View source for Orem, Utah

{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name      = Orem, Utah
| settlement_type    = [[List of municipalities in Utah|City]]
| image_skyline      = Orem Utah City Center.jpeg
| image_caption      = Orem City Center
| image_flag         = Flag of Orem, Utah, a very graphic design.png
| image_seal         = 
| nickname           = Family City USA
| image_map          = Utah County Utah incorporated and unincorporated areas Orem highlighted.svg
| mapsize            = 260px
| map_caption        = Location in [[Utah County, UT|Utah County]] and the state of [[Utah]]
| pushpin_map        = USA
| pushpin_relief     = yes
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in the United States
| pushpin_label      = Orem
<!-- Location -->
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = United States
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Utah]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Utah|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Utah County, Utah|Utah]]
<!-- Government -->
| established_title  = Settled
| established_date   = 1877
| established_title1 = [[Town charter]] granted
| established_date1  = May 5, 1919
| named_for          = Walter C. Orem
| government_type    = 
| government_footnotes = 
| leader_title       = Mayor
| leader_name        = David Young<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Spencer |first=Megan |date=2021-11-03 |title=Provo and Orem 2021 Election Day Roundup |url=https://universe.byu.edu/2021/11/03/provo-and-orem-2021-election-day-roundup/ |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=The Daily Universe |language=en-US}}</ref>

<!-- Area -->
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_total_km2     = 48.10
| area_total_sq_mi   = 18.57
| area_land_km2      = 48.10
| area_land_sq_mi    = 18.57
| area_water_km2     = 0.00
| area_water_sq_mi   = 0.00
<!-- Population -->
| population_total   = 98129<ref name="QuickFacts">{{cite web |title=QuickFacts: Orem city, Utah |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/oremcityutah/POP010220 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=21 November 2021}}</ref>
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_density_km2 = 2033.67
| population_density_sq_mi = 5267.22
<!-- General information -->
| timezone           = [[Mountain Time Zone|Mountain (MST)]]
| utc_offset         = -7
| timezone_DST       = MDT
| utc_offset_DST     = -6
| postal_code        = 
| area_code_type     = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area codes]]
| area_code          = [[Area codes 385 and 801|385, 801]]
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft       = 4767
| coordinates        = {{coord|40|17|26|N|111|43|47|W|region:US-UT|display=inline,title}}
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 49-57300<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 2411333<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2411333}}</ref>
| website            = {{URL|https://orem.gov/}}
}}

'''Orem''' is a city in [[Utah County, Utah]], United States, in the north central part of the state. It is adjacent to [[Provo, Utah|Provo]], [[Lindon, Utah|Lindon]], and [[Vineyard, Utah|Vineyard]] and is approximately {{convert|45|mi|km}} south of [[Salt Lake City]].

Orem is one of the principal cities of the Provo-Orem, Utah [[Provo-Orem metropolitan area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]], which includes all of Utah and [[Juab County, Utah|Juab]] counties. The 2020 population was 98,129,<ref name="QuickFacts" /> while the [[2010 United States census|2010 population]] was 88,328<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|title=U.S. Census website|publisher=United States Census Bureau|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> making it the [[List of cities and towns in Utah|6th most populous city in Utah]]. [[Utah Valley University]] is located in Orem.

==History==
At one time the area was known as ''[[Sharon plain|Sharon]]'', a Biblical name for a mostly level [[Sharon plain|strip of land]] running between mountains and the sea, and the name of the [[Sharon, Vermont|Vermont birth town]] of [[Joseph Smith]], founder of the [[Latter Day Saint movement]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=10 fun facts about Orem that you may not know|url=https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/central/orem/10-fun-facts-about-orem-that-you-may-not-know/collection_6ca9005e-0ee0-5b87-b62d-3bcbb23a9435.html|access-date=2020-07-29|website=Daily Herald|language=en}}</ref> Another former name was ''Provo Bench.''<ref name=":4" />

Unlike many other early Utah communities, Orem's houses were not originally clustered in a town composed of regular city blocks. Instead, Orem's farmers dispersed their homes, building them along the territorial highway (now called State Street) and other major roads so that they could be close to both transportation corridors and to their fields and orchards.<ref>{{Citation | last = Cannon II | first = Kenneth L. | title = Utah History Encyclopedia | publisher = University of Utah Press | year = 1994 | chapter = OREM | chapter-url = https://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/o/OREM.shtml | url = https://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250126104918/https://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/o/OREM.shtml | archive-date = January 26, 2025 | isbn =9780874804256 | access-date = June 8, 2025}}</ref>

