How Bad Is Salt Lake City Traffic? | GetJerry.com (2024)

According to a recent study, Salt Lake City drivers lost approximately 57 hours to rush hour traffic in 2021 alone. That number makes Utah’s capital city the 45th worst city in the country for traffic.

Salt Lake City, Utah

is a growing city settled in the valley of the picturesque Rocky Mountains. It’s home to a metropolitan population of more than 1.24 million. Salt Lake City is

primarily known

for being the religious center of Mormonism, but it’s in danger of becoming known for its bad traffic, as well.

How bad could traffic really be in Salt Lake City? Here with the answer and a comprehensive guide to traffic in Utah’s capital city is

Jerry

, the #1 rated car insurance comparison app. In this guide, we’ll cover the ins and outs of Salt Lake City traffic, like how to avoid rush hour traffic and navigate the city like a local, even if you’re just passing through.

How bad is Salt Lake City traffic?

In an ongoing study conducted by

TomTom Traffic Index

, Salt Lake City traffic was ranked as the 45th worst in the United States. TomTom’s traffic experts estimated that the average Salt Lake City driver spent approximately 57 extra hours in rush hour traffic in 2021 alone, costing drivers an average of $882 in fuel costs.

Salt Lake City, like most US cities, is still building itself back up after the COVID-19 pandemic. But while traffic isn’t currently as bad as it was in 2019, it has increased since 2020. It will likely continue to return to pre-pandemic levels as public health restrictions are rolled back and commuters return to their normal schedules.

Year

Hours lost to congestion

2019

85 hours

2020

52 hours

2021

57 hours

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Why is Salt Lake City traffic so bad?

Traffic is a frustrating fact of life for almost every driver worldwide. That said, certain conditions can make traffic woes worse, such as high population, infrastructure instability, and poor driving practices. Let’s take a look at why Salt Lake City has particularly poor traffic conditions.

Population size

While it’s not Los Angeles or New York City, the Salt Lake City metropolitan area is home to more than 1.24 million residents. There’s also traffic to and from nearby cities like Holladay, Centerville, and West Jordan. With more than 75% of these residents driving to work every day, traffic in and out of Salt Lake City is bound to be congested, especially during rush hours.

Major chokepoints

Traffic in Salt Lake City is particularly poor as the city is at the apex of two major highways: I-80 and I-15. Additional hotspots for bad traffic in Salt Lake City include South Temple Street, the intersection of North Temple and State Street, the intersection of Route 800 South and Route 500 East, and Route 700 East.

Driving habits

While the metropolitan population of Salt Lake City exceeds 1.2 million, the area is not particularly densely populated. Covering 111 square miles of land, Salt Lake City only has an average of 1,185 people per square mile. This means that most residents will be commuting a significant distance, particularly if they are working in the city’s heart. More commuters leads to more congestion, more accidents, and potential hours-long delays.

How to navigate Salt Lake City traffic like a pro

Traffic jams are a

headache

at the best of times, but they can also prove dangerous, leading to increased rates for collisions.

The

Utah Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol

reported that 2021 saw the highest rates of fatal crashes since 2002, with 320 people dying as the result of car accidents last year in the Salt Lake City area. That said, even when accidents don’t prove fatal, they can still result in expensive repair costs, medical bills, and

increases to your insurance premium.

You can avoid contributing to these grim statistics by practicing safe and defensive driving tactics at all times while behind the wheel. Let’s take a look at a few more tips and tricks that can help you keep yourself safe and your insurance rates low:

  • Avoid rush hour traffic if possible. Salt Lake City experiences heavy traffic congestion during rush hour periods from 6 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 7 pm. Traffic can be particularly bad from 4 pm–6 pm, so it’s best to avoid the streets during this time. By skipping the traffic congestion, you may also miss out on a greater risk of collision.

  • Take the scenic route. The easiest way to avoid busy highway traffic is to stay off the highway altogether. Whenever you can, try taking less-traveled local roads to get to your destination safer and faster. A good GPS navigation system can be a big help in finding alternative routes to your destination.

