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Housing & Resources
Housing stability is vital to a productive, healthy, and vibrant community. It is essential to childhood development, reducing intergenerational poverty, increasing economic mobility, and promoting good physical and mental health.
South Salt Lake is committed to strengthening our community by providing housing programs and resources for current and future residents.
But attainable/affordable housing is a growing regional issue and one that is increasingly important to residents and workers in South Salt Lake. We understand that people searching for a home need to consider price, commute time, schools, transit options, access to services and neighborhood amenities – and we want those homes to be available in South Salt Lake.
SSL's Current Housing Status
- Population 2020: 26,777
- Number of Households: 9,904
- Persons per household: 2.49
- Language other than English spoken at home: 34.3%
- Owner-occupied housing: 37.9 %
- Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $287,200
- Median monthly owner costs with mortgage: $1,509
- Median gross rent: $1,039
Housing Facts
- South Salt Lake has one of the oldest housing inventories in the State.
- 60% of City residents are renters (the highest among all Salt Lake County cities).
- South Salt Lake has the lowest median household income in the County ($57,125, per 2018-2022 Census.gov).
Moderate Income Housing Plan
Based on population size, South Salt Lake is a fourth-class city. State law requires fourth-class cities to develop a moderate-income housing element for their General Plan (Utah Code 19-9-403 and 17-27a-403). To comply with the Utah Code, South Salt Lake completed a draft of a moderate-income housing element in the update of its general plan in August 2021. While the city has met the State’s requirements for moderate income housing, we understand the importance of going above and beyond. We are currently updating our Housing Plan to include strategies and tools best suited to address the housing affordability problems for our city and residents.
SSL In Action
South Salt Lake is actively taking steps to address the affordable housing needs in our city. The purpose of the Housing Plan is to find the best tools for our community. Key considerations include cost and availability of tools, funding requirements and opportunities, strategies, implementation, and short-term and/or long-term results. Below are some steps we have taken, and we will continue to work on behalf of our residents and share information on housing programs and tools that benefit our community.
- Worked with the City Council to pass a resolution for municipality requirements set forth by Utah House Bill 462 (HB 462, March 2022).
- Contracted with the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to create a Housing Needs Assessment report for South Salt Lake.
- Conducted community outreach via an online survey and individual focus groups to gather resident feedback and input on the Housing Plan.
- Hired a Housing Navigator to help low- and moderate-income residents find and secure affordable housing and provide resources and education opportunities.
- Successfully secured HTRZ funding to help develop Downtown SSL with affordable housing mandates.
- Worked with the City Council to pass restrictions on short-term rentals in our city.
- Worked with the City Council to approve the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
Assistance and Rebate Programs
Rent and Deposit Assistance
Rental assistance program helps households that have experienced a temporary financial crisis beyond their control. For questions, contact Utah Community Action at (801) 359-2444.
Heat Utility Assistance
The HEAT programs help households pay their power and gas bills year-round. For questions, contact Utah Community Action at (801) 359-2444.
SSL Utility Bill Assistance
The South Salt Lake Utility Assistance Program is a voluntary program to help low-income individuals and families with their utility bills. Those experiencing a short-term need for payment assistance can contact Utah Community Action at (801) 359-2444 to apply for aid.
Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake helps families maintain safe and healthy living conditions through their Critical Home Repair Program (CHiRP).
How CHiRP Works
Habitat for Humanity's team inspects your home to assess critical repairs and mobility challenges, and then creates a customized repair plan and manages the entire construction process for the homeowner.
Cost? No upfront payment!
- Qualified applicants receive up to $20,000 in grant funding.
- The remaining balance is interest-free and only repaid when the home changes ownership.
- Funding is made possible by HUD, the State of Utah, and generous donors.
- Note: CHiRP is not an emergency repair service. Projects take several months to complete.
Visit CHiRP for details and application instructions.
Workforce Services Housing and Community Development
The Weatherization Assistance Program is operated by Utah's Workforce Services Housing and Community Development, and helps low-income individuals and families reduce energy costs and increase comfort and safety in their homes. Visit their website to questions and application instructions. Explore ways to increase your energy efficiency through the Utah Office of Energy Development.
Federal Rebates
The U.S. Department of Energy provides federal tax rebates for qualifying energy efficiency upgrades on your home.
Rocky Mountain Power - Wattsmart
Wattsmart is an incentive program by Rocky Mountain Power, providing rebates on equipment and services meant to save energy in your home. Visit the Wattsmart page for information on rebate offerings. Click here for more RMP information on home energy savings and usage insights.
Enbridge - ThermWise
ThermWise is an incentive program by Enbridge, providing rebates on equipment and services meant to save energy in your home. Visit the ThermWise page for information on rebate offerings.
South Salt Lake residents are able to access water conservation rebates through Utah Water Savers.
South Salt Lake Water customers can download the EyeOnWater app to track water usage to help reduce consumption and save money.
Plant a Tree for Free is a program by South Salt Lake that provides residents with free trees during spring and fall (funding and supply dependent).
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Steve Lyon
Senior RDA Project & Housing Manager
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Report Housing Discrimintation
- State of Utah Labor Commission – Fair Housing
- Disability Law Center – Fair Housing
- Utah Community Action – Case Management & Housing
- Utah Community Action – Weatherization
- Utah Community Action – HEAT Utility Assistance
- Utah Rental Housing Association
- Utah Deptartment of Workforce Services