#44: Utah
Minimum wage: $7.25
In Utah, wealth is often tied to technology, finance, healthcare, real estate, and business ownership, particularly along the Wasatch Front. Affluent residents enjoy newer housing, strong schools, and family-centered communities. A growing tech sector and steady population growth support high incomes and long-term investment.

On the lower-income side, many Utahns work in retail, food service, hospitality, and caregiving. Rapid growth has pushed housing costs higher, especially near job centers. Even with full-time work, minimum-wage households can struggle with rent, childcare, and transportation expenses.