  • Use a traffic radio station. Talk Radio 105.9 KNRS provides Salt Lake City drivers with real-time updates on traffic jams, collisions, and any other roadway disruptions that might affect their commute.

  • Stay focused. Even when you’re in tip-to-tail stand-still traffic, it’s important to stay focused at all times while behind the wheel. This means

    avoiding distractions

    like mobile phones, food, and loud music.

Prepare for Salt Lake City traffic by updating your car insurance

Whether you’re a Salt Lake City local or just passing through, it’s a good idea to

update your car insurance policy

to protect your vehicle before hitting these city streets and the dangers that come along with them.

Updating and switching your car insurance policy is easier than ever with Jerry. As the #1 rated car insurance super app and a licensed insurance broker, Jerry provides users with multiple competitive quotes from some of the top insurance providers nationwide, all in less than 45 seconds of signing up! Download the Jerry app today, and we can even help you cancel your old policy.

Want to know the best part? Jerry users save an average of $887 a year on their car insurance policy, effectively canceling out the extra costs incurred by sitting in Salt Lake City traffic jams.

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FAQs

How Bad Is Salt Lake City Traffic? | GetJerry.com (2024)

FAQs

How Bad Is Salt Lake City Traffic? | GetJerry.com? ›

, Salt Lake City traffic was ranked as the 45th worst in the United States. TomTom's traffic experts estimated that the average Salt Lake City driver spent approximately 57 extra hours in rush hour traffic in 2021 alone, costing drivers an average of $882 in fuel costs.

Is traffic bad in Salt Lake City? ›

How Does Salt Lake City Compare to Other Major Cities? According to the United States TomTom Traffic Ranking, Salt Lake City is the 45th most congested major city in the United States. It is the 335th most congested major city worldwide and the only Utah city on the list.

What time is traffic the worst? ›

Traffic: LA Rush Hour

Weekday morning LA rush hour is roughly from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. The evening LA rush hours are around 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and later.

Is Salt Lake City a cool place to live? ›

The Salt Lake City Lifestyle

Living in Salt Lake City is ideal for nature lovers who also want a city feel. It shouldn't come as a surprise that SLC frequently tops the lists of best cities for outdoor recreation, thanks to its beautiful mountain climate and world-class hiking, biking, and skiing trails.

What is Salt Lake City known for? ›

Salt Lake City is known for its Mormon heritage, arts and film scene, as well as beautiful nature including vast Salt Flats and powdery ski slopes. Sitting alongside the shores of the Great Salt Lake, you'll find Utah's capital, Salt Lake City. Often referred to simply as “Salt Lake,” it is the largest city in Utah.

Is it safe to drive in Salt Lake City right now? ›

Conditions for driving are good. Stay alert of any changes to the weather forecast.

Is Salt Lake City a good place to travel? ›

Salt Lake City is a year-round destination

Some destinations are only worth visiting for part of the year, but not Salt Lake City. In the spring and summer in Salt Lake City, you can go hiking or biking in the nearby mountains or visit one of the city's many parks.

What are the best days to avoid traffic? ›

Best Day of the Week to Start a Road Trip

In terms of safety, Tuesday is statistically the safest day of the week to drive and is a great day to start your road trip. According to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Tuesday has the fewest traffic fatalities.

What time should I leave to avoid traffic? ›

If you are trying to decide the best time to leave for a road trip, it is early in the morning between 5:00 am and 6:00 am. This is because there is less traffic on the roads and statistically the fewest amount of accidents during this time frame.

What day has least car traffic? ›

According to the report, Monday was also the best day for the evening commute. In fact, traffic moved the best on all 18 segments of freeways on Mondays evenings between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. On the other hand, Thursday was also the worst day for after-work traffic, followed by Friday and Wednesday.

Do non Mormons live in Salt Lake City? ›

Not everyone in Salt Lake City is Mormon.

But Salt Lake proper's population is actually less than 50% LDS. People of all religious and non-religious groups call Salt Lake home.

