Eagle Mountain is known for it rural feel and close proximity to larger cities where the residents of the bedroom community can work. But that is changing. Some would say it is for the better, while others say it is destroying why they moved to Eagle Mountain. During the 2021 election cycle, I asked the question of the candidates what they viewed the rural lifestyle to be.
All of the candidates responded to the survey, except for Mayor Westmoreland. Here are a couple of the responses from the candidates
There are plenty of legal descriptions of rural. Some are based on population, some are based on proximity, and some are based on characteristics. When Eagle Mountain people talk to me about “rural living” they are talking about a place that is rural in character. They are talking about a place where people can still ride their horses or horse power and you see a horse in line at the drive thru of McDonalds. “Rural Living” is a place where you can raise chickens, and grow fruit trees and a garden. “Rural Living” means you can step just outside your neighborhood and access a trail to hike a mountain. “Rural Living” means your kids can just go outside and play on the grass or in dirt because you have space to do so. “Rural Living” means you can see stars at night. The people of Eagle Mountain may not meet all of the legal definitions of rural, but they are talking about a lifestyle and sense of community.
Melissa Clark – Eagle Mountain City Council
My grandparents lived on a large farm several miles outside of a small town. That is rural to me. Rural means outside the city, away from the amenities that cities provide. Our city, by my definition, cannot provide that. We are a city of about 48,000 people with more coming every day. What we can provide, and what I think our residents mean, is a small town feeling, open spaces, wildlife corridors, trails, and events that bring us together. These things are a big part of who we are as a city.
Donna Burnham – Eagle Mountain City Council
“Rural by Choice” is my campaign slogan. What this means to me is that we care for and look after one another. It means that we work hard and live independently. It means we know each other and expect the best of one another. It is a life style that is based on horizontal, rural or suburban living not metropolitan vertical living. It embraces open space, wildlife, agrarian opportunities and dark skies to the degree possible. In short it represents a distinct alternate choice to living in a downtown urban or metropolitan environment. I believe we are and can continue to be an alternate choice to big city living.
Brett Wright – City Council Candidate
The Utah Open Data Catalog by using the US Government Census data has projected that by the year 2060 Eagle Mountain will be the second largest city, by population, in Utah County. The projection puts Eagle Mountain’s population below Provo City, with Saratoga Springs following Eagle Mountain as the third largest city.
Utah County projected to have 1.4 Million Residents by 2060
The census data suggests that by the year 2060 Eagle Mountain will have a population of 152,500 residents. The second largest in city by population in Utah County. Provo is estimated to have a population of 189.400 million residents in 2060. Eagle Mountain will be followed by Saratoga Springs with 134,000. This data shows that Lehi will be 4th in the list of largest cities in Utah County with a population of 133,800 followed by Orem with 123,600.
Below is a graph of the projected census data generated from to 2010 census. (Projections made in January 14, 2016)
| City | 2010 Census | 2020 Projections | 2030 Projections | 2040 Projections | 2050 Projections | 2060 Projections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Mountain | 21,415 | a | 54,095 | 76,469 | 114,400 | 152,250 |
| Cedar Fort | 368 | 961 | 2,757 | 4,503 | 6,900 | 9,000 |
| Fairfield | 119 | 599 | 955 | 2,148 | 3,900 | 5,300 |
| Saratoga Springs | 17.781 | 33,514 | 58,496 | 78,987 | 107,900 | 134,000 |
| ALL Utah County | 516,464 | 668,564 | 833,101 | 1,019,828 | 1,216,695 | 1,398,074 |
As stated, this data is based on a 2016 projection using 2010 census data. The census is held every 10 years, and the last census was done in 2020. According to the 2020 census, Eagle Mountain had a population of 43,623 residents. The 2016 projection was short for 2020 by 9,471 residents, which suggests that 2060 projection may also be under estimated.
Eagle Mountain Race Diversity Increased Over The Last Decade
The table below shows the change in the make-up of households in Eagle Mountain based on Race. The number is the number of residents that live in a household that contains the race make-up indicated. Over the decade the percentage of white residents has dropped from 92% to 84%. The biggest increase was in households with two different races, which rose from 3% to 9%.
| 2010 Census | % of Population | 2020 Census | % of Population | Change | % Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 21,415 | 100.0000% | 43,623 | 100.0000% | 22208 | 103.7030% |
| White Only Household | 19,680 | 91.8982% | 36,605 | 83.9122% | 16925 | 86.0010% |
| Black or African American Only Household | 127 | 0.5930% | 299 | 0.6854% | 172 | 135.4331% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Only Household | 105 | 0.4903% | 206 | 0.4722% | 101 | 96.1905% |
| Asian Only Household | 125 | 0.5837% | 363 | 0.8321% | 238 | 190.4000% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Only Household | 137 | 0.6397% | 430 | 0.9857% | 293 | 213.8686% |
| Other Race Only Household | 585 | 2.7317% | 1,721 | 3.9452% | 1136 | 194.1880% |
| Household With Two Races | 606 | 2.8298% | 3,708 | 8.5001% | 3102 | 511.8812% |
| Household With Three Races | 48 | 0.2241% | 268 | 0.6144% | 220 | 458.3333% |
| Household With Four Races | 2 | 0.0093% | 23 | 0.0527% | 21 | 1050.0000% |
Supporting Websites
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.