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. The fourth installment presents economic data for the region, including findings around income, poverty, employment, commuting, and business composition.
“Our research reveals an engaged workforce and a unique mix of industries and businesses in Northwest Salt Lake County,” said Nate Christensen, research economist at the Gardner Institute. “Data also points to challenges, including higher unemployment, lower-paying local jobs, and elevated poverty rates—especially for children. These findings underscore the need for informed strategies to bolster economic well-being.”
Key findings from the research include the following:
Business Composition – Northwest Salt Lake County’s diverse business mix stands out for its high share of large establishments (50+ employees) and the dominant presence of the trade, transportation, and utilities industry.
Female- and Minority-Led Businesses – Women own 37.3% of businesses in Northwest Salt Lake County, compared with 35.0% statewide. Racial and ethnic minorities own over half the businesses located in Kearns, Magna, and West Valley City, compared with 16.0% statewide.
Workforce Engagement – Northwest Salt Lake County demonstrates strong labor force participation, with especially high shares of residents working or seeking work in Kearns (73.8%) and West Valley City (73.3%).
Employment Trends – Unemployment rates remain elevated in most Northwest Salt Lake County communities and exceed statewide averages (3.4%), with the highest unemployment rates in Kearns (5.8%) and Magna (5.0%), and the lowest in Taylorsville (3.8%).
Income Disparities – Median household income in Northwest Salt Lake County is approximately $11,000 below the county average, with per capita income trailing Salt Lake County by $13,000. Across the region, 15.7% of children live in poverty compared with 8.9% of children statewide.
Commuting Patterns – A majority of working residents in West Valley City, Taylorsville, Magna, and Kearns commute outside their home city for employment, with substantial flows commuting daily to Salt Lake City.
