RANK #664 / 996 · POP 74,032 · UT
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.2%
Tooele County, Utah, is often recognized for the Bonneville Salt Flats, a vast expanse of white salt known for land speed records. Located west of Salt Lake City, with the city of Tooele as its county seat, the area offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and access to urban amenities. Commuting to Salt Lake City is common for many residents, with I-80 serving as a primary route, though public transit options like UTA bus routes and on-demand services are available. The county's landscape features mountains, valleys, and the Great Salt Lake, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, and water activities. Deseret Peak, the highest point in the Stansbury Mountains, is a notable hiking destination.
Life in Tooele County often appeals to families and individuals seeking a quieter lifestyle with more spacious properties than found in denser urban areas. The Tooele County School District serves the area with numerous schools. The local economy, historically rooted in mining and agriculture, has diversified to include manufacturing, logistics, and defense, with the Tooele Army Depot being a significant employer. There is also emerging growth in technology-driven industries, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors. Recent proposals include a bid for a nuclear energy hub, which could further impact the economic landscape.
Overvalued relative to economy
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 10.2x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus
State of Utah / U.S. Department of Energy
|
$5,000M | Proposed |
|
Dugway Proving Ground Data Center
CyrusOne (KKR and BlackRock)
|
$1,000M | Proposed |
|
Echo Master-Planned Community (1,260 homes)
Cole West
|
$600M | Planned |
|
Lexington Greens Master-planned Community (640+ residences)
Zenith Development
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
Elektron Solar Project (80 MW)
D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI)
|
$80M | Operating |
|
Central States Manufacturing Plant
Central States Manufacturing, Inc.
|
$50M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Tooele County has a Boom Town Index score of 33/100, ranking #664 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +6.5% and a median household income of $95,545, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Tooele County is $343,900 with median rent at $1,079/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2778, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +3.8% year-over-year. Job growth: +6.5%. Home values changed +0.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.47% of Tooele County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.