City Report · UT

Cottonwood Heights

Pop. 32,828·27th most expensive in Utah·Rental market data updated monthly for Cottonwood Heights, UT
Median rent (all units)
$1,721/mo
Year-over-Year
-3.8%
Month-over-Month
+1.6%
vs US Median
-$241
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Cottonwood Heights · $1,721
More affordable than 60% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
76/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 13% below what Cottonwood Heights's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,721/mo
Expected by trend
$1,981/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Cottonwood Heights's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,430
1 BR
$1,670
2 BR
$2,010
3 BR
$2,700
4 BR+
$3,070
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,010/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,721 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$20,652/yr
At $1,721/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (-3.8% YoY, +1.6% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Cottonwood Heights, UT is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 53.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
32,828
Median income
$119,422
Median age
40
Renters
27.6%
Age distribution
21.8%
20.8%
25.8%
13%
18.7%
Under 1821.8%
18–3420.8%
35–5425.8%
55–6413%
65+18.7%
Gender
49.5%
50.5%
Male49.5%
Female50.5%
Race & ethnicity
87.5%
White87.5%
Black0.7%
Hispanic5.8%
Asian3.6%
Other2.3%
Education (25+)
15.5%
27.8%
53.8%
No HS diploma2.9%
HS diploma15.5%
Some college27.8%
Bachelor's+53.8%
Housing tenure
72.4%
27.6%
Owner72.4%
Renter27.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Cottonwood Heights, UT has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,478 → $1,721
up 16.4%
Income
$99,645 → $119,422
up 19.8%
Population
33,597 → 32,828
down 2.3%
Renter share
29.2% → 27.6%
-1.6 pts
Bachelor's+
53.6% → 53.8%
+0.2 pts

Rent in Cottonwood Heights, UT has increased 16.4% since 2021, going from about $1,478 per month to roughly $1,721 today. On the earnings side, the typical household in Cottonwood Heights, UT now reports about $119,422, up from $99,645 in 2021. Income growth outran rent by about 3.4 percentage points, easing the affordability math somewhat compared with 2021. Headcount in the area went from 33,597 to 32,828 between 2021 and 2024, a 2.3% change. About 27.6% of households rent today, against 29.2% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Cottonwood Heights, UT reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Cottonwood Heights rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Cottonwood Heights on your salary?

At $1,721/mo, how Cottonwood Heights rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Cottonwood Heights rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Cottonwood Heights. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Cottonwood Heights

About renting in Cottonwood Heights, UT

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Cottonwood Heights is $1,721/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,430/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,010/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,670/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,700/mo.

At 17% of local median household income ($119,422/yr), Cottonwood Heights ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 3.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Cottonwood Heights an affordable city for renters?

Cottonwood Heights is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,721/mo, rent takes approximately 17% of the local median household income ($119,422/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Cottonwood Heights falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Cottonwood Heights?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $69,000/year (~$33/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,721/mo in Cottonwood Heights. The local median household income is $119,422/yr, meaning the typical Cottonwood Heights household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Cottonwood Heights?

Rent in Cottonwood Heights has decreased 3.8% over the past year as of August 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Cottonwood Heights rent compare to other cities in Utah?

Cottonwood Heights is middle-of-the-pack for Utah for rent, ranking #27 out of 54 tracked cities at $1,721/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Cottonwood Heights?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Cottonwood Heights ($1,721/mo): Millcreek ($1,526/mo), American Fork ($1,681/mo), Sandy ($1,684/mo).

What percentage of Cottonwood Heights residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 27.6% of Cottonwood Heights households are renters, while 72.4% are owner-occupied. Cottonwood Heights leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Cottonwood Heights rent compare to the national average?

Cottonwood Heights's median rent of $1,721/mo is $241 (12%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Utah, it ranks #27 out of 54 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
17%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,721/mo, rent takes ~17% of Cottonwood Heights's median household income ($119,422/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Cottonwood Heights 17%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.55%
Run the Cottonwood Heights affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Schools nearby

Public schools near Cottonwood Heights, UT

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