In an apparent attempt to attract more investment to the town and provide an easy way for the large population of farmers with orchards to ship produce, in 1914 it was named after Walter C. Orem, President of the [[Salt Lake and Utah Railroad]] in the early 1900s.<ref name="Rigert">{{cite news|url=https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/orem/orem-founded-years-ago-today/article_e07b4f9d-bcde-5adc-89fe-9477eb85f90b.html|title=Orem founded 90 years ago today|first=Michael|last=Rigert|website=Daily Herald|archive-date=March 3, 2021|access-date=May 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303084645/https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/orem/orem-founded-years-ago-today/article_e07b4f9d-bcde-5adc-89fe-9477eb85f90b.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Orem was incorporated on May 5, 1919.<ref name="Rigert"/>

===Assassination of Charlie Kirk===
{{Main|Assassination of Charlie Kirk}}

On September 10, 2025, [[Charlie Kirk]], an American [[Right-wing politics|right-wing]] activist and co-founder of [[Turning Point USA]], was assassinated on the campus of [[Utah Valley University]] in Orem during the first college campus stop on The American Comeback Tour event. Kirk was taking questions and debating attendees when he was shot in the neck.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Amatulli |first=Jenna |last2=Betts |first2=Anna |last3=Yang |first3=Maya |date=September 10, 2025 |title=Charlie Kirk, Trump ally and rightwing activist, shot dead at Utah university |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/10/charlie-kirk-shot-utah |access-date=September 10, 2025 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> According to the [[Associated Press]], the shot came from the Losee Student Success Center, approximately {{convert|350|ft|m}} from where Kirk was speaking.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jennemann |first=Annie |date=2025-09-10 |title=Map shows where Charlie Kirk was speaking before being fatally shot at Utah Valley University |url=https://www.kcra.com/article/map-charlie-kirk-speaking-utah-valley-university/66044019 |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=KCRA |language=en}}</ref>

==Geography==
Orem is in a high desert, with an average elevation of {{cvt|4,767|ft|m}}. According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city covers an area of {{cvt|18.4|sqmi|km2}}, all land. Orem is near the eastern shore of [[Utah Lake]], bordering [[Provo, Utah|Provo]] on the east and south, [[Vineyard, Utah|Vineyard]] to the west, [[Lindon, Utah|Lindon]] contiguous to the north, and [[Mount Timpanogos]]/Wasatch Mountain range to the east.

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1890= 435
|1900= 692
|1910= 1064
|1920= 1664
|1930= 1915
|1940= 2914
|1950= 8351
|1960= 18394
|1970= 25729
|1980= 52399
|1990= 67561
|2000= 84324
|2010= 88328
|2020= 98129
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="QuickFacts" />
}}

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+'''Orem, Utah – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
!Race / Ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small>
!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Orem city, Utah|url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=160XX00US4957300&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 26, 2024}}</ref>
!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Orem city, Utah|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US4957300&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 26, 2024}}</ref>
!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Orem city, Utah|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US4957300&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 26, 2024}}</ref>
!% 2000
!% 2010
!{{partial|% 2020}}
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
|73,076
|68,433
|style='background: #ffffe6; |68,948
|86.66%
|77.48%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |70.26%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
|267
|524
|style='background: #ffffe6; |866
|0.32%
|0.59%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.88%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
|521
|528
|style='background: #ffffe6; |485
|0.62%
|0.60%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.49%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
|1,202
|1,688
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1,968
|1.43%
|1.91%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |2.01%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH)
|710
|856
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1,409
|0.84%
|0.97%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1.44%
|-
|[[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Other race]] alone (NH)
|103
|162
|style='background: #ffffe6; |469
|0.12%
|0.18%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.48%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed race or Multiracial]] (NH)
|1,228
|1,913
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4,130
|1.46%
|2.17%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4.21%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|7,217
|14,224
|style='background: #ffffe6; |19,854
|8.56%
|16.10%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |20.23%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''84,324'''
|'''88,328'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''98,129'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%'''
|}

As of 2011 the 88,112 residents of Orem had a racial and ethnic composition of 89.3% [[White American|white]], 0.9% black or [[African American]], 0.9% [[Native Americans of the United States|Native American]], 1.6% [[Asian American|Asian]], 0.5% [[Pacific Islander Americans]], 4% non-Hispanics reporting some other race, 2.9% two or more races reported and 14.8% [[Hispanic]], as Orem has a large [[Mexican American]] community with other [[Latinos]] residing in the city. This contrasts with the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, which showed a racial makeup of 90.80% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.33% [[African American (U.S. census)|African American]], 0.73% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.45% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.86% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 3.64% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 2.18% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 8.56% of the population.

The 2000 Census counted 84,324 people, 23,382 households, and 19,079 families. The [[population density]] at that time was {{convert|4,572.6|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people}}. There were 24,166 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,310.4|/mi2|/km2}}. 
There were 23,382 households, out of which 48.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.0% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.4% were non-families. 12.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.57 and the average family size was 3.93.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 35.4% under the age of 18, 17.4% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 14.5% from 45 to 64, and 6.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 24 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $52,703, and the median income for a family was $59,066. Males had a median income of $42,249 versus $30,742 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $20,971. About 10.3% of families and 13.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 16% of those under age 18 and 6% of those age 65 or over.

