General Information About Provo, Utah
The largest city in the county and the third largest in
the state, Provo has received widespread attention for
economic growth, high-tech enterprises, and a great
quality of life. "Preserving a Quality Lifestyle" is more
than
a city slogan, but a way of doing things. This is reflected
in events like America's Freedom Festival, BYU Sports, the
Greater Provo Open, and the Ben Hogan Tournament. During the
1990's, Money magazine rated Provo in their top twenty best
places to live, and other publications like Forbes, Fortune,
Business Week, and the L.A. Times have printed stories on
Provo's positive business growth and lifestyle. Provo is the
home of Brigham Young University, the largest church-related
private university in the nation. Provo was also a venue for
the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and
hosted the Ironman triathalon in 2002.
Provo's population grew an average of 1.9% each year
from 1990 to 2000. Provo's population is young, with a
median age of 22.9, and its households are small, with
3.32 the average household size.
Zip Codes 84601, 84604, 84606
Provo is located about 43 miles (69 km) south of
Salt lake City along the Wasatch Front. Provo
is the county seat of Utah County and lies between
the cities of
Orem to the north and
Springville to the south. With a population of
112,488, Provo is also the principal city in the
Provo-Orem area. Utah County has an estimated
population of 526,810 residents.
The city is home to Brigham Young University, one
of the largest private higher education institutions
in the United States, which is operated by The
Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints.
Provo is also home to the largest Missionary
Training Center for the LDS church. The city is a
key operational center for Novell and has been a
focus area for technology development in Utah. The
city is also home to the Peaks Ice Arena, which
served as a venue for the Salt Lake City Winter
Olympics in 2002.
In 2009, Provo was listed in "Where to Retire"
magazine as an "enticing city for new careers."
Provo was also listed in National Geographic
Adventure Magazine's "where to live and play" as a
cultural hub. In 2010 Forbes rated Provo one
of the top 10 places to raise a family.
Search Provo Real Estate for Sale
Did You Know?
One of the first ordinances 1851 required all
men to spend one day a month constructing city roads or face
a stiff fine.
Provo, Utah Community Events
Annual Event - June 14 to July 4 - Flag Day to Independence
Day
Place: Provo, Orem, Utah County - Time: Various times
Sponsored by: America's Freedom Festival, Inc, One of
America's largest Independence Celebrations. More than 30
events over a 21 day period highlight the founding of the
United States of America. 25 events are free to the public,
5 events are participant entry-fee based, and two events are
ticketed admission. More than 400,000 people participate in
one or more of the events. The purpose of the festival is to
educate, entertain and involve the community in honoring our
nation. The Stadium of Fire spectacular is the anchor event
of the festival with more than 50,000 people filling BYU's
Cougar Stadium. Information on the festival can be obtained
by calling the festival office (801) 370-80523. This is an
annual event always starting on Flag Day (June 14) and
ending on Independence Day (July 4)
History of Provo, Utah
Father Silvestre Velez de Escalante, a Spanish
Franciscan missionary-explorer, is considered the
first European explorer to have visited the area, in
1776. Escalante chronicled this first European
exploration across the Great Basin desert. Provo was
originally called Fort Utah when it was settled in
1849 by 33 Mormon families from Salt Lake City, but
was renamed Provo in 1850 for Etienne Provost, an
early French- Canadian trapper who arrived in the
region in 1825. The Battle of Fort Utah was fought
at Provo in 1850.
Provo Compared to the State Average
Median age significantly below state average.
Foreign-born population percentage significantly
above state average.
* Renting percentage above state average.
Length of stay since moving in significantly below
state average.
* House age below state average. Number of
college students significantly above state average.
* Percentage of population with a bachelor's degree
or higher above state average.