Rising Prices and Shortages Push Homeownership Out of Reach
Across Utah and much of the U.S., young families face growing barriers to homeownership. The state’s median home price has climbed above $500,000, leaving 87% of renters unable to afford to buy. This crisis is no longer limited to low-income earners; middle-class workers with stable jobs are also being priced out.
Grace Cunningham and Jamal Cureau, a couple living in Salt Lake City, find it difficult to save for a down payment despite working multiple jobs. Cureau works in construction, and Cunningham balances roles in nonprofit organizations. “I’m being priced out of my hometown,” says Cunningham, who grew up in Utah and dreams of raising a family in her community.
Zoning Laws and Local Opposition Hinder Development
A key driver of housing costs is restrictive zoning that allows only single-family homes in many neighborhoods. Although some cities have made changes to allow greater density, local resistance often makes reform slow and difficult. As a result, several states have passed legislation that compels local governments to adopt policies aimed at increasing affordable housing.
Utah has mandated that municipalities select specific strategies to create more affordable units and report annually on their progress. In the Salt Lake suburb of Millcreek, projects like the Howick building—which includes 150 units, many with subsidized rents—aim to meet the growing demand for family housing.
Local-State Tensions Grow Over Land Use Control
Not all cities agree with state-level intervention. Some local leaders argue that such mandates override carefully planned infrastructure and threaten residents’ quality of life. In Riverton, for example, concerns have been raised about overcrowding and limited resources due to rapid housing development.
Despite recent efforts, Utah’s housing shortage continues. Many residents are now contemplating relocating to more affordable states. As debates over land use authority intensify, the challenge of balancing growth with affordability remains unresolved.
