Wasatch Economic Development
Wonderful place to live - work - play
In March 2008, American Cowboy magazine named Heber City one of the Top 20 Places to Live in the West. The Heber area has also been recognized as one of America's 50 hottest little boomtowns by Money magazine and a best value in second homes by Real Estate Journal (a division of The Wall Street Journal) and Parade Magazine. The American Community Survey report released December 2008 names Wasatch County as the seventh fastest growing midsize county in the country with a population growth of 35 percent since 2000. In July 2008 the State of Utah estimated the population of Wasatch County at 22,845 and the 2005 baseline city population projections from the State estimate that the population will grow to 25,516 by 2010.
A commuting survey completed last year by The Pathfinders of Dallas Texas found that approximately 27% of our heads of households commute outside the area for employment. Of these commuters, 77% indicated that they would consider taking a job in the area if one became available. These 1,900 workers represent a pool of potential workers for local employers. The same study surveyed local companies who rated 95% of their Wasatch County workers as good to excellent in reliability, attitude, and teamwork skills. Local workers also scored 89% good to excellent in productivity and reading competency. In the second quarter of 2008 the average monthly wage in Wasatch County was $2,506. In November 2008 our unemployment was at 3.7 percent with the majority of jobs split between four major industry sectors - government, trade/transportation/utilities, leisure/hospitality, and construction.
One of the primary draws to Heber Valley is our small-town atmosphere in close proximity to the nearby cities of Salt Lake and Provo. The Salt Lake International Airport is less than 50 minutes away via 4 lane divided freeway. Another draw is the scenic beauty that surrounds the valley. Nestled in and between the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, Heber Valley has a variety of year-round recreational opportunities including boating, camping, fishing, golfing, hiking, hunting, mountain biking, skiing, and snowmobiling. Come visit and discover for yourself why we say "Wasatch County - Where Else!" You'll find there isn't another place like it on earth.
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General Information
Local Government
Wasatch in Ute means "mountain pass" or "low pass over high range." The county's highest peaks top 10,000 feet, and over half of the land is 7,500 feet above sea level. The first settlers came into Wasatch County from Utah Valley in the spring of 1859 and located a short distance north of present Heber City at the London or John McDonald Spring. That same year, a number of families began locating farther to the west along Snake Creek, establishing two small communities. The first was a mile and a half south of present Midway; the second was about three miles north of the first.
In 1866, because of Indian hostilities, settlers were encouraged to construct forts for protection. The two Snake Creek settlements reached an agreement to build a fort halfway or midway between the two existing communities--hence the name Midway. Because the valley was isolated, residents had to work together to survive. That same spirit of cooperation exists today in the Heber Valley between various government entities. One result is Wasatch Economic Development which is a joint venture between Wasatch County, Heber City, Midway, and the Jordanelle Basin. Explore the links below for more information on our partners.