As of 2002, over 97% of all church-going citizens of Orem are members of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.city-data.com/city/Orem-Utah.html|title=Orem, Utah (UT) profile: population, maps, real estate, averages, homes, statistics, relocation, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, moving, houses, news, sex offenders|website=www.city-data.com|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=May 2016}} Due to the high numbers of Latter-day Saints in the area, Church President [[Russell M. Nelson]] announced a [[Orem Utah Temple|temple]] in Orem on October 5, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-06|title=Members around the world react to President Nelson's 8 new temples announcement|url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2019-10-05/general-conference-october-2019-temples-president-russell-nelson-163155|access-date=2020-07-17|website=Church News|language=en-US}}</ref> The temple is located {{convert|0.5|mi|m}} south of the [[Interstate 15]] exit at University Parkway on South Geneva Road.

==Education==
Orem is in the [[Alpine School District]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alpine.k12.ut.us|title=Alpine School District|website=alpine.k12.ut.us|access-date=March 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051029224502/http://www.alpine.k12.ut.us/|archive-date=October 29, 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref> and is home to three high schools, three junior high schools, and 14 elementary schools.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orem.org/residents-nia-general-info-etc/arts-a-education-mainmenu-382|title=www.orem.org|website=orem.org|access-date=March 29, 2018|archive-date=December 8, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208233659/http://www.orem.org/residents-nia-general-info-etc/arts-a-education-mainmenu-382|url-status=dead}}</ref> An education center of [[Utah State University]] is also in Orem.

===Utah Valley University===
[[File:Orem Campus Shots (2312918321).jpg|thumb|left|[[Utah Valley University]] campus]]

[[Utah Valley University]] is a public university operated by the state of Utah. UVU is one of the United States' only Open Enrollment Universities, accepting all applicants. UVU offers a wide variety of bachelor's and master's degrees. It is Utah's largest and fastest-growing public university, with over 43,000 undergraduates.<ref name="UVU Enrollment">{{cite web |title=Utah Valley University Fall Enrollment Tops 43,000 Students |url=https://www.uvu.edu/news/2022/10/2022_10_17_enrollment.html |website=uvu.edu |publisher=UVU Content Hub |access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
The campus's notable features include the [[UCCU Center]], the Digital Learning Center library, the Hal Wing Track and Field Complex, and the Woodbury School of Business. The [[Roots of Knowledge]] stained glass display is in the Fulton Library on campus.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Roots of Knowledge|url=https://www.utahvalley.com/listing/roots-of-knowledge/1504/|access-date=2020-07-29|website=www.utahvalley.com|language=en-us}}</ref>
{{clear left}}

==Government==
Orem has a [[council–manager government]]. The mayor and council members are elected and serve part-time, while the city manager is appointed and serves full-time. Six city council members serve alongside the mayor. The mayor and city council are elected to staggered four-year terms.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mayor & City Council – City of Orem|url=https://orem.org/citycouncil/|access-date=2020-07-27|website=orem.org}}</ref> The Orem City Center Complex on State Street housed city staffer offices from 1969 until 2025, when a new city hall was built.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Orem City Hall – City of Orem |url=https://orem.gov/cityhall/ |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=orem.gov}}</ref> The old city hall was 3D scanned before it was demolished.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Orem City Hall |url=https://kuula.co/share/hFwxs/collection/7bQL4?logo=bWVkaWEvMTQwOTUzLzY3ZjAtNDYxYy0wNjNhLTQyMDUucG5n&info=0&logosize=200&fs=1&vr=1&initload=0&thumbs=4 |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=Kuula |language=en}}</ref>

