Is moving to Layton in your future? This thriving city between Salt Lake and Ogden is one of the region’s major employment centers and offers a great quality of life with fantastic family-friendly attractions and outdoor recreation.
Layton was settled as a small farming community in the 1850s by Christopher Layton, an LDS leader, as an outgrowth of Kaysville. Until the construction of the adjacent Hill Air Force Base, it remained a sleepy town but experienced rapid growth that has hardly slowed down.
Here’s what you have to look forward to while living in Layton!
Where Is Layton Utah?
Layton City is in the northern Wasatch Front area about 15 miles south of Ogden and 25 miles north of Salt Lake City. Part of the Ogden-Clearwater metro area, it’s the largest city in Davis County by population and the ninth largest in Utah.
Layton is bordered by several cities:
To the east are the Wasatch Mountains and to the southwest is the Great Salt Lake wetlands.
Layton is served by the FrontRunner commuter rail for easy commutes to surrounding Wasatch Front cities like Provo, Orem, Ogden, Farmington, and Salt Lake City. The Layton Station has two free Park and Ride lots!
Layton Population & Demographics
The population of Layton Utah is 81,773 according to the 2020 census, up substantially from 67,311 in 2010. That’s a population growth rate of 21.5%, one of the highest in the country! Layton City is expected to have a population of almost 112,000 by 2045 with two-thirds of its growth attributed to a high birth rate and one-third due to new people moving to Layton from other states.
The Layton population has grown by at least double digits since 1940, when it had a population of less than 700. That same year, the Hill Air Force Base was built just outside the city and the United States entered WWII leading to a 435% population growth. By 1970, Layton was home to more than 13,600 people. By 1990, there were over 41,700 people.
Layton is one of the largest cities in Utah and part of the Ogden-Clearfield metropolitan area which has a metro population of more than 708,000.
Layton is a predominantly white community. The racial and ethnic composition is 85.9% White (78.4% non-Hispanic), 13.3% Hispanic, 1.9% Asian, 1.8% Black or African American, 1% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and 7.5% two or more races.
Layton demographics:
- Population density: 3,635 people per square mile
- Median household income: $81,011 (Utah: $79,449)
- Median age: 31.9 years (Utah: 31.8 years)
- Sex ratio: 51% male to 49% female over 18
- Homeownership rate: 70% (Utah: 70%)
- Educational attainment: 34.7% bachelor’s degree or higher (Utah: 36.8%)
- Foreign-born population: 6.8% (Utah: 8.3%)
- Veteran population: 6.2% (Utah: 4.8%)
Layton, UT is a very safe place to live. The Layton crime rate is 1,858 total crimes per 100,000 with 1,379 property crimes and 141 violent crimes per 100,000. By comparison, the national average crime rate is 1,958 property crimes and 399 violent crimes per 100,000. After moving to Layton, Utah, you will be served by the Layton City Police Department.
Famous people from Layton include voice actress Christine Cavanaugh and NFL players Julian Blackmon, Dayan Lake, and Chuck Ehin.
Cost of Living in Layton UT
The Layton cost of living index is 112 or 12% higher than the national average. That’s very close to average for Utah. While living in Layton, you can expect groceries and utilities to be about 7% below the national average but housing is more expensive than average.
The median price of homes for sale in Layton UT is $525,000, above the national average. Homes sell in a median of 22 days and receive an average of three offers. You’ll pay around $217 per square foot.
Renting is more affordable than buying a house in Layton. Average rent in Layton is $1,484 according to Rentcafe, more than $500 below the national average. That’s more affordable than SLC ($1,665) but more expensive than Ogden ($1,275).
If you’d like to cool off during a warm summer day, spend the afternoon at the Surf ‘n Swim water park. The wave pool, splash pads, and lap pool will give you the chance to escape the heat and enjoy the water. You can also visit local playgrounds like Ellison Park, Commons Park, and Chapel Park, which dot the Layton area with green fields, baseball diamonds, and duck ponds.
Best Neighborhoods in Layton
Ready to find the best place to live in Layton for your family? There are dozens of Layton subdivisions to choose from. One of the most desirable areas is East Layton, once its own city and today a densely populated and affluent residential community. It’s also close to the Hill Air Force Base.
Colonies of East Pointe is one of many neighborhoods in East Layton that appeals to young professionals and families with an ideal location near I-15 and Layton Hills Mall. Fairfield Meadows is another East Layton community that offers large lots, quiet residential streets, and gorgeous mountain scenery.
As a renter, you’ll find many excellent apartments in Layton that offer a great quality of life and upscale amenities. Sterling Pointe Apartments is one of the highest rated places to live in Layton for renters with gas fireplaces, a 24-hour fitness center, community garden, and dog park with one-bedroom apartments starting at $1,320.
Seasons of Layton is a perfect choice if you’re looking for walkability with coffee shops, restaurants, and a book store within a couple minutes’ walk and Target and the Layton Hills Mall just down the road. Fox Creek Apartments is also next to the mall with employment opportunities, shopping, and dining within walking distance.
Layton Utah Weather & Climate
While living in Layton UT, you’ll enjoy a hot, dry-summer continental climate (Köppen-Geiger Dsa climate type). Summers are hot and dry with an average high temperature in the 80s and about 36 days per year with high temperatures over 90°F. While winters are very cold and wet with a lot of snow and rain. The average January low is 21°F and about 120 days per year have nighttime temperatures below freezing.
