You don’t have to live in Utah very long to see that many of the stereotypes about our state are incorrect. We’re perfectly happy to keep the Beehive State all to ourselves, but we really would like to set the record straight about a few things.
- We’re not all Mormons.
Manish Prabhune/flickr Let’s get this one out of the way right off the bat. Yes, Utah is the headquarters of the LDS church. And yes, the state does have a large population of Mormons. Overall, about 62 percent of Utahns identify themselves as Mormon. In Salt Lake County, only about 51 percent are Mormon. That leaves almost 1.5 million Utahns who aren’t.
- Salt Lake City is cool, but it’s not the only awesome town here.
Kent Kanouse/flickr We have so many wonderful places in Utah! From alpine towns like Park City to red rock spots like Moab, Utah has a diverse selection of towns and cities that few states can match.
- We don’t all ski or snowboard.
Ron Henry/flickr I know…you’d think that living in a state with the best snow on earth would convince us to get out there. Truth is, not everyone loves hurtling down a mountain in frigid, cold temperatures.
- But those of us who do ski, don’t generally look like skiers in a Warren Miller film.
DennyMont/flickr Though, we’re certainly glad that the ski patrol is that skilled!
- Polygamy isn’t a thing here.
Keoni Cabral/flickr There are a few polygamists in Utah, it’s true. But they’re pretty rare, and they’re breaking the law. Utahns don’t love polygamy - in fact, most Utah men can’t imagine dealing with more than one wife!
- We don’t adore green Jello.
FraserElliot/flickr Seriously, how did this get started? Maybe back in the 1950s we were number one in the country for Jello salads or something. I’ve lived in Utah my entire life and I have never once prepared, purchased or eaten green Jello. I have a feeling that many Utahns are right there with me.
- Sure, Utah has some beautiful red rock country…
Scott Ingram/flickr Our national parks are visited by millions of people from all over the world!
- …but Utah is not just desert and red rock.
Charlie Bird/flickr We have some stunning alpine mountains, too.
- We don’t all flock to the Great Salt Lake every summer.
anyjazz65/flickr It’s impressive that the salt content at the Great Salt Lake is high enough that you’ll float like a cork. But honestly, Utahns would rather head to one of our freshwater lakes or reservoirs…or the nearest water park!
- Utahns are not all teetotalers.
High West Distillery/Facebook Plenty of Utahns imbibe, and we have plenty of local spirits and beers to choose from.
- In fact, we even have a sense of humor about our liquor.
Five Wives Vodka/Facebook How about a shot of Five Wives vodka? Or maybe a Polygamy Porter?
- Not every Utahn is politically conservative.
Jay Jacobsen/flickr Ok, the Beehive State did vote for Trump. And overall, we’re a pretty conservative state. But don’t be so quick to put us into a political box. For instance, Salt Lake City’s LGBT population was ranked as the 7th highest out of 50 metropolitan cities across the country. And, the annual Pride Parade draws tens of thousands of people - many of whom are not LGBT, but simply support their fellow Utahns.
- Not all Utah families have six kids.
Jeff Turner/flickr While it’s true that Utahns do have more kids than any other state in the country, not all families have lots of kids. Some Utah families only have one or two kids. Some even choose not to have children at all!
What’s your least favorite stereotype about Utah?
Manish Prabhune/flickr
Let’s get this one out of the way right off the bat. Yes, Utah is the headquarters of the LDS church. And yes, the state does have a large population of Mormons. Overall, about 62 percent of Utahns identify themselves as Mormon. In Salt Lake County, only about 51 percent are Mormon. That leaves almost 1.5 million Utahns who aren’t.
Kent Kanouse/flickr
We have so many wonderful places in Utah! From alpine towns like Park City to red rock spots like Moab, Utah has a diverse selection of towns and cities that few states can match.
Ron Henry/flickr
I know…you’d think that living in a state with the best snow on earth would convince us to get out there. Truth is, not everyone loves hurtling down a mountain in frigid, cold temperatures.
DennyMont/flickr
Though, we’re certainly glad that the ski patrol is that skilled!
Keoni Cabral/flickr
There are a few polygamists in Utah, it’s true. But they’re pretty rare, and they’re breaking the law. Utahns don’t love polygamy - in fact, most Utah men can’t imagine dealing with more than one wife!
FraserElliot/flickr
Seriously, how did this get started? Maybe back in the 1950s we were number one in the country for Jello salads or something. I’ve lived in Utah my entire life and I have never once prepared, purchased or eaten green Jello. I have a feeling that many Utahns are right there with me.
Scott Ingram/flickr
Our national parks are visited by millions of people from all over the world!
Charlie Bird/flickr
We have some stunning alpine mountains, too.
anyjazz65/flickr
It’s impressive that the salt content at the Great Salt Lake is high enough that you’ll float like a cork. But honestly, Utahns would rather head to one of our freshwater lakes or reservoirs…or the nearest water park!
High West Distillery/Facebook
Plenty of Utahns imbibe, and we have plenty of local spirits and beers to choose from.
Five Wives Vodka/Facebook
How about a shot of Five Wives vodka? Or maybe a Polygamy Porter?
Jay Jacobsen/flickr
Ok, the Beehive State did vote for Trump. And overall, we’re a pretty conservative state. But don’t be so quick to put us into a political box. For instance, Salt Lake City’s LGBT population was ranked as the 7th highest out of 50 metropolitan cities across the country. And, the annual Pride Parade draws tens of thousands of people - many of whom are not LGBT, but simply support their fellow Utahns.
Jeff Turner/flickr
While it’s true that Utahns do have more kids than any other state in the country, not all families have lots of kids. Some Utah families only have one or two kids. Some even choose not to have children at all!
While the stereotypes above aren’t true, we Utahns certainly do some pretty weird things. Here are 13 of the strangest.
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