List of mayors of Orem<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yumpu.com |title=City of Orem: A Centennial Benchmark |url=https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/62310699/city-of-orem-a-centennial-benchmark |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=yumpu.com |language=en}}</ref> (years served):
*J. Lawrence Snow (1919–1925)
*J.W. Gillman (1925–1931)
*Ivan J. Burr (1932–1935)
*Emery McKellip (1936–1937), died in 1952<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atom v3 {{!}} HBLL |url=https://atom.lib.byu.edu/ucoi/123432/ |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=atom.lib.byu.edu}}</ref>
*B. M. Jolley (1938–1945)
*J. W. Gillman (1946–1953), served twice non-consecutively
*Ray E. Loveless (1953)
*Leland Jarman (1954–1957)
*Luzell Robbins (1958)
*V. Emil Hansen (1958–1959)
*Melbourne D. Wallace (1960–1961)
*G. Milton Jameson (1962–1965)
*James E. Mangum (1966–1967)
*Winston M. Crawford (1968–1973), also served on Chamber of Commerce and the city council, died April 10, of coronary complications at [[Utah Valley Hospital|Utah Valley Regional Medical Center]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1992-04-12 |title=DEATH: WINSTON M. CRAWFORD |url=https://www.deseret.com/1992/4/12/18978196/death-winston-m-crawford/ |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref>
*James E. Mangum (1974–1981)
*Delance W. Squire (1982–1985)
*S. Blaine Willes (1986–1991)
*Joyce Johnson (1991)
*Stella Welsh (1992–1997), first elected female mayor of Orem<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stella Welsh, first elected female mayor of Orem, turns 90 |url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/04/25/stella-welsh-first/ |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=The Salt Lake Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>
*Joseph Nelson (died in office) (1998–1999)
*Chris Yandow (1999–1999)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Herald|first=Reva Bowen-Daily|title=Orem will start looking for new mayor next week|url=https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/central/orem/orem-will-start-looking-for-new-mayor-next-week/article_5fb89cfb-9461-50ad-838f-e6c66916cf7e.html|access-date=2020-07-27|website=Daily Herald|language=en}}</ref>
*Jerry C. Washburn (2000–2011)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://magazine.byu.edu/?act=view&a=2422|title=BYU Magazine: The Magazine of Brigham Young University|website=BYU Magazine|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> Died on September 26, 2011, after a long battle with cancer.<ref>[http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=17415987 Orem mayor loses battle with cancer]. ksl.com (September 26, 2011). Retrieved on 2013-07-21.</ref>
*James T. Evans (2011–2014)
*Richard F. Brunst, Jr. (2014–2021)
*David A. Young (2022–present)

==Economy==
[[File:LDS Church in Orem against winter mountain background.jpg|thumb|right|A meetinghouse of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Orem set against winter mountain backdrop]]
Orem has a wide variety of stores and businesses. It is also home to [[University Place (Utah)|University Place]], Utah County's oldest mall, opened in March 1973.<ref>{{cite book|last=Buckley|first=Jay H.|title=Orem|year=2010|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|isbn=978-0-7385-7882-8}}</ref>

===Top employers===
According to the city's 2023 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,<ref>{{Cite web |title=City Finances – City of Orem |url=https://orem.org/city-finances/ |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=orem.org}}</ref> the city's top employers are:

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! #
! Employer
! # of employees
!Percent of Total 
City Employment
|-
|1
|[[Utah Valley University]]
|3,030
|5.9%
|-
|2
|[[Alpine School District]]
|1,222
|2.4%
|-
|3
|City of Orem
|569
|1.1%
|-
|4
|[[Timpanogos Regional Hospital]]
|507
|1.0%
|-
|5
|[[Avetta|Avetta, LLC]]
|500
|1.0%
|-
|6
|[[Walmart|Wal-Mart]]
|499
|1.0%
|-
|7
|[[Target Corporation]]
|409
|0.8%
|-
|8
|[[United Parcel Service|United Parcel Service, Inc.]]
|360
|0.7%
|-
|9
|[[Costco]]
|350
|0.7%
|-
|10
|[[Dover Corporation|U.S. Synthetic Corporation]]
|347
|0.7%
|-
|
|Total
|7,793
|15.3%
|}

=== Company startups ===
Several notable companies started in Orem:
*[[Blendtec]]
*[[Bluehost]]
*[[Caldera, Inc.|Caldera]]
*[[Chess.com]]
*[[Fishbowl Inventory]]
*[[Flexsim]]
*[[Mity-Lite]]
*[[Novell]] (now owned by [[Micro Focus]])
*[[Omniture]] (now owned by [[Adobe Systems]])
*[[PowerQuest]]
*[[Wahoo Studios]]
**[[NinjaBee]], subdivision of Wahoo Studios
*[[WordPerfect]] (now owned by [[Corel]], it was first named Satellite Software International and used Orem City Center as its headquarters for a time in offices the city had available in the basement)
*[[Zuka Juice]]

== Arts and culture ==

=== Annual cultural events ===
Oremfest is an annual, multi-day summer festival that has included different activities over the years, but most recently has featured a charity golf tournament,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kiwanis Charity Golf Tournament – OremFest |url=https://oremfest.org/golf/ |access-date=2025-06-06 |language=en-US}}</ref> pool party, outdoor concert, volunteer opportunities, car show, and parade.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vassilaros |first=Lexi |date=2024-04-22 |title=An Orem 2024 summer: Community events |url=https://www.uvureview.com/news/an-orem-2024-summer-community-events/ |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=UVU REVIEW |language=en-US}}</ref> Oremfest originated in 1949 to celebrate the completion of State Street.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Festival Flashback: |url=https://www.heraldextra.com/news/2020/jun/01/festival-flashback/ |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=heraldextra.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Other events traditionally included in the festival: a baby contest, a boutique, the [[Rotary Club]] Breakfast, a 5K Fun Run, fireworks, a carnival, and vendor booths.

