ridge
Elks Ridge Parks and Recreation maintains the parks in Elk Ridge and hosts community events. Utah County Public Works also has information on the area’s parks and trails. You can stay in the loop when living in Elk Ridge Utah by reading the city’s monthly newsletter and by browsing the special events calendar!
Restaurants in and Near Elk Ridge
Elk Ridge isn’t known for a specific type of food, but you can expect delicious options in and around the city when living in Elk Ridge Utah. Out west, bison burgers, venison, and other unique carnivore options are served at most eateries. Here are the best places to eat in and near Elk Ridge, UT!
Chubby’s Cafe Payson
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Chubby’s Cafe is four miles outside Elk Ridge in Payson, UT. You will find delicious menu items like beer-battered fries and peach cobbler!
855 Turf Farm Rd, Payson, UT 84651, (801) 658-5566
Crane Garden Asian Bistro
Crane Garden Asian Bistro is another tasty spot to try out when living in Elk Ridge Utah. If you’re craving Asian cuisine, you should give this spot a try.
97 W 100 N, Payson, UT 84651, (801) 658-5548
Wee Blu Inn Bar and Grill
Wee Blu Inn Bar and Grill is a more casual option, and great for many people. Customers rave about their steak in the reviews and say karaoke night is a must-do activity.
39 N Main St, Payson, UT 84651, (801) 465-9071
Elk Ridge Jobs
Before moving to Elk Ridge UT, let’s take a look at its economy and what it has to offer.
Elk Ridge’s economy employs 1,700 people, and the city has an unemployment rate that’s 3.5% below the US average. Elk Ridge is predicted to see a 51.7% job market increase by 2033—that’s 18.2% higher than the average US city!
The main industries for residents living in Elk Ridge Utah are construction, retail trade, and professional, scientific, and technical services, and the leading employers in Utah County are Intermountain Healthcare, Vivint, and Brigham Young University. People living in Elk Ridge Utah make a great living, but people in scientific and technical services earn the most ($106,786.) The average hourly wage in Elk Ridge is $16.49 an hour or $34,297 per year.
Although Elk Ridge is small, there are plenty of Elk Ridge jobs and Elk Ridge city jobs hiring, and if you can’t find your dream job in the city limits, Provo’s bustling economy is just a short drive north!
Schools in Elk Ridge
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When living in Elk Ridge Utah, you’ll find no shortage of great schooling options. The Nebo School District serves Elk Ridge and the surrounding cities (including Salem.) There are no public schools in the city limits, so you would have to travel to nearby cities for public school access when living in Elk Ridge Utah.
Schools near Elk Ridge include (but aren’t limited to) American Preparatory Academy Salem, Mt. Loafer Elementary School, Foothills Elementary School, and Taylor Elementary School.
Nebo School District is large and serves a significant area of Utah; there are 46 schools and 35,912 students. The district minority enrollment is 20%, and 18.2% of students are economically disadvantaged.
Although the Elk Ridge schools are sparse, the schools you are zoned have a lot to offer. Spring Lake School in Payson is ranked the third-best elementary school in the entire school district! If you’re considering furthering your education when living in Elk Ridge Utah, Westminster University and Brigham Young University are the nearest colleges.
Elk Ridge has no library in the city limit, but the Salem City Library is just four miles north toward Provo!
Elk Ridge Statistics & Information
Here is some information you’ll want to know when living in Elk Ridge Utah.
- County: Utah County
- Elk Ridge area: 2.819 square miles
- Elk Ridge zip code: 84651
- Elk Ridge area code: 410
- Elk Ridge elevation: 5,354 feet
- Elk Ridge time zone: Mountain Time Zone (UTC -6 and -7)
- Closest airport to Elk Ridge: Provo Airport is 21 miles from Elk Ridge
Elk Ridge UT Map
Explore more things to do when living in Elk Ridge Utah, with this map of Elk Ridge!
Get Started Living in Elk Ridge Utah Today!
Elk Ridge is a great place to live; it’s quiet, tight-knit, and stunning. If moving to Elk Ridge UT is in your future, Wasatch Moving will gladly lend a helping hand! Call us at 801-335-5603 for a free estimate; we have top Elk Ridge movers ready to help make your upcoming move an easy one!
