Is Woods Cross Safe, Pros and cons of living in Woods Cross
Woods Cross, Utah, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and access to the amenities of the larger Salt Lake City metropolitan area. This Davis County community is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and scenic views, with the Wasatch Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. Residents appreciate the balance between a quieter lifestyle and the conveniences of urban proximity.
The city’s development reflects a history rooted in early Utah settlement, with a name honoring Daniel Wood, an influential pioneer. Today, Woods Cross continues to grow and evolve, attracting those seeking a community that values both its heritage and a forward-looking perspective.
Is it Safe to Live in Woods Cross?
Woods Cross is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 30% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This translates to a lower chance of becoming a victim of crime, with an overall chance of 1 in 68.
Violent crimes are particularly low, with rates 68.5% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Property crimes also remain below the national average, contributing to the city’s reputation for safety. Residents generally feel secure, and police presence is noted as visible and responsive (according to Niche student polls).
Crime Statistics
The crime rate in Woods Cross stands at 25.15 incidents per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to AreaVibes). This is considerably lower than many other communities. Violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and assault, are infrequent, with a reported rate of 113 per 100,000 individuals (according to AreaVibes).
Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, also remain below national benchmarks. The chance of being a victim of property crime in Woods Cross is approximately 1 in 74 (according to AreaVibes). The city’s safety is further underscored by its ranking, being safer than 56% of U.S. cities (according to AreaVibes).
Resident Perceptions of Safety
The perception of safety among Woods Cross residents is generally positive. Many students surveyed reported feeling very safe, with no significant safety concerns. A strong majority of students also indicated that the police are visible and responsive when needed.
This positive sentiment among residents contributes to the overall feeling of security within the community. The combination of low crime statistics and high resident satisfaction solidifies Woods Cross’s standing as a safe residential area.
Cost of Living in Woods Cross
The cost of living in Woods Cross is higher than the national average, with housing being a significant contributing factor. Overall living costs are approximately 7% higher than the U.S. national average (according to Salary.com). This is driven by expenses in housing, transportation, and food.
While Woods Cross is more expensive than the national average, it is notably less expensive than the state average for Utah. The cost of living in Woods Cross is 26% lower than Utah’s state average (according to Salary.com). This makes it a more affordable option within the state, despite being above the national benchmark.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in Woods Cross are a primary driver of its higher cost of living. The median home value is approximately $495,379 (according to Livability.com), and the median listing price is around $619,900 (according to Realtor.com). Rental prices are also a key component, with the average rent for an apartment being $1,381 per month (according to Apartments.com).
However, Woods Cross offers more affordable rental options compared to the national average. The average rent is 16% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month (according to Apartments.com). This makes renting in Woods Cross more accessible than in many other U.S. cities.
Income and Expenses
The median household income in Woods Cross was reported as $120,543 in 2024 (according to Data USA). This median income provides context for the cost of living within the city. For renters, a monthly income of about $4,603, or $55,236 annually, is recommended to spend no more than 30% of income on rent (according to Apartments.com).
Essential expenses such as food, energy, transportation, and healthcare contribute to the overall cost. Food expenses are notably below the national average, while energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are slightly higher (according to Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Woods Cross benefits from its proximity to Salt Lake City, offering residents access to a diverse job market. The city itself has a growing employment sector, with a 1.14% increase in employment from the previous year, reaching 6,471 employees (according to Data USA).
The primary employment sectors for Woods Cross residents include other services, retail trade, and educational services. The most common job roles are in office and administrative support, management, and sales occupations (according to Data USA). This indicates a workforce engaged in a variety of professional and service-oriented roles.
Employment and Unemployment
The unemployment rate in Woods Cross stands at 2.4% (according to Point2Homes). This rate is considered favorable, as rates around 4% to 5% are typically seen as normal. A lower-than-average unemployment rate suggests strong job prospects and a robust local economy.
Utah’s statewide unemployment rate was 3.8% in February 2026 (according to USAFacts), indicating a healthy job market across the region. The employment growth in Woods Cross further supports the idea of a thriving local economy.
Major Employers and Industries
While specific major employers within Woods Cross are not detailed in the provided data, the broader economic landscape of Davis County and the Salt Lake City metropolitan area offers numerous opportunities. Key industries supporting the region include technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and government services.
The diversity of industries in the surrounding areas provides a stable economic foundation for Woods Cross residents. The city’s own employment growth indicates a positive trend in its local economy, supported by various business and service sectors.
Climate and Weather
Woods Cross experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The city is situated in a region with a dry subhumid climate, influenced by its proximity to the Wasatch Mountains.
