Discover Salt Lake City, Utah's capital and most populous city, a vibrant mountain metropolis known for world-class skiing, the 2002 Winter Olympics legacy, and a thriving tech and tourism economy.
219,723
(2024 estimate)1.21M+
Growing region1847
Capital since 1896$13.3B
Utah visitor spending 2024Salt Lake City is the capital and most populous municipality of Utah, with a city population of 219,723 residents as of 2024 and a metropolitan area exceeding 1.21 million people. Located in the heart of the Wasatch Range surrounded by the Great Salt Lake to the northwest, Salt Lake City has evolved from a settlement founded by Mormon pioneers into a major cosmopolitan center blending religious heritage with modern innovation.
Known for hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games that attracted 2,500 Olympians from 77 nations, Salt Lake City has leveraged its Olympic legacy to become a premier destination for winter sports, skiing, outdoor recreation, and tourism. The city has also emerged as a major technology hub, part of the "Silicon Slopes" economic region. With a thriving tourism economy generating visitor spending of $13.3 billion statewide in 2024, Salt Lake City serves as both Utah's governmental center and a global destination for athletic competition, religious pilgrimage, and economic opportunity.
Founding: Salt Lake City was founded on July 24, 1847, by a group of Mormon pioneers consisting of 148 members—143 men, three women, and two children—from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by President Brigham Young. The settlers came to the Salt Lake Valley in search of a region where they could practice their religion freely, away from hostile mobs and persecution.
Original Name & Early Development: Within a few days of settlement, plans were drawn for "Great Salt Lake City," named after the salty inland lake dominating the desert to the west. The word "Great" was dropped from the name in 1868. The Mormon pioneers rapidly developed the settlement with irrigation systems, agricultural lands, and city planning that created the foundation for modern Salt Lake City.
Capital Status: Great Salt Lake City replaced Fillmore as the territorial capital in 1856 when Utah Territory was still under federal jurisdiction. When Utah entered the union as a state on January 4, 1896, following President Grover Cleveland's decree, Salt Lake City was formally established as the capital of the state of Utah, replacing Fillmore as the permanent capital.
Growth & Modern Development: From its origins as a religious settlement, Salt Lake City has grown into a major metropolitan center. The 2002 Winter Olympic Games transformed the city's infrastructure and global profile, attracting international attention and investment. Today, Salt Lake City is recognized for its economic diversity, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural significance as a center of both religious and technological innovation.
Mountain Setting: Salt Lake City is located in the northeast corner of the Salt Lake Valley, surrounded by the Great Salt Lake to the northwest, the steep Wasatch Range to the east, and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west. The city and its suburbs are positioned between the lake and the Wasatch Mountains, in a striking location offering both urban amenities and mountain recreation.
Great Salt Lake: The Great Salt Lake is the largest inland body of salt water in the Western Hemisphere and the eighth largest in the world. Located to the northwest of Salt Lake City, the Great Salt Lake is fed by the Bear, Weber, and Jordan rivers and has no outlet to the sea besides evaporation. The accumulation of minerals from tributaries without outflow has created its distinctive high salinity, making the lake unique among North American water bodies.
Jordan River & Drainage Systems: The Jordan River flows through Salt Lake City and represents a drainage of Utah Lake that empties into the Great Salt Lake. The Jordan River provides important water resources for the region and helps define the city's geography and water systems.
Water Basin Geography: Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake are part of the Great Basin, an endorheic basin with no outlet to the ocean. This is distinct from the Colorado River, which drains to the Gulf of California. The Great Salt Lake Basin was created from the prehistoric Lake Bonneville, which at its greatest extent spanned 22,400 square miles, nearly as large as present-day Lake Michigan.
Utah State Capitol: The Utah State Capitol serves as the house of government for the state of Utah, housing the chambers and offices of the Utah State Legislature, the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Auditor, and their staffs. Located on Capitol Hill overlooking downtown Salt Lake City, the Capitol is the main building of the Utah State Capitol Complex.
Architecture & Design: The capitol is a Neoclassical revival structure with Corinthian style architecture, designed by renowned architect Richard K.A. Kletting and constructed between 1912 and 1916 using granite from nearby Little Cottonwood Canyon. The dome is covered with Utah copper, creating a distinctive appearance. The building measures 404 feet long, 240 feet wide, and rises 285 feet to the top of the dome.
Historic Significance: The Utah State Capitol building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Beginning in 2004, the capitol underwent a major restoration and renovation project that restored many public spaces to their original appearance while adding two new buildings to the complex to meet modern governmental needs.
