Ogden is one of Utah’s worst places? Whose survey is this?
Ogden has been ranked as the second worst place to live in Utah, according to a recent study by RoadSnacks.
The website analyzed 91 of the Beehive State’s most populous cities based on population density, highest unemployment rate, adjusted median income, high housing vacancy rate, education and high crime, using data from the FBI, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Sperling’s Best Places.
According to RoadSnacks’ analysis, Ogden is the fifth most dangerous place in Utah overall, with a 1-in-20 chance of being the victim of a property crime and a 1-in-212 chance of being the victim of a violent crime such as getting raped, attacked or murdered. Ogden’s unemployment rate is the fourth highest in the state at 4 percent and homes in Ogden are the lowest priced in Utah at an average of $122,000, the report said.
Dave Hardman, president and CEO of the Ogden Weber Chamber of Commerce, said the low cost of living in Ogden is actually a good thing when the “fairly excellent” income per household is taken into consideration.
U.S. Census data shows the median household income in Ogden is $41,031, compared to the statewide median, $58,821.
Also, Ogden’s diversity makes it a great place to live, Hardman said.
“We have great diversity in our community — greatest in the state of Utah,” he said. “When it comes to ethnics, religions and lifestyles, there isn’t anyone in the state that is more diverse. I think that’s a very positive thing.”
Ogden has been considered one of the most giving communities in the United States, Hardman said.
“It’s hard to quantify the way the community works together for the benefit of the community,” he said.
Hardman noted the rededication of the Ogden LDS Temple in August through September 2014 as an event that brought the diverse community of Ogden together.
“Everyone from every religion pitched in to make it the best it could be,” he said.
Ogden’s not the only city in Weber County knocked in the RoadSnacks report — Riverdale is ranked 10th. You’ll also see a Davis County city, Clearfield, on the list.
The worst place to live in Utah is Nephi, which barely edged out Ogden, according to RoadSnacks.
Do you agree with the ranking? According to Visit Ogden, the city is anything but the typical mountain town, with something for everyone — art and outdoor lovers alike.
Contact digital producer Sonja Carlson at 801-625-4229 or scarlson@standard.net. Follow her on Twitter @sonjacSE and like her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SonjaCarlsonSE.
