Is Murray Safe, Pros and cons of living in Murray

Murray, Utah, nestled in the Salt Lake Valley, offers a blend of suburban comfort and urban convenience. Its strategic location near the Wasatch Mountains provides residents with easy access to outdoor recreation while remaining a short commute from Salt Lake City. The city boasts a rich history, evolving from agricultural roots to an industrial center and now a vibrant retail hub.

This community provides a balanced lifestyle, appealing to families, professionals, and retirees alike. With a focus on community spirit and accessibility, Murray presents an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded place to call home. The city’s nickname, “Hub of Salt Lake County,” reflects its central position and its role as a key commercial and residential area.

Is it Safe to Live in Murray?

Murray, Utah, presents a complex picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are higher than both the state and national averages. The overall crime rate is 70% higher than the national average, with property crimes being significantly more prevalent (according to AreaVibes). This means residents experience an average of 4.85 daily crimes, composed of 0.38 violent incidents and 4.48 property-related offenses.

While the overall statistics may seem concerning, it is important to note that most crimes in Murray are non-violent property crimes, often occurring in commercial areas like Fashion Place Mall (as reported by Living it). The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes), and residents generally consider the southeastern parts of the city to be the safest. The Murray Police Department is staffed by 78 officers dedicated to responding to emergencies within the city.

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Murray, Utah, is approximately 14% higher than the national average, and about 20% more expensive than the average city in Utah (as per ERI Economic Research Institute). This figure is based on a $72,000 annual salary and a two-bedroom apartment, indicating that while some expenses are higher, others like food costs are more affordable than the U.S. average.

Housing in Murray reflects this trend, with a median home value of $520,435 (according to Livability.com). The median sale price for homes was $525,000 in March 2026, showing a slight increase of 1.0% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). For renters, the median rent in Murray hovers around $1,431 per month (as reported by RentCafe), with a significant portion of rentals falling between $1,001 and $1,500 monthly.

Housing Costs Breakdown

For those considering homeownership, the median listing price for homes in Murray is approximately $517,449 (according to Realtor.com). The median sale price per square foot is around $259, which has seen a slight decrease of 3.0% year-over-year (as per Redfin). The market is currently considered a buyer’s market, with home prices falling 5.41% year-over-year, offering potential negotiation leverage for buyers.

Rental prices in Murray have seen a slight decrease of 3.67% over the past year, with the average rent for an apartment around $1,431 per month (as reported by RentCafe). Studio apartments average $1,149, one-bedroom units are around $1,242, and two-bedroom apartments average $1,496. Three-bedroom rentals can be expected to cost around $1,894 per month.

Job Market and Economy

Murray, Utah, has a diverse economy with a significant presence in healthcare, education, and professional services. The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as per Data USA). The city’s economy supports a population of over 50,000 residents, with employment figures showing a slight decline in recent periods.

The average annual salary in Murray is approximately $45,270, with most salaries ranging between $31,464 and $56,450 (according to ZipRecruiter). More recent data indicates an average yearly salary of $57,522, with top-paying jobs in fields like healthcare and executive management (as reported by ReadySetHire). The unemployment rate in Murray was 4% in 2026 (according to Data Commons).

Major Employers

Key employers in the Murray area contribute significantly to the local economy and job market. Intermountain Health is a major player in the healthcare sector, offering comprehensive well-being programs and investing in employee development (as noted by Utah.com). Other significant employers include Walmart, the University of Utah, and various government entities, reflecting the diverse industrial landscape of the region.

Companies like Overstock.com have also been identified as major employers in Murray, contributing to the city’s economic vitality. The presence of large retail chains such as Costco Wholesale, Kroger, and Lowe’s Home Improvement further diversifies employment opportunities within the city.

Climate and Weather

Murray, Utah, experiences a climate characterized by four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average temperature ranges from a low of 23°F in winter to a high of 93°F in summer (as reported by Livability.com). The city enjoys a comfortable humidity level throughout the year, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for residents.

Annual precipitation in Murray is around 22 inches, with April being the wettest month. Snowfall is moderate, averaging about 75 inches annually, with December typically being the snowiest month. The city also benefits from abundant sunshine, with the sunniest months occurring from June through September.

Demographics and Diversity

Murray, Utah, is home to a population of approximately 50,188 residents as of 2024 (according to Data USA). The city has experienced population growth, with an increase of 8.3% between 2010 and 2020 (as reported by Living it). The median age in Murray is around 37.8 years, with a near-even split between males and females.

The racial composition of Murray is predominantly White, accounting for about 72.3% of the population, followed by Hispanic or Latino residents at 14.9%, and Asian residents at 5.0% (according to Census Dots). The foreign-born population is approximately 9.8% of residents. The city has become more racially diverse since the 2020 Census, with growth noted in the Hispanic and Asian populations.

Education and Schools

Murray, Utah, is served by the Murray School District, which includes 12 schools catering to approximately 5,733 students. The district is rated as above average, with a student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1 (as per Niche). State test scores indicate that 43% of students are proficient in math and 45% in reading.

Performance varies among schools, with some, like McMillan School and Viewmont School, showing strong academic results. However, the district faces challenges with chronic absenteeism, with rates around 23.8% across all schools. Graduation rates are generally strong, with Murray High School reporting an 88.8% 4-year graduation rate.

School District Performance

The Murray School District ranks within the top 50% of all school districts in Utah based on combined math and reading proficiency. The district’s average testing ranking is 7 out of 10, placing it in the top 50% of public schools in Utah (as reported by Salt Lake City, UT – Murray School District). Minority enrollment constitutes 37% of the student body, with a majority being Hispanic.

While some schools excel, others, such as Utah Virtual Academy, show lower proficiency rates and higher dropout rates. The district is also noted for having some of the best teachers in Utah, ranking 13th out of 57 districts (according to Niche). Efforts are ongoing to address performance gaps and improve overall educational outcomes for all students.