To inform local decision-makers and community partners, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute recently launched “Northwest Valley Datapoints,” a series of fact sheets designed to provide important data about the communities of West Valley City, Kearns, Taylorsville, Magna, and Salt Lake City west of I-15. This fifth installment details the region’s housing landscape.
“Northwest Valley’s housing market stands out with a range of housing types, including smaller single-family homes at affordable price points,” said Moira Dillow, housing, construction, and real estate analyst at the Gardner Institute. “We’re witnessing a dynamic interplay between growth and affordability. Both rents and home prices have risen rapidly in recent years, with demand increasing across all housing types. These trends mirror broader housing dynamics at the state and county level.”
Key findings from the research include the following:
Rapid Growth – Between 2020 and 2024, Northwest Valley added 6,841 housing units, helping meet increased housing demand in Utah. Salt Lake City’s west side and Magna each added over 2,000 new units over the four-year period.
Varied Housing Composition – Northwest Salt Lake County features a mix of housing types, with composition varying by community. Single-family homes make up 92.8% of Kearns’ housing, compared to 50.7% on Salt Lake City’s west side, where apartments account for more than one-third of units.
Rising Home Prices – The median home price in Northwest Valley rose from $305,000 in 2019 to $435,000 in 2024, yet remains more affordable than the county average of $535,000. Despite the rise, the area still offers more accessible entry points for first-time homebuyers and families.
Rent Trends – Median rent across the region ranges from $1,920 to $2,011, compared to $1,823 state-wide. Rental costs increased rapidly in recent years, with rent in Kearns and West Valley City increasing 60.5% between 2018 and 2024.
Affordability Concerns – Approximately 30% of homeowners and nearly 50% of renters are housing cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing expenses.
The fact sheet is available online and below.
