Quick Facts & Stats
Population (Source: US Census Bureau, 2017 Population Estimates)
Salt Lake City: 200,544
Salt Lake County: 1,135,649
Wasatch Front: 2,192,225
State of Utah: 3,101,833
Elevation
City: 4,330 feet 1,320 meters
Nearby mountains:
Snowbird base: 8,100 feet (2,469 meters)
Hidden Peak (Snowbird Peak): 11,000 feet (3,353 meters)
Alta base elevation: 8,530ft (2600m)
Alta Top Elevation: 10,550ft (3,216m)
Solitude Mountain Resort base elevation: 7,984ft (2,435m)
Solitude Mountain Resort top elevation: 10,035ft (3,059m)
Brighton Ski Resort base elevation: 8,755ft (2,669m)
Brighton Ski Resort top elevation: 10,750ft (3280m)
Lone Peak elevation: 11,260ft (3432m)
Climate
Average daily temperature (average of high/low for 24 hour period 1971-2000)
January 29.2 F / -1.5 C
February 34.5 F / 1.4 C
March 43.1 F / 6.2 C
April 50.0 F / 10 C
May 58.9 F / 14.9 C
June 69.0 F / 20.5 C
July 77.0 F / 25 C
August 75.6 F / 24.2 C
September 65.0 F / 18.3 C
October 52.5 F / 11.4 C
November 39.6 F / 4.2 C
December 30.2 F / -1 C
Geography
Salt Lake lies in a mountain valley with the Wasatch Mountains to the east and north. The Oquirrh (pronounced "oaker") Mountains border the western edge of the valley. Salt Lake's official elevation is 4,330 feet/1,320 meters above sea level. The city is situated on land once covered by the prehistoric Lake Bonneville. This ancient lake existed within portions of Utah, Nevada, and Idaho, with an elevation rising from 4,200 feet to 5,200 feet (1,280 meters to 1,585 meters) at some points. The eastern and northern portions of the city are located on a series of terraces, or former beaches, which are known locally as "the benches."
Airport Transportation
The airport is just 10 minutes from downtown. Taxis, limousines, buses, and shuttles provide airport service to anywhere in the valley and to local ski resorts. Many hotels provide complimentary airport shuttle service.
more Airport information
Public Transportation
Utah Transit Authority (UTA) provides over 100 bus routes throughout an 1,800 square-mile area. UTA also provides light-rail service, airport transportation, service to ski resorts in winter, and door-to-door transportation for disabled passengers. A free fare zone is available downtown.
more Public Transportation information
Driving Laws
Safety belts are required by law in Utah. All occupants of private vehicles must be wearing safety restraints. Children should be secured in car seats or safety belts.
Please don't drink and drive. Like many Western states, Utah has stringent laws. A blood alcohol content of 0.08% or more is considered "driving under the influence" and you will be arrested and charged with a crime. Salt Lake is 4,300 feet above sea level. Consume alcohol cautiously as it has more effect at this altitude, and even more at ski area altitudes of 7,000-8,000 feet.
Rankings
Salt Lake, and Utah, are highly regarded as business locations and travel destinations. Find out where Salt Lake ranks in the "Best of the Best" lists from various publications.
Time Zone
Utah is in the Mountain Time Zone and uses Daylight Savings Time.
Area Codes
Utah's area codes are 801, 385 and 435. Unless otherwise noted, the area code for telephone numbers listed on this site is 801.
Liquor Laws
Misperceptions abound when it comes to Utah's liquor laws. It is as easy to get a drink in Salt Lake as it is to order a meal.
Religious Services
Salt Lake's citizens are a blend of religious and cultural backgrounds. Most of the world's denominations are represented in Salt Lake.
Important Telephone Numbers
Traffic/Road Conditions/Transit Info: 511
Toll-free outside Utah 866-511-UTAH
Services for the Disabled: 800-333-8824
Time and Temperature: 801-467-8463
Airport Information: 801-575-2400
Emergency
Fire, Medical, or Police: 911
Police (non emergency): 801-799-3000
Highway Patrol Office:801-887-3800
Highway Helpline (limited cellular): *11