Wasatch County, Utah

County Distress Index: Healthy · 26.0 | 37,144 people · 25th most distressed in Utah
American Default Research

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Wasatch County, UT ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 26.0 — 2933rd nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Housing Cost Burden, where housing costs consume a moderate share of household income. Within Utah, it ranks 25th of 29 counties. Among its 4 neighboring counties, 3 show more distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Wasatch County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 55.2 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 55.2
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 78
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 37
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 85
Homeownership Rate 24
Economic Vitality 52.0
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 94
Rent-to-Income Ratio 14
Business Formation Rate 1
House Price Change (YoY) 55
Legal Distress 33.0
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 33
Consumer Credit Distress 12.7
Debt in Collections 6
Medical Debt 34
Auto Loan Delinquency 8
Credit Card Delinquency 5
Uninsured Rate 45
Subprime Credit Population 4
Structural Poverty 3.5
Unemployment Rate 19
Poverty Rate 1
Income vs. State Median 1
Child Poverty Rate 1
Disability Rate 1
Transfer Income Dependency 1

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Wasatch County
Wasatch County, UT 26.0 Healthy —
Salt Lake County, UT 48.2 Normal +22.2
Duchesne County, UT 40.9 Normal +14.9
Utah County, UT 36.5 Normal +10.5
Summit County, UT 20.6 Healthy -5.4

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Wasatch County
Sibley County, MN 26.0 Healthy -0.0
Jones County, IA 26.1 Healthy +0.1
Wabasha County, MN 26.1 Healthy +0.1
Jefferson County, ID 26.1 Healthy +0.1
Houston County, MN 25.9 Healthy -0.1

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Wasatch County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Wasatch County

Find an Attorney

Utah State Bar Lawyer Referral Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

Utah State Bar Lawyer Referral Service 801-531-9077

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Wasatch County residents at no cost.

Utah Legal Services 1-800-662-4245
Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake 801-328-8849

American Default Research does not endorse, rate, or rank any provider. Verify attorney credentials with your state bar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Wasatch County, Utah?

    Wasatch County has a County Distress Index score of 26.0 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,933rd nationally out of 3,144 counties and 25th in Utah out of 29 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Wasatch County?

    The primary driver of distress in Wasatch County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 55.2 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Wasatch County compare to neighboring counties?

    Wasatch County (26.0) can be compared to its 4 neighboring counties: Salt Lake County, UT (48.2); Duchesne County, UT (40.9); Utah County, UT (36.5).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Healthy zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Wasatch County's score of 26.0 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Wasatch County's CDI score?

    Wasatch County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Wasatch County?

    Wasatch County, Utah has a population of approximately 37,144 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a small county.