Community Diversity in Salt Lake | Cultures & Religions (2024)

Welcome to Salt Lake. And we mean that in the most welcoming way possible. In this modern, vibrant mountain hub, we pride ourselves on embracing new thinking – recognizing our differences, encouraging new perspectives and seeing the good that comes from it. In Salt Lake, things that wouldn’t normally go together blend effortlessly due to our inclusive culture. From the roots of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint faith to one of the country’s largest LGBTQ populations, we’re a community of open-hearted people. Come as you are, and we’ll show you a great time.

Ethnic Diversity in Salt Lake

Since the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, Salt Lake has been “The Crossroads of the West.” As the railroad was built, thousands of Chinese, Japanese, Greek, and Central European immigrants came to Salt Lake. (This cultural heritage is still celebrated today with annual festivals like Greek Fest and Nihon Matsuri.) With the discovery of gold and silver, miners from all over also came to the area to try their luck, diversifying the religious practices in the area. As time went on, more folks from Central and South America moved into the state.

Salt Lake has long prided itself on its acceptance of refugees.As a welcoming city for 4 years in a row theannual Welcoming Salt Lake celebration.honors the "contributions of immigrants and refugees."The International Rescue Committee, headquartered in Salt Lake, is one of eight national resettlement committees in the US committed to helping refugees thrive here. (You can support this organization by eating at Spice Kitchen Incubator during your Salt Lake vacation.)

Today, an estimated 20% of Salt Lake’s population is Hispanic. Similarly, an estimated 25% of Salt Lakers are Native American. And there are pockets of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the area.

Diversity Resources

Salt Lake Diversity Census Data

Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion

Salt Lake City Office of Diversity & Human Rights

Salt Lake Community Resources

Religious Diversity

Beyond ethnicity, Salt Lake is also religiously diverse. Although like much of the US, there is a strong Christian influence here. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is headquartered here. However, about 50% of Salt Lakers identify as members of the church. And Catholic priest and explorers were the first Europeans in the territory bringing their religious practices with them too. Salt Lake has a small Jewish community in the Sugarhouse area. Christian religions like Baptist, Unitarian, Presbyterian, Greek Orthodox, Episcopalian, and non-denominational groups have congregations here. Residents also practice Buddhism, Hinduism, Baha’i, Sikh, and Islam. There’s even a non-religious, Sunday Assembly primarily aimed at former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintswho have left that faith.

Resources

Christian Churches in Salt Lake

Pluralism Project: Directory of Religious Centers in Salt Lake

Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable

Adaptative Recreation Resources

TRAILS

Splore

The Kostopulos Dream Foundation (Camp K)

Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation Adaptive Program

Utah State Parks Accessibility

Utah National Parks Accessibility

Wasatch Adaptive Sports at Snowbird

The Salt Lake Scene