Destination Utah

This section will answer many of your questions regarding the life science industry in Utah, the state's economy, tax structure and cost of living, education, transportation, climate, recreational opportunities, history and more.

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Industry Overview | Economy/Cost of Living | Education
Recreation & Entertainment | Transportation | Geography & Climate
History | Suggested Reading List

Industry Snapshot

Utah possesses a burgeoning biotechnology and life sciences industry, and boasts particular strength in medical devices. The first human artificial heart was developed here. Utah attracts over $400 million per year in research grants, and there are nearly 15,000 life sciences employees.

Economy/Cost of Living

Building on a strong overall economy, led by services and driven by manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and advanced technology, Utah offers affordable home prices, reasonable family wages and a stable environment in which companies develop and grow.

Education

Following an outstanding high school graduation rate, the state's seven universities and four-year colleges and community colleges -- including the University of Utah and Utah State University -- are leaders in cutting-edge medical, biotechnology and agricultural research. Active technology transfer programs are generating new jobs and income for state residents.

Recreation & Entertainment

Outdoor recreation, from downhill skiing to river rafting as well as fishing, hiking and camping, reigns supreme throughout Utah. Indoor sports are led by the Utah Jazz, one of the premier professional basketball teams. Performing arts keep pace with the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the trend-setting Sundance Film Festival and the highly acclaimed Utah Symphony.

Transportation

Utah is one of the best connected of all states in the Mountain West with Salt Lake International Airport -- a regional hub for Delta Airlines, four Interstate highways that cross the state -- three of them serving the Salt Lake City region, and several rail freight lines and Amtrak passenger service. These links quickly connect the state with domestic and international destinations.

Geography & Climate

A land of dramatic, scenic contrasts, Utah is dominated by mountains with world-class ski slopes in the northeast of the state and red-rock canyons in its southwest desert region. West of Salt Lake City is the Great Salt Lake, the second-saltiest body of water in the world. Summers are hot and winters are cold, but despite the arid climate the mountains receive up to 400 inches (1016 cm) of snow annually.

History

Mormon pioneers led the settlement of Utah, where they introduced crop irrigation and transformed a desert into productive farm land. In the 1860s, the first transcontinental telegraph line and first transcontinental railroad were completed in the territory. In the 20th century, mining and manufacturing become dominant industries, giving the state a significant place in the economy of the Mountain West.

Suggested Reading

A list of select guides and reference books about the Utah area.