Is living in Layton Utah in your future? Incorporated in 1920, what was once a small farming community is now a thriving city where community spirit and natural beauty converge.
Until the construction of the adjacent Hill Air Force Base, Layton remained a sleepy town but experienced rapid growth that has hardly slowed down.
So if you’re soon to become another of the residents who enjoy life in the Wasatch Front Region, here’s what you have to look forward to when moving to Layton UT!
Is Layton UT a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Layton, Utah is considered a great place to live for its safety, job opportunities, and strong community feel. The city has a crime rate 21.3% lower than the national average (according to the FBI) and offers a robust job market with a higher than average median household income of $93,453.
Residents living in Layton UT enjoy easy access to nearby cities like Salt Lake City and Ogden, as well as abundant outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. While some residents mention noise from Hill Air Force Base as a downside, Layton’s balanced housing market and good schools make it a desirable location for families.
What Is the History of Layton Utah?
Layton, Utah’s history began in 1850 when Mormon pioneers settled the area as an extension of Kaysville. Initially called Kays Ward, it was renamed Layton in 1885 after Christopher Layton, a prominent settler.
In the 1880s, Layton residents successfully petitioned for independence from Kaysville, culminating in a U.S. Supreme Court decision in their favor. Layton officially became a town in 1920. The establishment of Hill Air Force Base in 1940 spurred population growth of those living in Layton UT, transforming it into the suburban, commercial hub it is today while still maintaining its agricultural roots.
Where Is Layton Utah?
You might be able to envision where those living in Salt Lake City are located, but where is Layton UT, and what county is Layton UT in? Layton City is in the northern Wasatch Front area about 15 miles south of Ogden and 25 miles north of Salt Lake City, located within Davis County. 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, with Layton bordering multiple trailheads (Adams Canyon, Great Western Trail & more!) and recreation hot-spots such as the Fernwood Recreation Site, and to the southwest is the Great Salt Lake wetlands.
To the northern border of Layton you’ll discover Hill Air Force Base, a key military installation that plays a vital role in the local economy and community living in Layton UT.
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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, making public transit accessible for all.
Is Layton a Suburb of Salt Lake City?
Yes, Layton is a suburb of Salt Lake City located just 25-miles north of Downtown Salt Lake City, making the major city attractions and amenities a short drive away.
As your chosen Layton movers and the top moving company in Layton, we’re here to make any transition to or from the Salt Lake area effortless and stress-free.
Call us anytime at 801-335-5603 for your free estimate to make living in Layton UT a reality!
What Is the Population of Layton Utah in 2024?
The population of Layton Utah is 81,773 according 2020 Census data, up substantially from 67,311 in 2010, with 2024 estimates placing it around 83,516 people living in Layton Utah.
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, there were more than 13,600 people living in Layton UT. By 1990, there were over 41,700!
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 for those living in Layton UT 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.
Famous people from Layton include voice actress Christine Cavanaugh and NFL players Julian Blackmon, Dayan Lake, and Chuck Ehin.
Additional Living in Layton UT Demographics:
- Population density: 3,635 people per square mile
- Median household income: $93,453 (Utah: $83,990)
- Median age: 31.9 years (Utah: 31.8 years)
- Sex ratio: 50.8% male to 49.2% female over 18
- Homeownership rate: 71.5% (Utah: 70%)
- Educational attainment: 36.3% bachelor’s degree or higher (Utah: 36.8%)
- Foreign-born population living in Layton UT: 6.2% (Utah: 8.7%)
- Veteran population: 4,264
Is Layton Utah a Mormon Town?
Layton, Utah was originally settled by Mormon pioneers in 1850, and while the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remains the largest religious group living in Layton UT, the city is now more religiously diverse. In addition to Mormons, Layton is home to various Christian denominations, as well as Buddhists and other faiths. The recently dedicated Layton Utah Temple reflects the city’s Mormon heritage, but Layton is not exclusively a “Mormon town” today.
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Is Layton Utah Safe?
Living in Layton UT is a very safe place to call home. The most up to date total Layton crime rate, according to the FBI, is 21.3% less than the national average and 14.4% less than the state average, while violent crime is 55.9% lower than the national average and 32.6% lower than the state average.
After moving to Layton, Utah, you will be served by the Layton City Police Department.
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What Is the Cost of Living in Layton UT?
While there isn’t a definitive Layton Utah cost of living index, we can use the cost of living in Ogden to draw insights. The cost of living in Ogden is 99.9, or 0.10% less expensive than the national average, and with such proximity to Ogden, we can expect Layton to feature similar numbers.
While living in Layton, you can expect 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 $497,500, which is a 1.5% increase since last year. Homes sell in a median of 39 days, and you’ll pay around $213 per square foot.
Renting is more affordable than buying a house in Layton. Average rent in Layton is $1,508 according to Rentcafe, less than the national average of $1,739. That’s more affordable than SLC ($1,637) but more expensive than Ogden ($1,335).
What Is the Tax Rate for Layton Utah?
The sales tax rate for Layton Utah is 7.25%, which combines all local and state tax, while the property tax rate is 0.000200, offering relatively affordable taxation compared to other cities in the state.
What Are the 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 $1,420.
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.
What Is the Weather in Layton Utah
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.
Winters, on the other hand, 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. You can expect around 226 sunny days to 79 days where some form of precipitation takes place.
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 43.1”, 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 and plans on living in Layton UT, it’s wise to upgrade to an all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle as soon as you are able to.
What to Do in Layton Utah?
There are countless 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.
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 square feet of fun animal interactions. The aquarium offers interactions with sloths and crested porcupines, snorkeling with stingrays, and more! It’s one of the best things to do when living in Layton UT.
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SeaQuest Utah, 1201 N Hill Field Rd #1072, Layton, UT 84041 (801) 544-4938
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:
The Layton Parks and Recreation department maintains 14 city parks which feature dog runs, playgrounds, splash pads, sand volleyball, and other amenities. You can also visit local playgrounds like Ellison Park and Chapel Park, which dot the Layton area with green fields, baseball diamonds, and duck ponds.
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. Or, stop by these additional things to do in Layton that make living in Layton UT dynamic and exciting.
- Ellison Park
- Valley View Golf Course
- AMC Layton Hills 9
- Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve
- Davis Lanes
- Sun Hills Golf Course
What Are the 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 at this local favorite of those living in Layton UT!
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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
What Job Opportunities Are Available in Layton, Utah?
Layton is one of the primary employment centers of Davis County with a diverse economy.
Major sectors catering to those living in Layton UT 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 ZipRecruiter, the average salary for those working and living in Layton UT is $40,360, or $19/hour, while the unemployment rate in Layton is low, at just 2.1%. The median income for households in Layton Utah is $93,453, just a few thousand above that of the Ogden-Clearfield metro area.
Search on Indeed Jobs Layton UT to discover ample opportunities to build your career in the city!
Layton Utah Schools – Public & Private Schools in Layton
While living in Layton UT, you’ll be served by the Davis School District, one of the best school districts in Salt Lake City.
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!
Davis County Library Layton Branch offers a wide range of resources and services, making it a great spot for residents to study, work, or enjoy community events.
Living in Layton UT 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: Mountain Time Zone (UTC-6 and -7)
- Closest airport to those living Layton UT: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), 27 miles away
Layton UT Map
Layton offers a strong sense of community, low crime rates, and a location where the best of Utah is brought to life. Explore living in Layton UT with this interactive map!
So 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 at 801-335-5603 to schedule a free, personalized moving quote, and make living in Layton Utah a part of your next chapter!
