South Salt Lake, Utah

South Salt Lake is a city located in Salt Lake County, Utah. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 22,038.

History

South Salt Lake's history is closely intertwined with that of Salt Lake City's. It began in 1847 when Brigham Young brought settlers through Emmigration Canyon into the 1936 Central Park incorporated as its own town.

In the late 1930s the area was greatly in need of a sanitation system since at the time most of the area was using septic tanks or open cess pools which drained into local creeks. Salt Lake City agreed to annex the area to help with the problem, but gave no specific date to give them a sewer system. In 1936 several area businessmen formed the South Salt Lake Businessmen's Association to adress the problem, deciding to put the issue if incorporation to a vote. Against strong opposition, the vote passed on September 28, 1938. The sewer was built for $462,000 using mostly pick axes and shovels.

Sites

One of South Salt Lake's most notable and historic buildings is the Columbus Center (pictured). Originally a school around the turn of the 20th century, it was later used as a daycare center beginning in the 1950s. After being condemned in the late 1980s, it was renovated and expanded to include a branch of the Salt Lake County Library System as well as an auditorium, senior center and several other facilities.

Geography

South Salt Lake is located at 40°42'28" North, 111°53'21" West (40.707895, -111.889068)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.9 km² (6.9 mi²). 17.9 km² (6.9 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 22,038 people, 8,022 households, and 4,588 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,231.4/km² (3,190.8/mi²). There are 8,742 housing units at an average density of 488.5/km² (1,265.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 75.24% White, 2.91% African American, 3.00% Native American, 2.65% Asian, 1.21% Pacific Islander, 10.69% from other races, and 4.29% from two or more races. 22.38% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 8,022 households out of which 30.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.7% are married couples living together, 13.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 42.8% are non-families. 32.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.47 and the average family size is 3.17.

In the city the population is spread out with 24.0% under the age of 18, 16.5% from 18 to 24, 37.0% from 25 to 44, 14.9% from 45 to 64, and 7.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 29 years. For every 100 females there are 121.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 127.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $29,801, and the median income for a family is $35,353. Males have a median income of $26,173 versus $23,755 for females. The per capita income for the city is $15,474. 16.3% of the population and 13.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 22.5% are under the age of 18 and 8.3% are 65 or older.