Is Orem Safe, Pros and cons of living in Orem
Orem, Utah, nestled against the scenic Wasatch Mountains, offers a blend of suburban comfort and vibrant community life. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and strong educational institutions, the city has grown into a significant economic and cultural hub within Utah County. Its location provides residents with convenient access to outdoor recreation while maintaining proximity to major urban centers.
The city’s development has been shaped by its commitment to growth and innovation, attracting a diverse population and fostering a dynamic job market. Orem’s appeal lies in its balanced lifestyle, offering a high quality of life that draws individuals and families seeking both opportunity and a sense of belonging. This guide explores the key aspects of living in Orem, covering safety, cost of living, employment, climate, education, and demographics.
Is it Safe to Live in Orem?
Orem’s crime rate is generally lower than the national average, making it a relatively safe environment for its residents. Property crime rates are notable, but violent crime is significantly less common. Neighborhoods in the northeastern part of the city are considered the safest, while the southeast areas experience more crime. Overall, Orem’s crime rate is lower than the Utah state average, though it is higher than some smaller towns within the state (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes).
The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Orem is approximately 1 in 579, and the chance of being a victim of property crime is around 1 in 74 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While Orem’s crime rate is considered higher than the national average when comparing all communities, it is lower than the average when compared to similarly sized cities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The cost of crime per resident in Orem is estimated at $422 annually, which is slightly less than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The cost of living in Orem is generally considered to be slightly lower than the national average, with housing being a significant factor. The median home value in Orem is approximately $504,711 (as reported by Livability.com), and the median listing price was $550,000 in April 2026 (as reported by Movoto). This indicates that housing prices are competitive, with some variation depending on the source and exact date of the data.
Rental prices in Orem are also competitive, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $1,321 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). Other sources indicate the average rent is $1,499 per month as of April 2026 (as reported by Zillow). These figures suggest that while Orem’s housing market is robust, rental options remain more affordable than the national average rent of $1,910 per month (as reported by Redfin).
Daily Expenses
Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Orem tend to be more affordable. Groceries are approximately 4% less expensive than the national average, and utility prices are about 20% lower (as reported by Apartments.com and Payscale). Transportation costs are slightly higher than the national average, by about 4% (as reported by Apartments.com).
To live comfortably as a single adult with no dependents in Orem, an annual salary of around $71,000 before taxes is recommended (as reported by Apartments.com). The overall cost of living in Orem is about 2.6% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com), making it an economically accessible city for many.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Orem’s economy is supported by a diverse range of major employers, including Utah Valley University, which is the city’s largest employer (as reported by De Anza Properties). Other significant employers include Alpine School District, Timpanogos Regional Hospital, and various retail giants like Walmart, Target, and Costco (as reported by De Anza Properties and Indeed.com).
The city has also been a breeding ground for tech startups, with companies like Novell and WordPerfect originating in Orem, highlighting its entrepreneurial spirit (as reported by Wikipedia). This blend of educational institutions, healthcare, retail, and technology provides a stable and varied employment landscape for residents.
Salaries and Unemployment
The average annual salary in Orem is approximately $42,795 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter), with salaries typically ranging between $30,734 and $52,646. Some sources indicate a higher average salary of $62,912 (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The unemployment rate in the Provo-Orem metropolitan area was reported at 3.8% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts), which is in line with the state’s overall unemployment rate.
High-paying sectors in Orem include Information Technology, Healthcare, and Engineering, with some top jobs potentially earning over $100,000 annually (as reported by ReadySetHire). While the average salary may seem modest, the lower cost of living, particularly for housing and utilities, helps to offset this for residents.
Climate and Weather
Temperatures
Orem experiences distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The average annual temperature ranges from a low of 21°F in winter to a high of 92°F in summer (as reported by Livability.com). The hottest month is typically July, with average highs around 89°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows near 20°F (as reported by Orem, UT Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature).
The city enjoys a comfortable climate for much of the year, with approximately 103 days annually considered to have comfortable weather, characterized by mild temperatures and low humidity (as reported by Livability.com). This makes Orem an appealing location for outdoor activities during spring, summer, and fall.
Precipitation
Orem receives an average annual precipitation of about 17 inches, with an average annual snowfall of 38 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Other sources indicate annual rainfall averages 23 inches with 49 inches of snowfall (as reported by Orem Annual Weather Averages). December is generally the wettest month, with around 3 inches of precipitation, while July is the driest, with about 0.6 inches (as reported by Orem (UT) Rainfall by Month).
Rain falls throughout the year, but the period from September to June has a higher chance of wet days. The drier season typically spans from June to September, offering clearer weather for outdoor pursuits.
Education and Schools
School Ratings
Orem is part of the Alpine School District, which is ranked 30 out of 93 school districts in Utah (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The city is home to numerous public schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools. Orem public schools generally perform well, with average math proficiency at 41% and reading proficiency at 47%, slightly above the Utah state averages (as reported by Niche).
Top-ranked schools in Orem include Utah County Academy of Science, Foothill School, and Orem School, which demonstrate strong academic performance and test scores (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com). Orem High School, however, ranks within the bottom 50% of Utah schools for overall test scores, with lower proficiency rates in math and reading compared to state averages (as reported by Public School Review).
Higher Education
Orem is a significant educational center, primarily due to Utah Valley University (UVU), one of the largest public universities in Utah. UVU offers a wide range of degrees and has an enrollment of over 43,000 undergraduates (as reported by Wikipedia). The proximity to Brigham Young University, located in neighboring Provo, further enhances Orem’s educational offerings, with a combined student population of over 75,000 in the immediate area (as reported by Orem Community Profile).
These institutions not only provide educational opportunities for residents but also contribute to a young and dynamic population, influencing the city’s culture and economy. The presence of these universities ensures a well-educated workforce for the growing job market.
Demographics
Population and Diversity
As of the 2020 census, Orem had a population of 98,129 residents (as reported by Wikipedia). Current estimates place the population around 97,182 (as reported by Orem, UT Demographics). The city’s population is predominantly White, making up approximately 71.7% of residents, followed by Hispanic residents at 19.4% (as reported by Orem, UT Demographics). Other racial and ethnic groups include Multiracial (4.7%), Asian (2.0%), and Black or African American (0.7%) (as reported by Orem, UT Demographics).
Orem has a relatively young population, with a median age of 27.2 years (as reported by Wikipedia). Approximately 26% of the population is under 18 years old, and a significant portion, around 24%, falls within the 20-29 age range, partly due to the large student population from local universities (as reported by Wasatch Moving).
Household and Family Structure
The average household size in Orem is 3.57 people, with families making up a significant portion of the households. Approximately 59.3% of households are married-couple families, and 38.3% have children under 18 living in them (as reported by Wikipedia). The median household income in Orem was reported as $52,703 in past census data (as reported by Wikipedia), though more recent estimates place the median household income at $83,342 (as reported by Orem, UT Demographics).
The city’s demographic profile, with its young population and family-oriented structure, contributes to its reputation as “Family City USA.” This composition influences community development, local services, and the overall lifestyle available to its residents.