If you’re moving to Layton from outside the area, make sure you’re braced for lots of snow. Average annual snowfall in Layton is 43”, well above the national average, with 22” of annual rainfall. Note that a 2019 Utah law requires approved snow tires or traction devices like tire chains in canyons and on certain highways. UDOT sends out travel alerts when road conditions require snow tires. You can see required traction devices by vehicle class and a map showing where snow tires are required in winter. If you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, it’s wise to upgrade to an all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle as soon as you are able to.
Things to Do in Layton Utah
There are tons of fun things to do in Layton for couples and families with several amusement centers, one of the region’s largest malls, golf courses, and beautiful parks. The Layton Hills Mall is the main attraction in the city with over 100 specialty shops and major anchor stores plus a movie theater and amusement center. The Layton Parks and Recreation department maintains 14 city parks which feature dog runs, playgrounds, splash pads, sand volleyball, and other amenities. Make sure you check the Layton events calendar for fun ideas of what to do in Layton Utah like festivals and concerts.
Here are some of the best attractions and activities to enjoy after moving to Layton!
SeaQuest Utah
Located in Layton Hills Mall, SeaQuest offers 20,000 SQ FT of fun animal interactions. The aquarium offers interactions with sloths and crested porcupines, snorkeling with stingrays, and more!
SeaQuest Utah, 1201 N Hill Field Rd #1072, Layton, UT 84041 (801) 544-4938
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Classic Fun Center
One of the best things to do with kids and teens, this Layton icon hosts regular themed skating nights and offers tons of activities for all ages. If roller skating isn’t for you, try laser tag, the gravity course, bounce zone, and Pirate’s Cove for young kids. There’s even an arcade with 60+ games and pizza!
Classic Fun Center, 867 N Angel St, Layton, UT 84041 (801) 544-3451
Layton Commons Park
Right in the heart of the city is one of the largest and coolest parks in Layton UT. The Layton Commons Park sprawls 47 acres with a tranquil duck pond, playgrounds, barbecue areas, amphitheater, and Layton City Surf ‘n Swim, an outdoor wave pool with a bubble enclosure.
Layton Commons Park, 437 N Wasatch Dr, Layton, UT 84041 (801) 336-3900
Additional attractions in Layton, UT:
- Ellison Park
- Valley View Golf Course
- AMC Layton Hills 9
- Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve
- Davis Lanes
- Sun Hills Golf Course
Best Restaurants in Layton
There are tons of great Layton restaurants to check out once you’re a local! Here are just a few of the best places to eat in Layton.
Weller’s Bistro
This family-friendly restaurant focuses on German cuisine but also has a menu of American classics like pizza, sandwiches, and salads. Visit for brunch on the weekend!
Weller’s Bistro, 197 N Main St, Layton, UT 84041 (385) 889-9531
Tony’s Grill and Sushi Bar
This modest but popular eatery is known for its all-you-can-eat sushi for lunch and dinner with chef’s table seating.
Tony’s Grill and Sushi Bar, 22 Main St, Layton, UT 84041 (801) 513-5148
Osaka Sushi Japanese Restaurant
The perfect place for date night in Layton, enjoy traditional and American-style sushi rolls with half-off sushi on Tuesday!
Osaka Sushi Japanese Restaurant, 918 Heritage Park Blvd #300, Layton, UT 84041 (801) 776-0888
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Jobs in Layton Utah
Layton is one of the primary employment centers of Davis County with a diverse economy. Major sectors include healthcare, aerospace, education, hospitality, finance, manufacturing, and retail. The city is adjacent to the Hill Air Force Base, the largest employer in Utah with almost 22,000 personnel. A $1.5 billion Northrop Grumman expansion just outside Layton in Roy provides thousands of aerospace jobs. Many people living in Layton are active-duty military or civilian personnel at the base or working in related aerospace and composites sectors.
The Layton Hospital, part of the Intermountain Healthcare system, and the Holy Cross Hospital-Davis, owned by CommonSpirit Health, are also major employers in the city. You’ll also find many jobs nearby in Farmington which is home to two of the largest employers in Davis County: the Farmington Health Center and Lagoon Amusement Park.
Major employers in Layton:
- Department of Defense
- Davis County School District (jobs)
- Intermountain Healthcare
- CommonSpirit Health/Centura Health
- State of Utah
- Davis County
- Layton City (jobs)
According to Payscale, the average salary in Layton is $71,000 or $17.54/hour. That’s well above average for the Ogden-Clearfield metro area which has median income of $53,600 according to the BLS.
Layton Schools – Public & Private Schools in Layton
While living in Layton, you’ll be served by the Davis School District. There are three high schools in Layton: Northridge High, Layton High, and the Northern Utah Academy of Math, Engineering & Science (NUAMES), a highly rated college prep charter school partnered with Weber State University. There are other desirable charter schools including North Davis Preparatory Academy (K-9) which has a Spanish language focus and Leadership Learning Academy (K-6). The city’s only private school is Layton Christian Academy (PK-12).
For higher education, the Weber State University Davis branch is located right in Layton!
Layton Statistics & Information
- Layton county: Davis
- Area: 22.65 square feet
- Layton Utah zip code: 84040 and 84041
- Area codes: 385 and 801
- Elevation: 4,356 feet
- Time zone: UTC-7 (Mountain)
- Closest airport to Layton: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), 27 miles away
Layton UT Map
Is moving to Layton in your future? Wasatch Moving Company is ready to help with a stress-free moving process and superior customer support. Give our Layton movers a call today to schedule a free, personalized moving quote!