Temperatures typically range from 22°F to 91°F throughout the year (according to myWeather). The area enjoys pleasant spring and fall seasons that bridge the hotter summers and colder winters.
Temperature Ranges
Summer high temperatures in Woods Cross can reach up to 91°F in July, while winter low temperatures can drop to around 23°F in January (according to myWeather). The average annual temperature is approximately 59.00°F (according to MyForecast).
The hottest month is July, with average highs of 90°F and lows of 66°F. Conversely, January sees the coldest temperatures, with average highs of 38°F and lows of 23°F (according to myWeather). The temperature variation between day and night is moderate in the summer and limited in the winter.
Precipitation and Snowfall
Woods Cross receives an average annual precipitation of about 27 inches, which includes both rain and the liquid equivalent of snow (according to myWeather). The wettest month is typically April, with an average of 4 inches of precipitation.
Snowfall is a significant feature of the winter months, with an average annual snowfall of 74 inches (according to myWeather). The snowy period generally lasts from October to April, with December experiencing the most snowfall. However, there are typically five snow-free months from May to September.
Education in Woods Cross
Woods Cross is served by a public school system that is highly rated within Utah. The schools in the area are recognized for their quality, with many residents choosing to live in Woods Cross specifically for its educational opportunities.
The public schools in Woods Cross generally receive strong reviews, contributing to the city’s appeal for families. Educational attainment is high among adults in Woods Cross, with a significant percentage holding bachelor’s degrees or higher (according to NeighborhoodScout).
School Performance and Ratings
Woods Cross School ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in Utah, based on combined math and reading proficiency test data (according to Public School Review). Math proficiency is at 42%, and reading proficiency is at 43%, both of which meet or exceed the Utah state average.
Woods Cross High School also performs well, ranking among the top public high schools in Utah. It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 6 out of 10, based on state standardized test performance (according to Military Town Advisor). The student-teacher ratio at Woods Cross Elementary School is 26:1, which is higher than the Utah state average.
Diversity and Student Body
The diversity score for Woods Cross School is 0.47, which is slightly above the Utah state average of 0.46 (according to Public School Review). Minority enrollment in Woods Cross public schools is 24% of the student body, which is lower than the Utah public school average of 29% (according to Best Public Schools).
The student population is predominantly White, with Hispanic and other minority groups making up the remainder. This demographic composition reflects the broader racial makeup of Woods Cross, where White residents form the majority.
Demographics
Woods Cross is a medium-sized city with a population of approximately 11,531 residents (according to Data USA). It is situated in Davis County, making it part of the larger Salt Lake City metropolitan area. The population density is around 2,986.7 people per square mile.
The city is characterized by a relatively young median age of 32 years (according to Point2Homes), with a significant portion of the population under 18. The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with slightly more males than females.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Woods Cross is predominantly White, making up approximately 82% of the population (according to Niche). Hispanic residents constitute the second-largest group at around 10%.
Other racial and ethnic groups include those of two or more races (4%), Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (2%), African American (1%), and Asian (1%). This indicates a degree of ethnic diversity within the community.
Age and Household Composition
The median age in Woods Cross is 32 years (according to Point2Homes). The population includes about 26.4% children under 15, and 14.1% in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 represent 33.7% of the population.
Woods Cross has approximately 3,457 households, with an average of three members per household (according to Point2Homes). A significant majority, 79.7%, are families, while the remaining households consist of individuals or non-relatives.
Pros and Cons of Living in Woods Cross
Woods Cross offers a compelling lifestyle for many, balancing suburban comfort with accessibility to urban amenities. Its safety, highly-rated schools, and strong community feel are significant draws for residents, particularly families.
However, the cost of living, especially housing, is higher than the national average. While rental prices are more affordable than the national average, homeownership can be a substantial investment.
Pros
The city boasts exceptionally low crime rates, making it a very safe place to live (according to AreaVibes). Woods Cross also features highly-rated public schools, providing excellent educational opportunities for children (according to Best Public Schools).
The community atmosphere is often described as family-friendly and conservative, with many residents owning their homes, which can contribute to community stability (according to NeighborhoodScout). The natural beauty and proximity to outdoor recreation in the Wasatch Mountains are also considerable advantages.
Cons
The cost of living in Woods Cross is higher than the national average, primarily due to housing expenses (according to Salary.com). While median incomes are strong, the median home value of nearly $500,000 can be a barrier for potential buyers (according to Livability.com).
The climate, while offering four distinct seasons, includes hot summers and cold, snowy winters, which may not appeal to everyone. Additionally, the student-teacher ratio in some schools is higher than the state average (according to Public School Review).