What percentage of SLC is Mormon? ›

Mormons account for 49% of the 1.1 million residents in Salt Lake County — the lowest percentage since at least the 1930s, the Salt Lake Tribune reports. That's according to membership figures provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that include active and nonactive members.

Is Salt Lake City liberal or conservative? ›

It is known for its politically liberal culture, which stands in contrast with the rest of the state's highly conservative leanings.

What is Salt Lake City main occupation? ›

Today the city's major industries are government, trade, transportation, utilities, and professional and business services. The city is known as the "Crossroads of the West" for its central geography in the western United States.

Is Salt Lake City safe to walk at night? ›

Be aware of your surroundings when walking around downtown Salt Lake City or cutting through parks at night, especially near nightlife. Avoid Pioneer Park and Taufer Park at night. These parks are known for drugs and homeless encampments. High-crime areas of Salt Lake City include the Ballpark and Rio Grande.

How safe is downtown Salt Lake City? ›

According to FBI data, SLC experienced 16,733 reported criminal acts in 2021. That makes the crime rate in Salt Lake City about 83.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. By comparison, Utah averages around 27 crimes per 1,000 residents annually, and the nationwide rate is 23.3 crimes per 1,000 residents.

What is the best time to drive thru Salt Lake City? ›

Investing in a reliable GPS navigation system can help you get around if you're nervous or from out of town. What is the best time to drive through Salt Lake City? If you want to avoid rush hour, it's best to drive through the city before 6am, after 7pm, or between 10am and 3pm.

What time of year is best for Salt Lake City? ›

The best times to visit Salt Lake City are winter, spring and fall, depending on which outdoorsy activities you have in mind. The winter months bring Utah's famous snow while visiting during spring and fall makes hiking through nearby canyons more comfortable than in the warm summer months.

Is Salt Lake City cheap or expensive? ›

The cost of living in Salt Lake City, UT is 9% higher than the state average and 8% higher than the national average. Salt Lake City, UT housing is 22% more expensive than the U.S average, while utilities are about 7% less pricey.

Do you need a car when visiting Salt Lake City? ›

Unless you plan on spending your entire vacation downtown, you'll want a car. In fact, a vehicle is necessary to access the nearby ski slopes in Park City and wilderness areas like the Wasatch National Forest. You'll find that driving around town is fairly easy thanks to the city's grid layout and ample parking places.

What time of the week has the least traffic? ›

The data showed that, across the board, traffic is smoothest on Monday evening. All 18 freeway segments analyzed showed vehicles moving fastest that day between 5 and 7 p.m.

Why is evening traffic worse? ›

Why is L.A. traffic so bad during rush hour at night? According to experts at Caltrans and Metro, perhaps the biggest impact is that morning commuters go straight to work or school. In the evening, people often run errands or go to dinner, staying on the road and clogging lanes.

What is the best if you miss your exit? ›

If you miss the exit ramp, never turn around or back up. Go to the next exit; get back on the freeway in the opposite direction and return to the exit you want.

Is it better to drive late at night or early in the morning? ›

Driving at night is a lot riskier than driving in the daytime. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you're three times more likely to have a fatal accident at night than during the day.

What day of the week has the most traffic? ›

I have a long commute to work but can choose which days I work. What day of the week has the heaviest traffic? Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent. Statistically speaking, the worst day of the week to travel by car is Saturday, which is great news if you don't work weekends.

Is it better to travel on weekends or weekdays? ›

Transportation is typically cheaper during the week than the weekend. Flying on off-peak days, times and seasons could save hundreds of dollars in fares, especially if you're taking a bigger family vacation.

Is traffic worse at 7 or 8? ›

Rush hours are between 7 am - 9 am and 4 pm to 6 pm from Monday to Friday. Hours lost is 97, and the congestion cost per driver is $1,436. The worst time to drive is between 7 am - 8 am at downtown traffic and traffic to the Golden State and Bay Bridge.