The festival came to be known as Summerfest, until Orem city officials received a [[Cease and desist|cease-and-desist]] letter in 2022 from [[Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.|Milwaukee World Festival Inc.]], based on that city's [[Summerfest]] music festival trademark and usage of the name dating back to 1969.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Orem changes summer celebration name to Oremfest after legal threat |url=https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/2023/apr/30/orem-changes-summer-celebration-name-to-oremfest-after-legal-threat/ |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=heraldextra.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In lieu of signing a licensing agreement to use the Summerfest name, the Orem city council opted instead to rebrand to Oremfest. Other Utah cities like [[South Jordan, Utah|South Jordan]], however, obtained permission use the trademarked Summerfest name for their own festivals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SoJo Summerfest {{!}} South Jordan, UT |url=https://www.sjc.utah.gov/199/SoJo-Summerfest |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=www.sjc.utah.gov}}</ref>

Since 2020, the Orem Farmer's Market runs weekly at City Center Park from mid-summer into the fall, and includes over 200 vendors of crafts and baked goods.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Orem Farmers Market reopens Wednesday, focused on helping local businesses |url=https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/2025/may/06/orem-farmers-market-reopens-wednesday-focused-on-helping-local-businesses/ |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=heraldextra.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The market also features food trucks and live musical performances.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-17 |title=Vendors encourage community members to shop locally at Orem farmers market |url=https://universe.byu.edu/2024/05/17/vendors-encourage-community-members-to-shop-locally-at-orem-farmers-market/ |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=BYU Daily Universe |language=en}}</ref>

As of 2025, other city arts & cultural events<ref>{{Cite web |title=Events – City of Orem |url=https://orem.gov/events/ |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=orem.gov}}</ref> through fall and winter include:
* 9/11 Day of Service
* "Taste of Orem" (food festival)
* Harvest Festival
* Veteran's Day Program
* "Lights On" (winter light displays)

=== Library ===
Orem's first library opened in 1939, before eventually relocating. The new Orem Public Library was built on the same lot as city hall, adjacent to City Center Park, under Mayor Winston Crawford's tenure in 1971.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-10-17 |title=Orem Library Collection 'One of Best' |url=https://universe.byu.edu/2006/10/17/orem-library-collection-one-of-best/ |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=BYU Daily Universe |language=en}}</ref> The library features stained glass art depicting several fairy tales at a window near the children's storytelling wing, the piece was created by artist [[Tom Holdman]] at the beginning of his career.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-15 |title=Man with life-long stutter finds a voice through art |url=https://www.deseret.com/2017/1/15/20604185/man-with-life-long-stutter-finds-a-voice-through-art/ |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref> Library Hall is an events space used for author visits, film screenings, and other programs, and includes an art gallery in the [[DoTerra|dōTERRA]] South Lobby.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Library Hall |url=https://library.orem.gov/LibraryHall |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=Orem Library |language=en}}</ref>

==Sports==
[[File:Hootz (Orem Owlz).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Hootz, the mascot of the [[Orem Owlz]] franchise in the Pioneer League]]

Orem has been home to a number of professional sports teams in addition to being the home to Utah Valley University's Wolverines athletic teams. The [[Orem Owlz]] [[Minor League Baseball|minor league baseball]] team, a [[Rookie League|rookie league]] affiliate of the [[Los Angeles Angels]], began play in 2005.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2005-06-16|title=Fowl ball: Orem Owlz look to soar like Provo Angels of old|url=https://www.deseret.com/2005/6/16/19897639/fowl-ball-orem-owlz-look-to-soar-like-provo-angels-of-old|access-date=2020-07-31|website=Deseret News|language=en}}</ref> The Owlz won 5 championships and had more than 90 major league players as part of the team.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Coles|first=Joe|date=2020-07-14|title=Wait 'til next year: Cancellation of minor league baseball season leaves void in lives of players and fans alike|url=https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/7/14/21312883/cancellation-minor-league-baseball-season-covid-salt-lake-bees-orem-owlz-ogden-raptors-marc-amicone|access-date=2020-07-17|website=Deseret News|language=en}}</ref> The Owlz played their home games at [[UCCU Ballpark]] on the campus of [[Utah Valley University]]. The stadium has a capacity of 5,000 spectators.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Facilities|url=https://gouvu.com/facilities/uccu-ballpark/2|access-date=2020-07-17|website=Utah Valley University Athletics|language=en}}</ref> The Owlz competed in the [[Pioneer League (baseball)|Pioneer League]] against teams from Colorado, Idaho, Montana and one team in Utah – the [[Ogden Raptors]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=2019 Pioneer League|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=e49b88de|access-date=2020-07-31|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en}}</ref> They relocated to [[Windsor, Colorado]], in 2021 and became the [[Northern Colorado Owlz]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Kirk|first=Alexander|title=Orem Owlz announce move to Windsor in 2021|url=https://www.9news.com/article/sports/baseball/northern-colorado-owlz/73-bb93ff83-d8be-4057-aa8d-33c1d93c18af|website=9 News|date=November 30, 2020|access-date=November 30, 2020}}</ref>

