Utah Cities by Population 2026

Utah’s local governance system consists of 29 counties and over 240 incorporated municipalities, including cities and towns. Counties oversee rural and unincorporated areas, while cities and towns manage local services and governance within their boundaries.

Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital and largest city, operates under a mayor-council government structure. The mayor serves as the chief executive, overseeing city departments such as police, fire, and public utilities, while the city council functions as the legislative body. Salt Lake City manages a broad range of services independently of Salt Lake County.

Other major cities, such as Provo and Ogden, use council-manager systems, where an elected council sets policy and a professional city manager handles administration. This governance model promotes efficiency and professional management of city services, while the council provides oversight.

Counties like Utah County and Davis County manage services for unincorporated areas, focusing on law enforcement, public health, infrastructure, and land use planning. Boards of county commissioners oversee these functions, ensuring rural residents receive essential services.

Unincorporated communities often rely on county services, with residents participating in local advisory boards to communicate their needs. Special service districts may also be established to provide utilities, fire protection, or waste management.

Utah municipalities can adopt home rule charters, granting them flexibility in governance. This allows cities and towns to tailor their administrative structures and services to best meet local needs.

Councils of government and regional planning organizations facilitate cooperation among municipalities and counties, addressing challenges such as transportation planning, environmental sustainability, and economic development.