South Jordan, Utah

South Jordan, Utah
Name	South Jordan
Settlement type	City
Pushpin label	South Jordan
Coordinates	40, 33, 42, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name1	Utah
Subdivision name2	Salt Lake County
Established title	Settled
Established date	1859
Established title2	Incorporated
Established date2	1935
Government type	Mayor–Council
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Dawn R. Ramsey
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total km2	57.60
Area total sq mi	22.24
Area land km2	57.60
Area land sq mi	22.24
Area water km2	0.00
Area water sq mi	0.00
Elevation m	1353
Elevation ft	4440
Population total	77000
Population as of	2023 estimate
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	Mountain
Utc offset	-7
Timezone DST	MDT
Utc offset DST	-6
Postal code type	ZIP Codes
Postal code	84095, 84009
Area code	385, 801
Website	www.sjc.utah.gov

South Jordan, Utah. South Jordan is a prominent city in the rapidly growing southwestern corner of the Salt Lake Valley. As a key suburb of Salt Lake City, it is part of the bustling Salt Lake City metropolitan area and is distinguished by its blend of residential communities, corporate centers, and significant cultural landmarks for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The city is bisected by the Jordan River and is home to major developments like the master-planned community of Daybreak.

History

The area's history is deeply tied to early territorial settlement by Brigham Young and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Initial farming efforts along the Jordan River began in the 1850s, with the community formally established in 1859 by Archibald Gardner and others from the nearby Gardner Mill. For decades, South Jordan remained a small, agrarian town, with its economy centered on the Gardner Mill and agriculture. The arrival of the Utah and Salt Lake Canal in the 1880s facilitated further growth. The city was officially incorporated in 1935, but its most transformative growth began in the late 20th century, accelerating with the development of the Bingham Creek mine reclamation and the launch of the Daybreak community in the early 2000s by Kennecott Land.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city encompasses a total area of 22.2 square miles, all of it land. Its geography is defined by the Jordan River flowing northward through the city's center and the Oquirrh Mountains forming its western border. The eastern portion lies on the broader floor of the Salt Lake Valley. Significant geographic features include the Bingham Creek corridor and the shores of the Jordan River. The city contains several parks and reservoirs, including Oquirrh Lake within the Daybreak community. Its terrain is generally flat near the river but slopes upward toward the foothills of the Oquirrh Mountains.

Demographics

As a fast-growing suburb, South Jordan's population has surged in recent decades. U.S. Census data shows a population increase from just over 30,000 in 2000 to an estimated 77,000 by 2023. The demographic profile is predominantly white, with growing diversity including significant Hispanic and Asian American communities. The city has a relatively young population, with a high percentage of families, and a median household income well above the state average. A large proportion of residents identify with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, influencing community life. Major population centers include the traditional older neighborhoods and the expansive Daybreak development.

Economy

South Jordan has evolved from an agricultural base to a hub for corporate offices, healthcare, and technology. It is home to the Jordan River Temple and the headquarters of several notable companies, including the financial technology firm MX Technologies and the clinical research organization Icon plc. The Bingham Creek area has been redeveloped into the Daybreak community, which includes mixed-use commercial centers like Daybreak Market Center. Major healthcare providers such as Intermountain Healthcare operate facilities in the city, including the Intermountain Riverton Hospital. Retail is anchored by the South Jordan Towne Center and numerous shopping districts along the Bangerter Highway.

Government and infrastructure

South Jordan operates under a mayor-council system. The current mayor is Dawn R. Ramsey, and the city council consists of five elected members. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including its own Police Department and fire protection through the Unified Fire Authority. Key infrastructure includes the Bangerter Highway and Mountain View Corridor, which are major state routes managed by the Utah Department of Transportation. The city is served by the Jordan School District and is part of the Central Utah Water Conservancy District for its water supply. Public transit is provided by the Utah Transit Authority, with bus routes and the FrontRunner commuter rail station at South Jordan station.

Culture and recreation

The city hosts numerous cultural and recreational venues centered on family and community. A major landmark is the Jordan River Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The South Jordan Community Center and the adjacent Aquatics and Fitness Center are key public facilities. The city maintains an extensive trail system along the Jordan River Parkway and at Mountain View Park. Cultural events include the annual SoJo Summer Festival and performances at the Hale Centre Theatre in nearby Sandy, Utah. The Daybreak community features Oquirrh Lake for paddling and a vibrant town center. Sports are supported by complexes like the South Jordan Sports Park and the Salt Lake County-operated Gene Fullmer Recreation Center.

Category:Cities in Utah Category:Salt Lake County, Utah