Orem

General Information

The second largest city in Utah County and the fifth largest in the state, Orem is small enough to offer a personal atmosphere and at the same time provide major shopping, cultural, and recreational activities. Orem is the home of many high tech companies, including Caldera, Digital Technologies Inc., Xactware, and PowerQuest. It is also the home of Utah Valley State College, one of the fastest growing state colleges in the nation. With 50% of its population under 25 years of age, Orem will be a strong workforce provider in the years to come.

Orem deserves its moniker as Family City, USA. Nearly 85% of its family households are headed by married couples, and the average family size is 3.93.

Orign of City's Name

Named after Walter C. Orem, a prominent community member. Orem was president of the Salt Lake and Utah Electric Interurban Railroad that ran through the area.

Date of Incorporation: 1919

Brothers L.L. and Paul N. Nunn built the Olmsted Hydro Plant at the mouth of Provo Canyon. Completed in 1903, it housed what was at the time one of the most advanced electrical training schools in the United States. Students conducted research on conductivity, insulating materials, better instruments, and learned general electric principles. The Bureau of Reclamation now owns the Olmsted Plant, although Utah Power has a contract to use the facilities to produce hydroelectric power. Buildings are still used occasionally for training programs.

Largest Employer: Utah Valley State College: 3,165 employees

Population: 84,324

State Rank By Population: 5

Political Profile

Out of the 38,449 registered voters, 29,983 cast ballots in November 2000

Schools in Orem: