Park City is an affluent city in Utah known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities, the two most notable being Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort. Deer Valley is highly rated, and Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the US. This breathtaking range was also the mountain host of the 2002 Winter Olympics and hosts the annual Sundance Film Festival, which sells around 116,800 tickets yearly. This popular tourist destination is ranked the 4th best place in the US for a ski vacation. If living in Park City has sparked your interest, here is everything you need to know about this tight-knit skiing community.
Founded in 1869, Park City is a Summit County city with some of the best skiing in the world! While Park City is a tourist hotspot—with over 600,000 visitors a year—the city’s population remains small (under 10,000), so during the off-season, Park City can provide that small-town mountain ambiance many people desire when escaping out west.
Park City is now known for its state-of-the-art mountain resorts and affluent skiing communities, but it was initially a thriving mining town. Its first mining boom happened in the 1860s, significantly increasing its economy and population. However, when the mines closed in the 1880s, its population decreased rapidly. The city remained primarily inactive until the 1980s when Park City began to take advantage of its prime location in the Wasatch Mountains. By the 1990s, the tourism industry had reached an all-time high and continued growing. Currently, Park City earns about $500,000,000 annually from tourism.
Although Park City is 64% more expensive than the average US city, living in Park City is great for numerous reasons. It’s conveniently located near major highways and airports and has some of the best schools in the state, with an array of outdoor activities. If you haven’t visited Park City, we suggest booking a trip, although we can’t promise you won’t want to stay for good!
Where Is Park City?
Park City is located partially in Summit County and partially in Wasatch County; however, it is considered a Summit County city; it’s part of the Wasatch Back region and the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. While the city can provide anything you’ll need, It’s 31.9 miles from Salt Lake City to Park City, which puts you near plenty of big-city amenities.
Park City is nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, providing breathtaking scenery at every turn. Synderville borders the city, and Brighton, Deer Mountain, and Midway are all nearby.
Park City Transit provides fare-free public transportation for Park City tourists and locals. You can view a live, interactive map that tracks the buses in real time. You can also plan your ride with their routes and schedule tab.
Park City Population & Demographics
Before moving to Park City, let’s take an in-depth look at the city’s population, demographics, and what you can expect from the people living here. The population of Park City, Utah, is 8,396, per the 2020 census. The city has seen an 838-person increase since 2010 and has the 2nd highest population in Wasatch County and the highest population in Summit County.
While people from all walks of life visit Park City, the racial and ethnic composition of its residents isn’t the most diverse.
- 85.1% White
- 78.9% White non-Hispanic or Latino
- 15% Hispanic or Latino
- 5.9% two or more races
- 3.3% Asian
- 0.9% Black or African American
The median age here is 41.1 years old; however, the age demographics are diverse. 39% of the population is over the age of 50, 48% of the population is 39 or younger, and 14% are between the ages of 40 and 49.
Of the 8,585 housing units, 67% are vacant, and 33% are occupied. Of the 33% of occupied units, 72% are owned, and 28% are rented. Note that short-term rentals like Airbnb are often listed as “vacant” if the homeowners have a permanent address elsewhere. 50% of these structures are single-family homes, and 50% are multi-family.
Additional Park City demographics
- Median household income: $121,701 (US $69,021)
- Foreign-born population: 12.2%
- Veteran population: 4.4%
- Educational attainment: 97.8% have high school diplomas or higher, and 66.5% have bachelor’s degrees or higher
- Sex ratio: 51 males to 49 females
Notable people from Park City:
- Ken Block
- Rosie Brennan
- Ashley Caldwell
According to the FBI, the Park City crime rate is 15.6% higher than the state
34.3% higher than the country. High crime rates in heavy tourism areas are common and something that anyone living in a popular city should account for. It’s also important to note that crime rate statistics aren’t always reliable, as not all departments report crimes property (or at all.) Like Park City, many cities are very safe, with one or two high-crime areas, which can greatly affect their overall crime rate.
Additional Park City crime rate statistics:
- Park City crime rate per 100k people: 3,151
- Utah crime rate per 100k people: 2,725
- US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346
- Park City violent crime rate per 100k people: 301 (22.4% lower than the country)
- Utah violent crime rate per 100k people: 261
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388
- Park City property crime rate per 100k people: 2,850
- Utah property crime rate per 100k people: 2,462
- US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958
Park City boasts a low violent crime rate, which means most crimes happening here are minor property crimes. Regardless, you can take comfort in knowing the Park City Police Department has 32 dedicated officers patrolling the city, ensuring its tourists and locals remain safe.
Cost of Living in Park City Utah
Before moving to Park City, consider its cost of living; analyzing a new city’s cost of living index can help you decide whether you can afford it.
The Cost of Living Index (COLI) in Park City is 164, which is 64% higher than the US average. The Economic Policy Institute says a family of four living in Summit County should earn a yearly household income of $103,546. Although Park City is the second wealthiest small urban area in the US, when you compare its cost of living index to other popular skiing towns (like Aspen, CO), Park City seems affordable!
Housing is the most significant expense when living in Park City; the average home price in Park City, Utah, is 1.79 million. Although the average price per square foot is down 30.3% since 2022, it remains high ($721.) Redfin says the real estate market isn’t very competitive, as there are many breathtaking houses for sale in Park City, Utah. Yes, in Park City, Utah, real estate is a significant investment, but buying isn’t the only option—renting can sometimes be more affordable. RentCafe says the average Park City rent is $1,690 per 690-square-foot rental per month.
Typical Park City living expenses:
- Meal for two: $63.00
- Gallon of milk: $3.10
- Dozen eggs: $3.50
- Loaf of white bread: $3.44
- Pound of white rice: $2.50
- Pound of local cheese: $4.36
- Average Park City utilities per month: $233 (per Doxo)
Source Numbeo
Best Park City Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Park City Utah
If you’re asking yourself if Park City is a good place to live, the answer is yes! There are many great places to live in Park City—come along as we explore the best Park City neighborhoods!
Deer Crest | One of The Most Luxurious Park City Neighborhoods
Deer Crest is an affluent gated community boasting alpine views, proximity to downtown Park City, and world-renowned skiing. Homes in Deer Crest range from 5,500 square feet to 17,000 square feet and are perfectly positioned just steps from the notable Deer Valley Ski Resort.
Proximity to the slopes is certainly a plus, but with Deer Crest being less than one mile from downtown Park City, is an additional benefit. Whenever you take a break from the trails, you can shop and dine in Park City’s downtown area!
Deer Crest, Park City has it all; in the summer, enjoy warm temps and miles of hiking and biking trails, and in the winter, you have a world-class ski resort in your backyard.
Empire Pass | Affluent Skiing Community in Park City
Every home in Empire Pass boasts backyard access to Park City’s fresh powder. If skiing is the reason you’re moving to Park City, the neighborhood of Empire Pass hosts some of the most avid skiers in Utah.
Single-family homes and townhomes are available in this ski-in/ski-out community, with access to Deer Valley Ski Resort slope and Park City ski runs.
Silver Springs | Ideal for Families
Silver Springs provides various home styles and price points. Townhomes here typically cost between $750,000 to 3 million dollars, and single-family homes range from 1 million to 6 million dollars.
This Park City neighborhood has easily accessible private lakes, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Silver Springs is ideal for families as it’s positioned near Parley’s Park Elementary School, one of the best elementary schools in Park City’s school district. This neighborhood has other family-friendly attributes, such as a tight-knit community, quiet streets, and proximity to necessary resources like parks and playgrounds.
Park City Weather & Climate
The weather in Park City, Utah, is enjoyable for most of the year; while there are many frigid and snowy days, this is considered one of the city’s most attractive attributes. People living in Park City embrace the cold and love seeing fresh powder on the ground! The Park City annual snowfall is an impressive 300 to 400 inches; December through February are the coldest months here, with an average low of 12 degrees and an average high of 35 degrees. Rainy days aren’t as common—-the average annual rainfall in Park City is 19.6 inches, and the rainiest month is May.
According to the Koppen classification, the Park City Climate is humid continental (Dfb). This is best explained as clear, warm, and dry summers and freezing and snowy winters. Some parts of Park City may experience subalpine (Dfc) or alpine (ET) climates.
Prime skiing weather isn’t even the best part of living in Park City; you will experience all four seasons here! There are plenty of clouds, snow, and ice in the fall and winter, with many warm, sunny days in the spring and summer! The best time to visit Park City depends on your itinerary; if you plan to ski or snowboard, November through April will provide peak weather. If you’re more interested in warm-weather activities, like hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking, June through September would be the ideal time to stop by!
Things to Do in Park City
While skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking may be the main allures to anyone moving here, there are many other things to do in Park City! Before you begin your day of outdoor excursions, note that the Park City Outlets (or Park City Mall) and the Flight Boutique are great options if you’re looking for activities away from the harsh elements.
Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley Resort is the most notable Park City Ski resort. U.S. News says Deer Valley is one of the most fun things to do in Park City! You can even enjoy its beauty in the summer; Deer Valley has countless mountain biking and hiking options.
2250 Deer Valley Dr S, Park City, UT 84060, (435) 649-1000
Utah Outdoor Adventures
If you’re looking for things to do in Park City, Utah, during the summertime, we suggest Utah Outdoor Adventures—-there is an activity for anyone here. Utah Outdoor Adventures has whitewater rafting, hikes through the Wasatch Range, and paddle boarding.
3310 Mountain Ln, Park City, UT 84060, (801) 703-3357
Woodward Park City
Woodward Park City is a one-stop shop for any indoor and outdoor activity you could think of. From skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking and white water rafting!
3863 Kilby Rd, Park City, UT 84098, (435) 658-2648
Additional Park City Attractions
While the Park City Ski Resorts are maintained by private entities, the Park City Parks and Rec maintains the various Park City parks and fields, this includes City Park and Miner’s Park. You can keep up with the many events the department hosts with its special events calendar.
Park City Restaurants
Here are the best places to eat in Park City!
No Name Saloon
With nearly 3,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, it’s safe to say No Name Saloon is a must-try Park City restaurant! They offer unique items like bison burgers along with a robust beer and whiskey menu.
447 Main St, Park City, UT 84060, (435) 649-6667
Baan Thai Cuisine & Bar
Located in Downtown Park City is Bann Thai Cuisines & Bar, a Thai-fusion eatery that U.S. News rated the best restaurant in Park City! Their special garlic noodles with tiger prawns are the most recommended, but according to their reviews, the pad thai is some of the best in Utah.
710 Main St suite 3-103, Park City, UT 84060, (435) 604-0243
The Eating Establishment
The Eating Establishment has some of the best options off Main Street—indulge in their decadent cafe-style dishes like steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, or other traditional American dishes.
317 Main St, Park City, UT 84060, (435) 649-8284
Park City Jobs
Park City, USA, has a strong economy fueled by the hundreds and thousands of tourists that flock to this mountain oasis yearly. Travel, tourism, and recreation develop billions of dollars annually, making them Park City’s leading industries. The main employers here are Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, and Gemstone Resorts LLC. The city’s economy employs 5,220 people, and the highest-paid industries are professional, scientific, & technical services ($103,942) and construction ($87,000). The unemployment rate here is 3.2% below the US average; 32.2% of its residents earn more than $200,000 a year.
Before moving to Park City, take comfort in knowing there are countless jobs in Park City, Utah, to consider. Whether you’re a passionate educator or a notable business executive, Park City’s economy is one of the best in the US!
It’s also important to note the average salaries in a new city; the average hourly wage in Park City is $19.32, and the average base salary is $73,000.
Here are a few common professions and what they earn in Park City
| Title | Range | Average |
| Sales Associate | $10 – $14 | $12 |
| Medical Associate | $15 – $19 | $16 |
| Front Desk Supervisor | $18 – $22 | $19 |
The city of Park City employs 125 people and is always looking for talented individuals to join their team. If you’re accustomed to impressive government benefits, consider city of Park City jobs during your search.
Park City Schools
Park City’s renowned school system is one of the many reasons people live in this quaint mountain town. Park City School District serves Park City, Utah; the district contains 12 schools and over 4,000 students. Park City School District provides various advanced programs that set it apart from neighboring districts. For example, schools offer before and after-school programs to help alleviate childcare costs for parents. Instead of being cooped up during these hours, the district will have students participate in hands-on learning activities.
The school district wants to help everyone in the community prosper, which is why they provide adult learning programs for anyone that’s interested in completing their high school education or a trade school. You can learn more about their community learning programs online or by reviewing their learning brochure.
Notable schools in the district are Park City High School (ranked 4th best high school by U.S. News) and Jeremy Ranch Elementary School (top 35 Utah elementary schools and ranked #1 in the Park City School District.)
Along with the optimal grade schools Park City offers, there are a handful of notable colleges nearby. Utah Valley University and Westminster University are two well-rated institutes. And if you’re ever looking for a quiet place to study, read a book, or simply relax, the Park City Library is a great option.
Other helpful Park City School District links:
- Park City School District calendar
- Departments
- Enrollment information
- Park City School District jobs
Park City Statistic & Information
- County: Summit; Wasatch
- Park City area: 17.567 square miles
- Park City zip code: 84060, 84068
- Park City area code:435
- Park City elevation: 7,000’
- Park City time zone: Mountain Daylight Time (GMT-6)
- Closest airport to Park City:
Park City Map
Explore more things to do here with this map of Park City!
Park City is a wonderful place to live! With the abundance of outdoor activities, a thriving economy, a great school district, and a low violent crime rate, you’ll surely be happy in your new city! When you’re ready to transition, call Wasatch Moving Company at 801-758-0030; we have dedicated movers in Park City to ensure your relocation feels easy and stress-free.