Is Salt Lake City safer than Denver? ›

However, researchers found that Salt Lake had not only a lower education score, but also a higher crime rate than similarly sized metro areas. The list placed Salt Lake as 11th when it comes to most dangerous places, above cities like Denver, Houston and St. Louis on the list.

Does Salt Lake City have a homeless problem? ›

Between 2020 and 2021, the number of Utahns experiencing homelessness for the first time rose 14% following a four-year decline, per a report by the state Department of Workforce Services. During the pandemic, rent in Salt Lake City increased nearly 11% annually from 2020 to 2022, according to an analysis by the Kem C.

Where is the best place for non Mormon to live in Salt Lake City? ›

The Avenues – Diverse Non-Mormon Neighborhood in SLC

It's one of the most liberal areas in Salt Lake City, and if you're looking for non-Mormon neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, The Avenues has a fairly low concentration of LDS residents.

What do Mormons call non Mormons? ›

In the terminology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), the word "gentile" can be used to refer to people who are not members of the LDS Church, since members regard themselves as regathered Israelites.

Can you go to a Mormon church if you are not Mormon? ›

While temples worldwide are open only to members of the Church who are fully engaged in their faith, anyone can enter a chapel to visit or worship with their Latter-day Saint neighbors.

Why do Mormons move to Salt Lake City? ›

The Mormons, as they were commonly known, had moved west to escape religious discrimination. After the murder of founder and prophet Joseph Smith, they knew they had to leave their old settlement in Illinois. Many Mormons died in the cold, harsh winter months as they made their way over the Rocky Mountains to Utah.

Will Salt Lake become unlivable? ›

A recent scientific report from Brigham Young University warned that if no action is taken, the Great Salt Lake could go completely dry in five years. Over two decades of the western megadrought, water diversions from rivers that feed the lake have increased in order to support farms and thirsty, growing cities.

What is a good salary to live in Salt Lake City? ›

Average Salary in Salt Lake City, UT
Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top Earners$88,776$7,398
75th Percentile$79,163$6,596
Average$61,611$5,134
25th Percentile$44,059$3,671

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Salt Lake City? ›

Typical Expenses
1 ADULT2 ADULTS (1 WORKING)
0 Children1 Child
Required annual income after taxes$32,013$64,460
Annual taxes$5,552$11,109
Required annual income before taxes$37,565$75,570
7 more rows

Which state has the most Mormons? ›

The center of Mormon cultural influence is in Utah, and North America has more Mormons than any other continent, although about half of Mormons live outside the United States. As of December 31, 2021, the LDS Church reported a membership of 16,805,400.

What percent of Hawaii is Mormon? ›

Survey shows 4 to 5 percent of Hawaii residents identify as Mormon.

Where is the best place to retire in Utah for non Mormons? ›

Salt Lake City

It may be surprising, but the best place to live in Utah for non-Mormon retirees is the one best known for its Mormon roots. Salt Lake City has a Mormon population of less than half, but you'll also get breathtaking views and all the perks of big-city living.

Is Salt Lake City very religious? ›

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.

What is the racial of Salt Lake City Utah? ›

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Salt Lake City, UT are White (Non-Hispanic) (65.4%), Other (Hispanic) (12.7%), White (Hispanic) (7.65%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (5.26%), and Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (2.66%).

What is the racial profile of Salt Lake City? ›

Race & Ethnicity

The largest Salt Lake City racial/ethnic groups are White (65.5%) followed by Hispanic (19.9%) and Asian (5.3%).

Why retire in Salt Lake City? ›

Housing in Salt Lake City is more affordable and plentiful than in many other Southwest cities. Salt Lake offers a variety of choices, including luxury retirement communities. What's more, a relatively low property tax rate makes your easy-living home easier to afford..

What are people from Salt Lake City called? ›

A person who lives in or comes from Salt Lake City, Utah is known as a Salt Laker.

Why do people want to move to Salt Lake City? ›

Living in Salt Lake City is ideal for nature lovers who also want a city feel. It shouldn't come as a surprise that SLC frequently tops the lists of best cities for outdoor recreation, thanks to its beautiful mountain climate and world-class hiking, biking, and skiing trails.

Is Salt Lake City a bad area? ›

It greatly depends on where you live in the city. The overall Salt Lake City crime rate is above average, but there are many safe neighborhoods in SLC and the most serious crimes tend to be located in a few areas of the city. Crime statistics are separated into two major categories, violent crimes, and property crimes.

Why is the air quality so bad in Salt Lake City? ›

Why does Salt Lake City create so much air pollution? Fossil fuel is responsible for creating much Salt Lake City air pollution. One study estimated that roughly 85 percent of harmful emissions are the result of fossil fuel combustion, largely owing to home and building heating and traffic.

What to avoid in Salt Lake City? ›

Most Dangerous Neighborhoods
  • Westpointe (15.2 violent crimes per 1,000 residents)
  • Poplar Grove (13.9 per 1,000)
  • Glendale (13.1 per 1,000)
  • People's Freeway (11.5 per 1,000)
  • Arcadia Heights (9.9 per 1,000)
  • Rose Park (9.7 per 1,000)
  • Downtown (8.1 per 1,000)
  • Fairpark (8.0 per 1,000)
Dec 30, 2022

Where not to stay in Salt Lake City? ›

Unsafe Areas of Salt Lake City

Downtown's Pioneer Park has also improved a lot, but should probably be avoided at night (along with the area known as Rio Grande between the park and Salt Lake Central). Take care also if visiting the Ballpark neighborhood and avoid Liberty Park at night.

How Mormon is Salt Lake City? ›

1. Not everyone in Salt Lake City is Mormon. Every Salt Laker who has traveled beyond Utah has been asked “Are you a Mormon?” It's a fair question, given that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS Church) has its headquarters here. But Salt Lake proper's population is actually less than 50% LDS.

Is it cheaper to live in Denver or Salt Lake City? ›

The cost of living in Denver, CO is 11.3% higher than in Salt Lake City, UT. You would have to earn a salary of $66,805 to maintain your current standard of living. Employers in Denver, CO typically pay 5.9% more than employeers in Salt Lake City, UT.

What city ranking is Salt Lake City? ›

While any mention on the list is an accomplishment, Salt Lake City has fallen when compared to 2021 and 2022, where it landed at spot No. 23 in both prior years. The rankings were based on five categories; desirability, value, job market, quality of life and net migration.

Is Salt Lake City safe after dark? ›

Due to high levels of criminal activity, it is not safe to walk alone at night in Salt Lake City. The city is widely considered to be one of the most dangerous cities in America.

Can you drink the water in Salt Lake City? ›

Your tap water is safe to drink. Salt Lake City drinking water complies with or exceeds all EPA requirements. More than 60 percent of our water starts in mountain streams from our nearby Wasatch canyons. In summer months, we supplement water flow with deep wells from throughout the Salt Lake Valley.

Is Salt Lake City swimmable? ›

YES! The salt level in the Great Salt Lake is high enough to make a body float. However, to get out to where the water is deep enough to see if you can float will take time. The water is only ankle deep for 1/4-1/2 mile.

Could Salt Lake City become unlivable? ›

Climate change and a population boom could dry up the Great Salt Lake in 5 years Utah leaders are under pressure to end water diversions and enforce tougher restrictions in order save the drying Great Salt Lake. A recent report predicted it will completely dry in five years.

Is it harder to breathe in Salt Lake City? ›

The reason Salt Lake City has such a high altitude is because it's located in the Wasatch Mountains at the western edge of the Rock Mountains. That's one reason you could feel bad when you visit: the air is thinner and the oxygen is lower at that elevation.

Which US city has the worst air quality? ›

Los Angeles air pollution. Los Angeles has the most contaminated air in the country. With a population of roughly over 10 million, the Los Angeles area is a large basin with the Pacific Ocean to the west and bounded prominently on the north and east by the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains.

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