Tours & Public Access: The building is open for public tours, offering guided, self-guided, and virtual tour options for visitors interested in learning about Utah's government, history, and architectural heritage. The Capitol Hill Complex remains a prominent landmark overlooking downtown Salt Lake City and serves as a symbol of Utah's government and civic pride.
Temple Square: Temple Square represents the heart of Salt Lake City's religious and cultural heritage. Home to iconic temples and cultural centers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Temple Square attracts millions of visitors annually seeking religious pilgrimage, cultural experiences, and historical insight. The square features the Salt Lake Temple, Assembly Hall, Tabernacle, and multiple visitor centers offering exhibits, performances, and cultural programs.
2002 Winter Olympics: Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, with 2,500 Olympians representing 77 nations competing in world-class venues. The Games attracted the largest crowds ever for an Olympic Winter Games and positioned Salt Lake City as a premier winter sports destination. Notably, Salt Lake City has been selected to host the Winter Olympics again in 2034.
Utah Olympic Park (Park City): Located 20 minutes from Salt Lake in Park City, the Utah Olympic Park hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic ski jumping, bobsled, and luge events, as well as the first Olympic skeleton competition since 1948. The park features the Alf Engen Ski Museum and 2002 Winter Olympics Museum, displaying artifacts and memorabilia from the Games.
Utah Olympic Oval (Kearns): The Utah Olympic Oval, home to the "Fastest Ice on Earth," hosted the speed-skating competitions during the 2002 Winter Games. Eight world records and 10 Olympic records were set on its ice, establishing its reputation as one of the world's fastest skating venues. The oval remains in active use for competitions and training.
Deer Valley Resort: Deer Valley Resort hosted the freestyle moguls, aerials, and alpine slalom events during the 2002 Olympics. The resort continues to operate as a premier ski destination offering world-class skiing and resort amenities year-round.
Utah's ski resorts are primarily located in northern Utah near Salt Lake City, Park City, Ogden, and Provo, benefiting from reliable snow conditions enhanced by the Great Salt Lake, which contributes 5-10% to lake effect snow supporting the ski industry. The skiing industry generates approximately $1.2 billion annually with 20,000 jobs, making it a cornerstone of Utah's winter tourism economy.
Salt Lake City offers diverse museums and cultural institutions reflecting its history, religious heritage, and scientific interests. Visitors can explore natural history museums, art galleries, cultural centers, and specialized museums showcasing Utah's unique heritage and natural resources.
Salt Lake City is home to major universities and educational institutions serving the region and beyond. These universities contribute significantly to research, workforce development, and the city's economic growth.
University of Utah: The University of Utah is a public research university and the flagship university of the Utah System of Higher Education. Established in 1850 as the University of Deseret, making it Utah's oldest institution of higher education, the University of Utah offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple colleges and schools. The institution is a major contributor to Salt Lake City's intellectual capital and economic development.
Brigham Young University (BYU): While BYU's main campus is located in Provo, approximately 45 miles south of Salt Lake City, the university operates the BYU Salt Lake Center in the capital city, established in 1959. BYU is a private research university founded in 1875 and the largest private university in Utah, offering religion-centered education to students from throughout the nation.
Westminster University: Westminster University is a private, accredited comprehensive liberal arts college located in Salt Lake City, offering diverse academic programs and contributing to the city's educational landscape.
Salt Lake Community College: Salt Lake Community College serves thousands of students pursuing associate degrees, certificates, and workforce development programs, providing accessible higher education in the Salt Lake City area.
Utah System of Higher Education: The Utah System of Higher Education coordinates multiple institutions throughout the region, providing comprehensive educational opportunities for residents and contributing to Utah's workforce development and innovation sectors.
Salt Lake City's economy is diversified and service-oriented, built on a foundation of transit hubs, technology innovation, financial services, and seasonal tourism. The city's economic strength rests on multiple thriving sectors creating resilience and growth opportunities.
Silicon Slopes: Salt Lake City is part of the "Silicon Slopes," a major economic center for technology and innovation businesses centered on the cities of Salt Lake City and Provo. High-tech firms with significant presence in the region include Adobe, eBay, Unisys, Siebel, Micron, L-3 Communications, Telarus, and 3M. The city has established itself as a competitive technology hub attracting entrepreneurs, startups, and established technology companies seeking to leverage Utah's skilled workforce and innovative culture.
Finance & Banking: Salt Lake City is a major center for finance and banking, with 15 of the nation's 23 industrial banks located in Salt Lake County. This financial concentration makes the city a significant regional and national financial services hub.
Statewide Tourism Growth: Utah's tourism industry generated a record $13.3 billion in visitor spending in 2024, supporting 164,600 direct jobs across the state. Visitor spending in 2024 resulted in approximately $2.5 billion in total tax revenue for the state, demonstrating tourism's critical economic importance.