Orem has also been the home to two indoor football teams as well as a G League professional basketball team. In 1998, the [[Utah Catzz]] played their only season in the [[Professional Indoor Football League (1998)|Professional Indoor Football League]] as the league only lasted one season. The [[Utah Flash]] was an [[NBA G League]] affiliate of the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] that was established in 2007.  
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col" | Club
!Sport
! scope="col" | League
! scope="col" | Venue
! scope="col" | Established
!Concluded
! scope="col" | Championships
!Notes
|-
| scope="row" style="font-weight: normal;" |[[Orem Owlz]]
|Baseball
|[[Pioneer League (baseball)|Pioneer League]], Baseball
|[[UCCU Ballpark]]
| 2005
| 2020
| 5
|The Pioneer League 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
|-
|Utah Catzz
|Football
|Professional Indoor Football League
|UCCU Center
|1998
|1998
|0
|The Professional Indoor Football League only operated for one year during the 1998 season.
|-
|Utah Flash
|Basketball
|NBA G League
|UCCU Center
|2007
|2011
|0
|The Utah Flash was later moved and is now known as the Delaware Blue Coats.
|-
|Utah Valley Thunder
|Football
|American Indoor Football Association
|UCCU Center
|2009
|2009
|0
|The Utah Valley Thunder returned to the Arena Football League until 2013.
|}

==Transportation==

===Public transit===

Several modes of transportation are available in Orem. The [[Utah Transit Authority]] operates the [[FrontRunner|Frontrunner]] train, [[Utah Valley Express]] (UVX) bus rapid transit and regular bus service in the city. The [[Orem (UTA station)|Orem station]] serves Utah Transit Authority's ''FrontRunner'' train.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Station Addresses|url=https://www.rideuta.com/Rider-Info/Station-Addresses|access-date=2020-07-29|website=www.rideuta.com}}</ref> The UVX route runs from Orem Central Station through UVU and along University Parkway through Orem's uptown near its southern boundary with Provo, which is where the opposite end of the bus line is located.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New Provo-Orem rapid bus now rivals the ridership of TRAX Green Line|url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2019/10/07/new-provo-orem-bus-rapid/|access-date=2020-07-29|website=The Salt Lake Tribune|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Major highways===

