Homesteading in Utah
Explore 29 counties and state-level regulations for homesteaders in Utah.
Utah uses a Prior Appropriation water rights system , enforces statewide IRC building codes , and has constitutional carry. The effective property tax rate is 0.52%.
State Regulations
Water Rights
System: Prior Appropriation
Prior appropriation doctrine. All water rights must be obtained through the Division of Water Rights application process. Very strict water allocation system.
Statute: Utah Code Ann. § 73-1-1 et seq.
Building Codes
Statewide IRC: Yes (statewide)
Utah has adopted statewide codes based on IRC for residential. Administered by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
Statute: Utah Code Ann. § 15A-1-201 et seq.
Gun Laws
Open Carry: Yes
Constitutional Carry: Yes
Permitless concealed carry for persons 21 and older effective May 2021. Open carry legal without a permit.
Statute: Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-523; Utah Code Ann. § 53-5c-102
Right to Farm
Protected: Yes
Protects agricultural operations from nuisance claims if in operation for a continuous period prior to the plaintiff establishing occupancy. Includes protections against restrictive local ordinances.
Statute: Utah Code Ann. § 78B-6-1101 et seq.
Counties in Utah
29 counties · Click column headers to sort
| County | Population | Median Home | Property Tax | Growing Days | Overall Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver County | 7,102 | $248,200 | $1,039 | 96 | Very Low |
| Box Elder County | 58,291 | $308,900 | $1,655 | 80 | Relatively Low |
| Cache County | 134,428 | $351,700 | $1,794 | 79 | Relatively Low |
| Carbon County | 20,338 | $176,400 | $1,264 | 89 | Very Low |
| Daggett County | 638 | $252,400 | $1,146 | 83 | Very Low |
| Davis County | 363,032 | $423,200 | $2,392 | 83 | Relatively Moderate |
| Duchesne County | 19,779 | $228,600 | $1,498 | 86 | Very Low |
| Emery County | 9,898 | $168,700 | $1,021 | 92 | Very Low |
| Garfield County | 5,121 | $237,800 | $944 | 98 | Very Low |
| Grand County | 9,680 | $426,800 | $1,701 | 92 | Very Low |
| Iron County | 58,068 | $299,400 | $1,386 | 98 | Relatively Low |
| Juab County | 11,943 | $322,100 | $1,573 | 89 | Very Low |
| Kane County | 7,814 | $297,500 | $1,347 | 101 | Very Low |
| Millard County | 13,027 | $227,000 | $1,186 | 93 | Very Low |
| Morgan County | 12,367 | $556,900 | $2,951 | 82 | Very Low |
| Piute County | 1,764 | $218,800 | $1,068 | 96 | Very Low |
| Rich County | 2,543 | $272,900 | $915 | 80 | Very Low |
| Salt Lake County | 1,180,643 | $440,400 | $2,590 | 84 | Relatively High |
| San Juan County | 14,524 | $177,900 | $1,487 | 99 | Very Low |
| Sanpete County | 28,816 | $268,600 | $1,450 | 91 | Very Low |
| Sevier County | 21,667 | $239,400 | $1,420 | 94 | Very Low |
| Summit County | 42,524 | $895,100 | $3,040 | 84 | Relatively Low |
| Tooele County | 74,032 | $343,900 | $2,059 | 85 | Relatively Low |
| Uintah County | 35,951 | $253,100 | $1,401 | 87 | Very Low |
| Utah County | 666,021 | $443,000 | $2,002 | 87 | Relatively High |
| Wasatch County | 35,009 | $620,800 | $2,989 | 86 | Very Low |
| Washington County | 183,297 | $417,400 | $1,919 | 101 | Relatively Moderate |
| Wayne County | 2,532 | $316,200 | $1,208 | 96 | Very Low |
| Weber County | 262,960 | $346,800 | $2,196 | 82 | Relatively Moderate |
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