← Moving to Southern Utah: all guides
Last updated: October 30, 2026. Figures come from the official sources linked in each section; rules change, so confirm with the agency before you rely on them.
Every month, a lot of people type "moving to St. George, Utah" and "is St. George a good place to live" into Google. This guide answers those questions with numbers from official sources, for St. George, Ivins and the rest of Washington County, so you can decide with real information.
How fast is the area growing?
| Area | 2020 Census | July 1, 2025 estimate | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. George | 95,342 | 108,713 | +14.0% |
| Ivins | 8,978 | 11,546 | +28.6% |
| Washington County | 180,279 | 213,670 | +18.5% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. Washington County issued 2,857 building permits in 2025 (same source). For what that growth means locally, see Housing Growth and Development in Washington County.
What do homes cost?
The Census Bureau's 2020–2024 median value of owner-occupied homes was $496,100 in St. George, $594,000 in Ivins and $510,700 countywide. Median gross rent was $1,545, $1,771 and $1,566. These are multi-year survey medians, not today's list prices. For current homes, see Ivins homes for sale, Kayenta homes in Ivins, Snow Canyon area homes, Santa Clara and St. George. More detail is in the cost of living guide.
Who lives here?
About 1 in 3 Ivins residents (31.9%) is 65 or older, compared with 21.8% in St. George and 22.4% countywide. Ivins also has the highest share of adults with a bachelor's degree or higher, 48.1% (Census QuickFacts). Mean commute times are short: 17.2 minutes in St. George and 17.9 in Ivins.
The weather
NOAA's 1991–2020 normals for St. George show July highs averaging 101.9°F and January highs of 54.0°F, with about 9.3 inches of precipitation a year. See the month-by-month weather guide.
Taxes
Utah's individual income tax is a flat 4.45% for 2026 (Utah Code 59-10-104). A primary residence is taxed on 55% of its market value thanks to the 45% residential exemption. See Washington County property taxes explained.
Water and landscaping
This is the desert, and new homes follow water-efficiency rules on lawn and irrigation. Read Water in Southern Utah before you plan a yard or pool.
Getting out and about
Snow Canyon State Park sits right at the edge of Ivins, and Zion National Park is an easy day trip. See the Snow Canyon and Zion guide, and check the Southern Utah events calendar for something to do every day. Ivins City meetings, agendas and minutes are on the Ivins Meetings hub.
Thinking about a move? I'm happy to put together a free relocation consult and a custom home search for the neighborhoods that fit you. Reach out to Robert at Robert@OwnUtah.com or 801-737-3333.
Frequently asked questions
Is St. George, Utah a good place to live?
It depends on what you want. St. George grew 14.0% and Ivins 28.6% from 2020 to mid-2025 (Census), commutes average under 20 minutes, and outdoor recreation like Snow Canyon State Park and Zion is close. Summers are hot, with July highs averaging 101.9°F (NOAA).
Is St. George a good place to retire?
Many retirees choose the area: 21.8% of St. George residents and 31.9% of Ivins residents are 65 or older (Census QuickFacts). Mild winters, golf, trails and 55+ communities are big draws. See the 55+ and retirement communities guide on this site.
What is the median home value in Ivins, Utah?
The Census Bureau's 2020–2024 American Community Survey puts the median value of owner-occupied homes in Ivins at $594,000, versus $496,100 in St. George.
What ZIP code is Ivins, Utah?
Ivins uses ZIP code 84738.