Provo

General Information

The largest city in the county and the third largest in the state, Provo has received widespread attention for economic growth, high-tech enterprises, and a great quality of life. "Preserving a Quality Lifestyle" is more than a city slogan, but a way of doing things. This is reflected in events like America's Freedom Festival, BYU Sports, the Greater Provo Open, and the Ben Hogan Tournament. During the 1990's, Money magazine rated Provo in their top twenty best places to live, and other publications like Forbes, Fortune, Business Week, and the L.A. Times have printed stories on Provo's positive business growth and lifestyle. Provo is the home of Brigham Young University, the largest church-related private university in the nation. Provo was also a venue for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and hosted the Ironman triathalon in 2002.

Provo's population grew an average of 1.9% each year from 1990 to 2000. Provo's population is young, with a median age of 22.9, and its households are small, with 3.32 the average household size.

Origin of City's Name

Originally called Fort Utah after the Ute Indians who inhabited the region, it was changed to Fort Provo for French-Canadian trapper, Etienne Proveau, who arrived in 1825. It was eventually shortened to Provo.

Date of Incorporation: April 3, 1849

Did you Know?

One of the first ordinances approved in 1851 required all men to spend one day a month constructing city roads or face a stiff fine.

Largest Employer: Brigham Youn University: 14, 870 employees

Population: 105,166

State Rank By Population: 3

Political Profile

Out of the 41,242 registered voters, 29,965 cast ballots in the 2000 November election.

Schools in Provo: