Is Ogden Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ogden

Ogden, Utah, offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation, a growing job market, and a distinct cultural heritage. Nestled at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, it provides residents with stunning natural beauty and abundant opportunities for adventure. The city has a rich history, once serving as a pivotal railway hub, and this legacy continues to shape its identity and economic landscape.

This guide explores the key aspects of living in Ogden, from safety and cost of living to employment and education. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering a move to this vibrant Wasatch Front community. Ogden’s appeal lies in its accessibility to nature, its developing urban core, and its potential for growth and opportunity.

Is it Safe to Live in Ogden?

Ogden’s overall crime rate is 15% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). This means that for every 100,000 residents, there are more reported crimes than in many other U.S. cities. The city has a total crime rate of 3,806 per 100,000 people, leading to a 1 in 26 chance of being a victim of crime (Ogden Utah Crime Rate).

Violent crimes in Ogden are 41% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). Specifically, the violent crime rate stands at 505 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 40.7% (Ogden Utah Crime Rate). Property crimes are also a concern, with a rate that is 9.4% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). However, year over year, crime in Ogden has decreased by 9% (AreaVibes).

Neighborhood Safety

While overall crime statistics may seem high, safety can vary significantly by neighborhood. Some areas in Ogden are considered quite safe, with average crime scores indicating a moderate level of safety. For instance, neighborhoods like Shadow Valley, East Bench, and North End have received high safety ratings (DoorProfit).

Conversely, areas like Downtown Ogden and East Central have higher crime scores (DoorProfit). Residents generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest (Ogden, UT Crime Map). When considering a move, researching specific neighborhood crime data is advisable to understand the localized safety landscape.

Cost of Living in Ogden

The cost of living in Ogden, Utah, is approximately 1% higher than the national average (Payscale). This figure is a general indicator, and individual expenses can fluctuate based on lifestyle and specific spending habits. Housing costs in Ogden are about 12% higher than the national average (Payscale), making it a significant factor in the overall cost of living.

Conversely, utility prices in Ogden are notably lower, being 20% less than the national average (Payscale). Transportation expenses, such as gas and bus fares, are marginally higher, about 1% above the national average (Payscale). Grocery prices are also slightly lower, approximately 2% less than the national average (Payscale).

Housing Costs

Housing is a substantial component of the cost of living in Ogden. The median home price in Ogden was $373,000 as of March 2026 (Redfin). This median sale price is 15% lower than the national average (Redfin). Homes in Ogden are selling more quickly than last year, with an average of 74 days on the market compared to 50 days previously (Redfin).

For renters, the average rent in Ogden is around $1,216 per month as of May 2026 (Apartments.com). This is 26% lower than the national average rent, indicating that renting in Ogden can be more affordable than in many other U.S. cities. Studio apartments can be found for about $940 per month, one-bedroom apartments for approximately $1,216, and two-bedroom apartments for around $1,478 (Apartments.com).

Salary and Income

The average annual salary in Ogden is approximately $50,683, which translates to about $24.37 per hour (ZipRecruiter). This salary range places most Ogden residents between the 25th percentile of $35,750 and the 75th percentile of $63,750 annually (ZipRecruiter). To live comfortably in Ogden, based on the average rent, a single adult with no dependents should aim for a salary around $72,000 before taxes (Apartments.com).

The median household income in Ogden is $72,575 (Ogden, Population 2026). This median income suggests that a significant portion of the population earns around this figure. The poverty rate in Ogden is reported at 13.67% (Ogden, Population 2026).

Job Market and Major Employers

Ogden’s economy is supported by a diverse range of major employers. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) is a significant employer, operating within the Internal Revenue Service Center (Largest Employers in Ogden, Utah). Other key employers include McKay-Dee Hospital Center, Autoliv, and Weber State University (Largest Employers in Ogden, Utah).

The city also has strong sectors in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, partly due to its proximity to Hill Air Force Base. Industries like life sciences, particularly biopharmaceuticals and medical device manufacturing, are also growing. Companies such as Fresenius Medical Care are part of this expanding sector (Target Industries | Ogden, UT).

Employment Trends

The unemployment rate in the Ogden-Clearfield metropolitan area was 3.80% as of the most recent data, which is lower than the long-term average (YCharts). This indicates a relatively stable job market with opportunities for employment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in May 2024, workers in the Ogden Metropolitan Statistical Area had an average hourly wage of $28.86, compared to the nationwide average of $32.66 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Occupational groups with the highest employment in Ogden include office and administrative support, food preparation and serving, and business and financial operations (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Higher-paying sectors include management, computer and mathematical fields, and architecture and engineering (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Climate in Ogden

Ogden experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm, with July averaging around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter temperatures are cold, often in the 30s (Ogden, UT Climate). The city is situated at the foot of the Wasatch Mountain Range, which influences its weather patterns.

The annual average precipitation in Ogden is about 24 inches (Ogden, UT Climate). Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with May typically being the wettest month (Ogden, UT Climate). In contrast, July is the driest month (Ogden (UT) Rainfall by Month). The city also experiences a significant amount of snowfall, with an average of 65.3 inches annually in town, and much more in the surrounding ski resorts (Ogden, UT Climate).

Temperature and Precipitation

Summer high temperatures in Ogden tend to be in the upper 70s, with July highs averaging around 90°F (Ogden, UT Climate). Winter temperatures are colder, with January lows averaging around 20°F (Ogden Facts). Layers are recommended year-round, as temperature variations of 20 degrees or more between day and night are common (Ogden, UT Climate).

The wettest month, May, receives an average of 63 mm of precipitation over approximately 11 days (Ogden (UT) Rainfall by Month). The driest month, July, has much less rainfall, totaling around 13 mm over 5 days (Ogden (UT) Rainfall by Month). Annual snowfall measures 67 inches, with most of it falling in January and December (Ogden, Utah – Wikipedia).

Education in Ogden

Ogden, Utah, is served by the Ogden City School District, which is rated as a B- overall by Niche. The district serves approximately 10,411 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1 (Niche). However, statewide test scores indicate that only 25% of students are proficient in math and 31% in reading within the district (Niche).

Public schools in Ogden have an average ranking of 2 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Utah public schools (Niche). Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body, which is slightly higher than the Utah public school average (Niche). The district is recognized for its International Baccalaureate framework, Platinum STEM schools, and Dual Language Immersion programs (Ogden School District).

School Performance

The math proficiency score in Ogden public schools is 34%, compared to the Utah average of 40%. Reading proficiency scores are at 35%, versus the statewide average of 43% (Niche). The top-ranked public schools in Ogden include No. Ut. Acad. Of Math Engineering & Science Ogden, Lomond View School, and Plain City School (Niche).

Ogden High School, a public school in Ogden, UT, has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on 178 reviews (Niche). It has 1,113 students in grades 10-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1 (Niche). State test scores for Ogden High show 21% of students proficient in math and 35% in reading (Niche).

Demographics of Ogden

Ogden, Utah, has a population of approximately 89,334 as of 2026, with a growth rate of 0.38% annually (Ogden, Population 2026). The median age in Ogden is 33.6 years, with a slightly higher proportion of males to females (Ogden, Population 2026). White residents make up a significant portion of the population, alongside a notable Hispanic or Latino community.

The racial composition of Ogden includes about 75.97% White, 8.67% other races, and smaller percentages for Black or African American, Asian, Native American, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander populations (Ogden, Population 2026). Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 31.12% of the population (Ogden, Population 2026).

Population and Age Distribution

The population of Ogden was recorded at 87,321 in 2020 (United States Census Bureau). As of 2024, 11.4% of Ogden residents were born outside the country (Data USA). The median age of 33.6 years suggests a mix of younger and older residents, with 19% of the population aged 25-34 and 12% aged 65 and over (Data USA).

For every 100 females, there are 113.0 males in Ogden (Ogden, Population 2026). This gender distribution might influence various aspects of community life and services. The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a citizenship rate of 93.3% as of 2024 (Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Ogden

Ogden offers a compelling mix of advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. The city’s proximity to the Wasatch Mountains provides unparalleled access to outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and biking (Ogden, UT). The cost of living, particularly for renters, is more affordable than the national average, making it an attractive option for those on a budget (Apartments.com).

However, Ogden’s crime rates are higher than the national average, particularly for violent crimes (AreaVibes). While some neighborhoods are considered safe, this is a factor to consider. Additionally, while salaries are comparable to other areas, the average wage may not fully offset the higher housing costs in some instances (ZipRecruiter, Redfin).

Key Advantages

One of the primary draws of Ogden is its stunning natural setting and access to outdoor activities. The city is a gateway to numerous parks, trails, and ski resorts, offering a year-round active lifestyle. The cost of living, especially for renters, presents a significant advantage, with average rents falling below the national median (Apartments.com).

Ogden also boasts a developing job market with major employers in healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The city’s historical significance as a railway hub contributes to its unique character and ongoing economic development efforts (Target Industries | Ogden, UT).

Potential Drawbacks

The higher-than-average crime rates, particularly violent crime, are a notable drawback for Ogden (AreaVibes). While many areas are safe, a general awareness of crime statistics is important for prospective residents. The median home price, while lower than the national average, can still be a significant investment for homeowners (Redfin).

Furthermore, the average salary in Ogden, while decent, may require careful budgeting when considering the cost of housing and other expenses. The public school system, while improving and offering specialized programs, has lower proficiency scores compared to the state average (Niche).