West Valley City is a city in Salt Lake County and the second largest city in Utah. As of the 2020 census, the population of West Valley City was 141,885 making it the second most populous city in Utah.
Population
According to the 2020 census, West Valley City has a population of 141,885 residents which is a significant increase from the 1990 census population of just 68,921 residents. The city saw rapid growth through the 1990s and 2000s. It is now the second most populous city in Utah after the state capital Salt Lake City.
West Valley City saw growth in racial and ethnic diversity in recent decades. As of the 2020 census, the racial makeup of the city was:
- 56.3% White
- 5.5% Black or African American
- 35.4% Hispanic or Latino
- 3.6% Asian
- 1.7% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
- 2.9% Two or More Races
The census revealed the city has a younger population compared to the rest of Utah with a median age of 30.5 years old. Over one third (34.7%) of the population is under the age of 24.
Economy and Major Employers
Originally West Valley City had an economy based on agriculture and mining. As the city grew, it shifted to a more service, trade, and manufacturing based economy. Today some of the major employers in West Valley City include:
- Fashion Place Mall
- Intermountain Health Care
- Granite School District
- Convergys
- Western Governors University
Other major industries and employers in the city include education, technology, finance, insurance, retail, construction, and government. The city has business-friendly tax policies and over 11,000 businesses located within the city.
The median household income in West Valley City is $62,403 which is slightly lower than the state average of $71,621. However, the city’s central location along major transportation routes, skilled workforce, and low business taxes continue to attract new companies and development.
Attractions and Landmarks
As a large suburb of Salt Lake City, West Valley City does not have many major tourist attractions. However, there are some local landmarks and attractions worth visiting such as:
- Family Fitness Center – Large recreation center with indoor/outdoor pools, gyms, cardio equipment, weights, trails, and more.
- West Valley City Hall – The seat of city government and a recognizable local landmark.
- Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation – Manages Olympic legacy facilities from the 2002 Winter Olympics.
- The Living Planet Aquarium – Large aquarium with exhibits on ecosystems and marine life.
The city also has over 40 public parks that offer recreational amenities for residents and visitors including playgrounds, sports fields, ponds, and walking trails.
Sports
West Valley City does not have any major professional sports teams. However, the city is home to the Maverik Center arena which hosts minor league hockey and indoor football teams. The arena has 8,500 seats and hosts concerts and family events as well.
Some of the local youth and high school sports teams in West Valley City include the Granger High School Lancers, Hunter High School Wolverines, and Cyprus High School Pirates. These teams compete in sports like football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and more.
Local Government
West Valley City has a nonpartisan Mayor-Council form of government. The city government provides services including police, economic development, planning, streets, parks, utilities, and more. To learn more visit the city’s website.
You can also follow West Valley City local news and events on the city’s Facebook page.