Is Roosevelt Safe, Pros and cons of living in Roosevelt
Roosevelt, Utah, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to natural beauty, making it an appealing location for those seeking a quieter pace of life. Situated in the Uintah Basin, the city provides a distinct lifestyle shaped by its natural surroundings and community-focused atmosphere. Understanding the various facets of life in Roosevelt is essential for anyone considering a move to this Utah city.
This guide delves into Roosevelt’s safety, cost of living, job market, climate, education, and demographics. By examining these key aspects, prospective residents can gain a comprehensive understanding of what Roosevelt has to offer. The information presented aims to provide practical insights for making an informed decision about relocating to this community.
Is it Safe to Live in Roosevelt?
Crime Rates
Roosevelt’s crime statistics present a mixed picture, with some data indicating rates lower than national averages while other reports suggest areas of concern. Violent crime rates in Roosevelt are reported to be significantly lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, another analysis indicates that Roosevelt has a crime rate that is higher than 85% of Utah’s cities and towns of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
The chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Roosevelt is noted as being above the national average when compared to all other communities in America of all population sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Despite these figures, there has been a year-over-year decrease in crime in Roosevelt by 32% (as reported by AreaVibes).
Law Enforcement Effectiveness
Community perception of law enforcement effectiveness in Roosevelt is generally positive, with a high percentage of respondents indicating that police are visible and responsive (as reported by Niche). This suggests a community that feels supported by its local authorities, which can contribute to a sense of security.
While specific data on law enforcement response times or clearance rates is not readily available, the general sentiment points towards a functional and appreciated police presence. This positive view can be a significant factor for individuals and families prioritizing safety when choosing a place to live.
Cost of Living in Roosevelt
Overall Affordability
Roosevelt is generally considered more affordable than the national average, with some sources indicating it is 13% less expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
The cost of living in Roosevelt is also noted as being 8% less expensive than the average city in Utah (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This lower cost of living is a significant draw for those looking to maximize their financial resources while enjoying a good quality of life.
Housing Costs
Housing in Roosevelt tends to be more affordable than the national average, with a median home price of $265,300 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This makes homeownership more accessible compared to many other areas. The homeownership rate in Roosevelt is 67% (as reported by Data USA).
Rental costs are also competitive, with an average rent of $1,310 as of July 2025 (as reported by Prop:Metrics). The median home value is $361,000 with a 5.3% year-over-year growth (as reported by Prop:Metrics).
Day-to-Day Expenses
Food costs in Roosevelt are more affordable than the average in the United States (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This can lead to significant savings for households, as groceries represent a substantial portion of monthly expenses.
Transportation costs are noted as being more expensive than the United States average, earning a score of 6 out of 10 on a cost index (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs are about 3.0% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by Salary.com).
Job Market and Employment in Roosevelt
Major Employers and Industries
The economy of Roosevelt employs approximately 2.98k people, with key industries including Retail Trade, Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the area include Costco Wholesale, McDonald’s, and the United States Postal Service (as reported by Indeed.com).
Other significant employers include Uintah Basin Medical Center and Moon Lake Electric Association (as reported by Zippia). These diverse industries provide a range of employment opportunities for residents.
Salary and Wages
The average annual salary in Roosevelt is approximately $56,390, which equates to about $27.11 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Roosevelt was $76,456 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).
However, some sources indicate a slightly different average salary, with ERI SalaryExpert reporting an average salary of $63,720, or $31 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Salaries can vary significantly based on occupation, experience, and other factors.
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Roosevelt has shown a downward trend, with a rate of 5.4% in 2023, a decrease from 7.7% in 2017 (as reported by CensusDepth). This indicates a recovering and relatively stable job market.
The unemployment rate in Roosevelt is reported at 3% according to ERI SalaryExpert, which is a positive indicator for job seekers. This suggests that employment opportunities are generally available within the community.
Climate and Weather in Roosevelt
Temperatures and Seasons
Roosevelt experiences a climate with temperatures that range from 4°F to 91°F throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The summer months are hot, with July being the hottest with an average high of 91°F and an average low of 54°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Winter months bring colder temperatures, with January having an average high of 30°F and an average low of 5°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city experiences a cold semi-arid climate (as reported by Wikipedia).
Precipitation and Snowfall
The annual precipitation in Roosevelt averages around 7 inches, with approximately 22 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The month with the most precipitation is typically September, with an average of 1.1 inches (as reported by NASA’s MERRA-2 Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis).
The drier period lasts for about 4.4 months, from mid-November to late March. January sees the least amount of rain, with an average of 0.2 inches (as reported by NASA’s MERRA-2 Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis).
Education in Roosevelt
School District Performance
Roosevelt is served by the Duchesne School District, which is ranked 71 out of 93 districts in Utah and holds a 1-star rating out of 5 from SchoolDigger (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). This rating indicates a need for improvement across the district.
The average test scores for Roosevelt, UT schools are 35%, which is 28% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Many schools in Roosevelt perform below state averages on standardized tests.
Individual School Highlights
Kings Peak School, an elementary school, is the highest-ranked in the district, holding the 324th position out of 547 Utah elementary schools and receiving a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Centennial School, another elementary school, has a lower ranking but shows a higher percentage of students proficient in math and science compared to district and state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Roosevelt Junior High School is ranked 133rd out of 182 in Utah, and Union High School is ranked 122nd out of 138 (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Chronic absenteeism is a concern, standing at 23.8% for all schools in the district, which is significantly higher than the state average (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics of Roosevelt
Population and Age
Roosevelt has a projected population of 7,093 for 2026 (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Roosevelt is 28 years, with 29.7 years for males and 27.2 years for females (as reported by Data USA). The population is relatively young, with about 30.4% of residents under the age of 15 (as reported by Point2Homes).
The population has increased by 12.92% since the most recent census in 2020, which recorded a population of 6,804 (as reported by World Population Review). For every 100 females, there are 95.7 males (as reported by World Population Review).
Race and Ethnicity
The racial composition of Roosevelt is predominantly White, making up 78.4% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes). Other significant racial groups include Hispanic (10.9%) and American Indian (4.7%) (as reported by Point2Homes).
In 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents constitute the largest demographic group, with American Indian & Alaska Native residents being the second most common (as reported by Data USA). Approximately 96.8% of Roosevelt residents are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Household and Income
Roosevelt has approximately 2,327 households, with an average of 3 members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income in Roosevelt was $76,456 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).
However, 12.0% of Roosevelt families live below the poverty line (as reported by Point2Homes), which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Roosevelt
Advantages of Roosevelt
The cost of living in Roosevelt is a significant advantage, being well below the national average for goods and services including housing, groceries, transportation, and utilities (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing, in particular, receives high scores for affordability and appreciation rates (as reported by AreaVibes).
Crime rates are also lower than the national average for both violent and property crimes, contributing to a sense of safety (as reported by AreaVibes). The community atmosphere and access to outdoor recreational opportunities are also frequently cited as pros.
Challenges in Roosevelt
A notable challenge in Roosevelt is the performance of its public school system, with the Duchesne School District receiving low rankings and ratings (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Educational outcomes and standardized test scores are generally below state and national averages.
While crime rates are generally low, some reports indicate property crime rates are above the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Additionally, Roosevelt has fewer amenities compared to larger cities, which may be a drawback for some residents (as reported by AreaVibes).