The road system includes an [[Interstate Highway System|Interstate highway]], [[United States Numbered Highway System|US highways]], [[state highway]]s, and city-maintained roads. [[Interstate 15 in Utah|Interstate 15]] runs through the west side of Orem with four interchanges in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=All Exits along I-15 in Utah starting near Portage {{!}} iExit Interstate Exit Guide|url=https://iexitapp.com/exits/Utah/I-15/South/90|access-date=2020-07-29|website=iexitapp.com}}</ref> [[U.S. Route 89|US Highway 89]] (State Street) runs northwest–southeast through the middle of the city, while [[U.S. Route 189|US Highway 189]] (University Avenue) passes through a short section of northeast Orem. There are also four state routes that pass through the city – [[Utah State Route 52|SR-52]] (800 North/Canyon Parkway), [[Utah State Route 114|SR-114]] (Geneva Road), [[Utah State Route 241|SR-241]] (1600 North), and [[Utah State Route 265|SR-265]] (University Parkway).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Herald|first=Genelle Pugmire Daily|title=Orem council approves 1600 North ownership transfer to UDOT for $30 million widening|url=https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/central/orem/orem-council-approves-1600-north-ownership-transfer-to-udot-for-30-million-widening/article_1bfe0299-fbf3-5eda-a00b-7cff2f4c0036.html|access-date=2020-07-29|website=Daily Herald|language=en|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729012652/https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/central/orem/orem-council-approves-1600-north-ownership-transfer-to-udot-for-30-million-widening/article_1bfe0299-fbf3-5eda-a00b-7cff2f4c0036.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Notable people==
<!-- Please add new entries in alphabetical order by surname. List only people who qualify as notable under [[:Wikipedia:Notability|Wikipedia criteria]]. In general, either the person is already the subject of an article, or they are prominently named in an article (for example, as a member of a band)-->
* [[Alan Ashton (executive)|Alan Ashton]] – owns land of Thanksgiving Point and is co-founder of [[WordPerfect]]
* [[Ben Cahoon]] – receiver for the [[Montreal Alouettes]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-10-20 |title=Former Cougar Ben Cahoon becomes Canadian Football League's leading receiver |url=https://www.deseret.com/2010/10/20/20147835/former-cougar-ben-cahoon-becomes-canadian-football-league-s-leading-receiver/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref>
* [[William Campbell (California politician)|William Campbell]] – California state legislator<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woo |first=Elaine |date=2015-03-25 |title=Sen. William Campbell dies at 79; longtime state lawmaker |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-william-campbell-20150325-story.html |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[James C. Christensen]] – fantasy, religious and surrealism artist<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-09 |title=Of fantasy and faith: LDS artist James C. Christensen dies at 74 |url=https://www.deseret.com/2017/1/9/20603834/of-fantasy-and-faith-lds-artist-james-c-christensen-dies-at-74/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Ally Condie]] – New York Times bestselling author of the ''[[Matched (book)|Matched]]'' series
* [[LaVell Edwards]] – [[BYU]] football coach<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-12-30 |title=LaVell Edwards, who coached BYU for nearly 30 years, dies at 86 |url=https://abc7ny.com/post/lavell-edwards-who-coached-byu-for-nearly-30-years-dies-at-86/1677988/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=ABC7 New York |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Travis Hansen]] – former guard for Atlanta Hawks; co-founder of Eddy<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-04 |title=How former BYU star Travis Hansen found purpose beyond basketball in faith, service |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2025/06/04/former-byu-star-travis-hansen-purpose-basketball-faith-service-spain-russia-egor-demin/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Brett Helquist]]- illustrator of ''[[A Series of Unfortunate Events]]''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-09-07 |title=BYU extends Mormon illustrator's 'Unfortunate' exhibit one more month |url=https://www.deseret.com/2017/9/7/20618945/byu-extends-mormon-illustrator-s-unfortunate-exhibit-one-more-month/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Gary Herbert]] – former Governor of the State of Utah
* [[Chelsie Hightower]] – Professional [[ballroom dancing|ballroom dancer]] on ''[[Dancing with the Stars (American TV series)|Dancing with the Stars]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Salt Lake dance workshop ready to cha cha and rumba with Chelsie Hightower |url=https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/2015/08/30/salt-lake-dance-workshop-ready-to-cha-cha-and-rumba-with-chelsie-hightower/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=The Salt Lake Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Tom Holdman]] – stained glass artist and studio owner<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-15 |title=Man with life-long stutter finds a voice through art |url=https://www.deseret.com/2017/1/15/20604185/man-with-life-long-stutter-finds-a-voice-through-art/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Allison Holker]] – ''So You Think You Can Dance'' season 2 finalist<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-11-02 |title=Orem dancer thrilled to be part of 'So You Think You Can Dance' tour |url=https://www.deseret.com/2010/11/1/20150163/orem-dancer-thrilled-to-be-part-of-so-you-think-you-can-dance-tour/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Julianne Hough]] – actress, professional [[ballroom dancing|ballroom dancer]] on ''Dancing with the Stars'', and singer, born in Orem
* [[John S. K. Kauwe III]] – Biologist and president of [[Brigham Young University–Hawaii]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tevaga |first=Media Contact: Laura |date=2020-05-12 |title=New president named for Brigham Young University–Hawaii |url=https://news.byuh.edu/new-president-named-for-brigham-young-university-hawaii |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=BYUH News |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Paul Kruger (American football)|Paul Kruger]] – NFL linebacker for the Cleveland Browns<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-01-21 |title=Kruger finally finding his place in Baltimore defense |url=https://www.deseret.com/2012/1/20/20246092/kruger-finally-finding-his-place-in-baltimore-defense/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Chad Lewis]] – NFL tight end<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-07-07 |title=Chad Lewis - from missionary to China representative |url=https://www.deseret.com/2008/7/7/20379485/chad-lewis-from-missionary-to-china-representative/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Bert McCracken]] – lead vocals of the rock band [[The Used]], was born in Provo but grew up in Orem
* [[Rome Odunze]] – NFL wide receiver for the [[Chicago Bears]] was born in Orem<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-19 |title=Another receiver with ties to Provo hopes to break Puka Nacua's rookie records this season |url=https://www.deseret.com/sports/2024/06/19/rome-odunze-hopes-to-break-puka-nacua-rookie-receiving-records/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Donny Osmond]] – American actor and singer
* [[Marie Osmond]] – American actress and singer
* [[Noelle Pikus-Pace]] – 2005 overall [[Skeleton (sport)|World Cup Skeleton]] title winner and silver medalist at 2014 [[Sochi]] [[Winter Olympics]]
* [[Shauna Rohbock]] – silver medalist in women's bobsleigh at the [[Turin]] [[2006 Olympics]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shauna Rohbock - Athlete - 2010 Vancouver Olympics |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/vancouver2010/athletes/shauna-rohbock-usa.html |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=www.nytimes.com}}</ref>
* [[Thomas Sederberg]] – Creator of the [[T-spline]]
* [[Marlon O. Snow]] – member of the [[Utah House of Representatives]]
* [[Howard Tayler]] – author of ''[[Schlock Mercenary]]''<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.schlockmercenary.com/blog/index.php/about/|title = Blógünder Schlock » About|access-date = November 6, 2007|last = Tayler|first = Howard|author-link = Howard Tayler|quote = Howard Tayler is the award-winning cartoonist responsible for Schlock Mercenary and the inventor of the "chupaqueso." He's married and lives in Orem, UT[...].}}</ref>
* [[Erin Thorn]] – WNBA guard<ref>{{Cite web |title=Former BYU, WNBA player Erin Thorn talks Cougars women, growth of women's basketball |url=https://www.sltrib.com/sports/byu-cougars/2023/01/23/former-byu-wnba-player-erin/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=The Salt Lake Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Dan Wells (author)|Dan Wells]] – author of the ''[[I Am Not a Serial Killer]]'' and ''[[Partials Sequence]]''
Notable groups include:
*Rock band [[The Used]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-03 |title=The Used on their humble start in Utah — and growth over the past 25 years |url=https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2025/05/03/the-used-band-talks-utah-roots-25th-anniversary-tour/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref>