Salt Lake County Economy: Salt Lake County's annual visitor economy generates approximately $5.8 billion, meaning taxpayers in the county pay $1,700 less per household annually due to tourism tax revenue. The visitor economy in Salt Lake County supports more than 47,000 jobs in the community, providing substantial employment across hospitality, transportation, and service sectors.
Airport & Transportation Hub: Salt Lake City International Airport served over 28.3 million passengers in 2024, a 5.2% increase from the previous year and a new record. The airport serves as a major transportation hub connecting Salt Lake City to national and international destinations, facilitating both business and leisure travel.
Winter Sports Industry: The skiing industry in the Wasatch region contributes $1.2 billion annually and supports 20,000 jobs, making winter sports a cornerstone of the regional economy. Hotel bookings peak in winter and spring seasons, capitalizing on demand from international and domestic ski enthusiasts.
Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber counties, combined, accounted for nearly 57% of visitor spending generated throughout the state, demonstrating that Utah's urban core, centered on Salt Lake City, generates the majority of visitor and economic activity. This concentration makes Salt Lake City the primary economic engine for the region.
Salt Lake City was founded on July 24, 1847, by 148 Mormon pioneers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by President Brigham Young. The settlers chose the Salt Lake Valley to establish a community where they could practice their religion freely, away from persecution. The original city plan, "Great Salt Lake City," was named after the Great Salt Lake to the west. The city became Utah's territorial capital in 1856 and the state capital on January 4, 1896.
Salt Lake City had a population of 219,723 residents as of 2024. The city grew by 4,450 new residents between 2023 and 2024, representing a 2.1% growth rate. The metropolitan area population exceeds 1.21 million people. Salt Lake City has been the fastest-growing city in Utah for three consecutive years, reflecting the region's economic vitality and appeal to residents seeking employment and quality of life.
Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, attracting 2,500 Olympians from 77 nations and the largest crowds ever for an Olympic Winter Games. Venues built for the Games include Utah Olympic Park (hosting ski jumping, bobsled, and luge), Utah Olympic Oval (hosting speed skating), and Deer Valley Resort (hosting freestyle and alpine events). All ten venues remain in active use. Salt Lake City has been selected to host the Winter Olympics again in 2034, emphasizing the region's Olympic legacy and winter sports capabilities.
Top Salt Lake City attractions include Temple Square (heart of religious and cultural heritage), Utah State Capitol with guided tours, Utah Olympic Park, Utah Olympic Oval, Deer Valley Resort, world-class skiing in the Wasatch Range, and museums and cultural institutions reflecting the city's history and heritage. The 2002 Winter Olympics venues remain major tourist attractions, while outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, skiing, and lake activities offer year-round appeal.
Salt Lake City is home to the University of Utah, a public research university and flagship institution of the Utah System of Higher Education established in 1850 as Utah's oldest institution of higher education. The city also hosts the BYU Salt Lake Center (established 1959), Westminster University, and Salt Lake Community College. These institutions provide comprehensive educational opportunities and contribute significantly to the region's workforce development and research capabilities.
"Silicon Slopes" is a major economic center for technology and innovation businesses centered on Salt Lake City and Provo. High-tech firms including Adobe, eBay, Unisys, Siebel, Micron, L-3 Communications, and 3M have significant presence in the region. Salt Lake City also hosts 15 of the nation's 23 industrial banks, making it a major financial services hub. The region's technology sector and financial industry drive economic growth and create thousands of high-paying jobs for skilled workers.
Skiing is central to Salt Lake City's tourism economy. Utah's ski industry generates approximately $1.2 billion annually and supports 20,000 jobs. The Great Salt Lake contributes 5-10% to lake effect snow that supports the ski industry's reliable snow conditions. Utah's tourism industry generated $13.3 billion in visitor spending in 2024, with substantial portions driven by winter sports. Hotel bookings peak in winter and spring seasons as skiers from around the world visit world-class resorts in the Wasatch Range.
The Great Salt Lake is the largest inland body of salt water in the Western Hemisphere and the eighth largest in the world. Located northwest of Salt Lake City, the lake is unique as a terminal lake with no outlet to the sea. Fed by the Bear, Weber, and Jordan rivers, the accumulated minerals create distinctive high salinity. The Great Salt Lake contributes 5-10% to lake effect snow supporting the region's ski industry. The lake is also a remnant of prehistoric Lake Bonneville, which at its greatest extent spanned 22,400 square miles, nearly as large as present-day Lake Michigan.
Last updated on November 24, 2025