Median Income
$64,375
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$223,000
21% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
176/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.3%
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.6%
8% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.8%
85% lower than US avg
How Tropic Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population537
Median Age42.8 yrs
Density68/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans2.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,375
Per Capita$32,840
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty1.8%
County GDP$586M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$223,000
Ownership84.0%
Zillow$211,903
Housing Units288
Rent Burden29.9%
Crime
F
Violent176/100K
Property2,185/100K
Health
Obesity29.6%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking10.0%
Depression27.6%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain16.7 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation6,388 ft (1,947 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.3%
High School+97.1%
Graduate+7.8%
School Score6.27
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute23 min
Broadband94.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Tropic a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tropic receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Tropic offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tropic is $64,375, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tropic is $223,000, 21% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Tropic is below the national average at 176 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,185 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
24.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Tropic has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.7 inches, including 86.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Tropic has a population of 537 with a density of 68 people per square mile, spread across 7.9 square miles. The median age is 42.8 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.4% female and 43.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 2.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 87.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.8yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Tropic is $64,375, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,840 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $844, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 438 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.9, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,375 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,840 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $844 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,995 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.8% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 438 |
| County GDP | $586M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,894 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.30% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in Tropic is $223,000, 21% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,903. Fair market rent ranges from $1,082 for a one-bedroom to $1,313 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 288 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $2,894 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $223,000 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $211,903 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $981 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,082 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,313 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,746 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.0% |
| Housing Units | 288 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,894 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.30% |
In Tropic, 29.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 10.0% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 12.4% report binge drinking. 18.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,998. The dentist ratio is 1:4,113. 79.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tropic vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.6% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.0% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.4% |
| Depression | 27.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,998 |
| Dentists | 1:4,113 |
| Mental Health | 1:443 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,263/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Tropic has a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,185 per 100,000, 12% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Tropic receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tropic vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 176.2/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,185.4/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tropic has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 16.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 86.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 6,388 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,388 ft (1,947 m) |
| Area | 7.9 sq mi (20.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 68/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6331°N, 112.0880°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Kane County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cedar City Regional (CDC) 55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.7"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.73"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
678 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 20, 2025.
| Sep 2, 1992 |
3 km SSE of Washington, Utah |
M5.9 |
138 km |
| Apr 20, 1991 |
19 km SE of Minersville, Utah |
M4.6 |
79 km |
| Jan 3, 2011 |
10 km NW of Circleville, Utah |
M4.6 |
72 km |
| Jul 29, 2024 |
24 km S of Brian Head, Utah |
M4.5 |
70 km |
| Jan 2, 1998 |
10 km ESE of Beaver, Utah |
M4.4 |
78 km |
| Jun 24, 1992 |
30 km WSW of Emery, Utah |
M4.3 |
137 km |
| Jun 29, 1992 |
12 km WNW of Cedar City, Utah |
M4.2 |
98 km |
| Apr 12, 2012 |
16 km NNE of Bryce Canyon City, Utah |
M4.2 |
21 km |
| Jun 29, 1992 |
12 km WNW of Cedar City, Utah |
M4.2 |
98 km |
| Jul 19, 2001 |
31 km NNE of Fremont, Utah |
M4.2 |
132 km |
| Oct 22, 1999 |
20 km SE of Minersville, Utah |
M4.1 |
77 km |
| Jan 4, 2010 |
8 km S of Cedar City, Utah |
M4.1 |
85 km |
| Jul 4, 2015 |
Utah |
M4.1 |
41 km |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
28 km W of Kanosh, Utah |
M4.1 |
140 km |
| Feb 20, 2019 |
8 km SW of Kanosh, Utah |
M4.0 |
128 km |
| Sep 6, 1994 |
12 km SSW of Circleville, Utah |
M4.0 |
51 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
22 km SE of Escalante, Utah |
M4.0 |
60 km |
| Feb 23, 2001 |
12 km SW of Kanosh, Utah |
M4.0 |
127 km |
| Jan 30, 1998 |
19 km NNW of Panguitch, Utah |
M4.0 |
54 km |
| Aug 18, 2007 |
35 km WSW of Minersville, Utah |
M3.9 |
114 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