==City parks==
[[File:Scera Park Sign Orem Utah.jpg|thumb|Scera Park]]
Orem has more than 20 parks throughout the city. In 2017, the Orem Splash Pad opened at Palisade Park. The Splash Pad uses {{convert|1000|USgal|L}} per minute and has a weave spray nozzle as well as 22 other spray nozzles.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Herald|first=Genelle Pugmire Daily|title=Orem to open splash pad at Palisade Park in May|url=https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/central/orem/orem-to-open-splash-pad-at-palisade-park-in-may/article_ea71cb0e-7c61-5a2c-84ef-fd20f82b99f6.html|access-date=2020-07-18|website=Daily Herald|language=en}}</ref> The Skate Park opened in 2002 and has {{convert|0.25|acre|m2}} of cemented space for extreme sport use.<ref>{{Cite web|title=11 fun things to do in Orem|url=https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/central/orem/11-fun-things-to-do-in-orem/collection_34bf1a7e-bb7d-54d9-a518-4d37478729c4.html|access-date=2020-07-18|website=Daily Herald|language=en}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> City Center Park is home to the annual Orem Summerfest as well as concerts and other cultural events.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Herald|first=Genelle Pugmire Daily|title=Orem's Summerfest postponed|url=https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/central/orem/orems-summerfest-postponed/article_f6e7d4d4-b335-5a1f-b53f-6d7cc46e4901.html|access-date=2020-07-18|website=Daily Herald|language=en}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> City parks include:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oremrecreation.com/index.php/parks/city-parks |title=City Parks |website=www.oremrecreation.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109141156/http://oremrecreation.com/index.php/parks/city-parks |archive-date=2014-01-09}}</ref>
{{div col}}
* Bonneville Park
* Cascade Park
* Cherry Hill Park
* City Center Park
* Community park
* Foothill Park
* Geneva Park
* Hillcrest Park
* Lakeside Sports Park
* Mt. Timpanogos Park
* Nielson's Grove Park
* Northridge Park
* Orchard Park
* Palisade Park
* Scera Park
* Sharon Park
* Skate Park
* Spring Water Park
* Westmore Park
* Windsor Park
{{div col end}}

==Sister cities==
Orem has one sister city in [[Ürümqi]], China, according to the Utah League of Cities and Towns and the Utah Sister Cities Coalition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ulct.org/ulct/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2013/02/103AnnualConf_table_10-Sis-Cities.pdf|title=Utah's International & Sister City Partnerships|last=Andelin|first=Jennifer|date=10 September 2010|website=Utah League of Cities and Towns|access-date=21 January 2020|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022183649/http://www.ulct.org/ulct/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2013/02/103AnnualConf_table_10-Sis-Cities.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Christeele Acres Historic District]]
* [[Cirque Lodge]]
* [[List of cities and towns in Utah]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Orem|Orem, Utah}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}

{{Geographic Location
| Centre    = Orem
| North     = [[Lindon, Utah|Lindon]]
| Northeast = ''[[Deer Creek State Park (Utah)|Deer Creek State Park]]'' / [[Charleston, Utah|Charleston]]<br />[[Wallsburg, Utah|Wallsburg]]
| East      = 
| Southeast = [[Provo, Utah|Provo]]
| South     = 
| Southwest = ''[[Utah Lake]]''
| West      = [[Vineyard, Utah|Vineyard]]
| Northwest = 
}}

{{Orem, Utah}}
{{Utah County, Utah}}
{{Utah}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Orem, Utah| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Utah]]
[[Category:Provo–Orem metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1877]]
[[Category:Cities in Utah County, Utah]]
[[Category:1877 establishments in Utah Territory]]