8 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 22, 2016 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1978 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2016 |
EF0 |
34 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 2000 |
EF0 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1992 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1991 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1984 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1967 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Markagunt Plateau (52 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Markagunt Plateau |
Volcanic field |
2,840 m (9,318 ft) |
1050 |
52 km |
| Black Rock Desert |
Volcanic field |
1,800 m (5,906 ft) |
1290 |
153 km |
| Uinkaret Field |
Volcanic field |
1,555 m (5,102 ft) |
1100 |
167 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SANFORD (81,854 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
SANFORD |
81,854 |
35 km |
| 2017 |
BRIANHEAD |
74,276 |
56 km |
| 2020 |
MANGUM |
71,634 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
TWITCHELL CANYON |
42,956 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
BABOON |
20,453 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
GREENVILLE |
13,043 |
79 km |
| 2020 |
PINE HOLLOW |
11,552 |
72 km |
| 1996 |
WILDCAT |
8,249 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
SHINGLE |
8,122 |
48 km |
| 2019 |
FALL RX 2019 LANGDON/BIG TABLE/COLLINS/SMITH CYN |
7,851 |
89 km |
| 1989 |
UINTA FLAT |
7,709 |
42 km |
| 2018 |
SOUTH MONROE RX |
7,442 |
84 km |
| 2023 |
THOMPSON RIDGE |
6,815 |
66 km |
| 2016 |
BRIGGS |
6,805 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
DAKOTA HILL |
6,419 |
77 km |
| 2002 |
BIG WASH |
5,864 |
73 km |
| 1996 |
POLE CREEK |
5,813 |
70 km |
| 2018 |
BLACK MOUNTAIN |
5,431 |
91 km |
| 1997 |
COGSWELL POINT |
4,705 |
75 km |
| 2013 |
BLACK MOUNTAIN |
4,603 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Tropic has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 27°F in January to 66°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 11.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.7") and June the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Tropic. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$396) |
| Specialist Visit |
$346 ($198–$544) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$198 ($99–$346) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,176 ($791–$4,945) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$129 ($74–$198) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$396) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$119) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$297 ($148–$495) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$593 ($396–$989) |
| Battery Replacement |
$198 ($99–$346) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$396 ($148–$791) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,923 ($3,956–$11,868) |
| Roof Repair |
$989 ($396–$1,978) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,901 ($5,440–$14,835) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,484 ($495–$3,462) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,835 ($4,945–$29,670) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,945 ($1,978–$9,890) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,484 ($791–$2,967) |
| Will Preparation |
$495 ($198–$989) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,473 ($989–$4,945) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$129) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.05 ($2.97–$5.44) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.46 ($2.47–$4.95) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.76 ($2.47–$5.44) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.45 ($2.97–$6.43) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.44 ($3.96–$7.42) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.78) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($40–$119) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($40–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$198 ($74–$495) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,978 ($1,187–$3,462) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$129) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.91–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,187 ($593–$2,473) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$989 ($495–$1,978) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$396 ($198–$692) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$989 ($396–$2,473) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,363 ($4,945–$29,670) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$198) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$297 ($148–$495) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$198 ($99–$396) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $990 |
| Toddler | $811 |
| Preschool | $734 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $737 |
| Toddler | $676 |
| Preschool | $646 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tropic
What is the population of Tropic?
Tropic has a population of 537 residents and is located in Utah. The population density is 68 people per square mile, spread across 7.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.4% female and 43.6% male.
Is Tropic expensive to live in?
Tropic has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.9 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $64,375, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $223,000 (21% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Tropic safe?
Tropic is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,185 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Tropic receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tropic?
Tropic has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.7 inches, with 86.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Tropic?
The job market in Tropic is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $844. There are 438 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tropic?
The median home value in Tropic is $223,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,903. The homeownership rate is 84.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,894.
How are the schools in Tropic?
Schools in Tropic score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.3% of adults in Tropic hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.1% have completed high school. 7.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tropic?
The obesity rate in Tropic is 29.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.0% of adults are smokers. 18.4% are physically inactive. 27.6% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 79.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,998.
What is transportation like in Tropic?
The average commute in Tropic is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tropic?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tropic is 100% White. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 2.4% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 87.8% have health insurance coverage.