Homes Under $500,000 in Torrey, Utah
Torrey sits at roughly 6,800 feet elevation on the southern edge of the Fishlake National Forest, just four miles from the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park. That address — red-rock canyon country, pinyon-juniper ridgelines, and some of the darkest night skies in the Lower 48 — tends to command a premium, yet a meaningful share of the Torrey market still comes in under $500,000. At that price point, buyers typically find modest single-family homes on modest lots inside town, older ranch-style properties that need updating, raw land parcels, and occasionally a small cabin or vacation rental that hasn't been renovated to luxury-rental standards. Wayne County's overall housing inventory is thin (the entire county has fewer than 3,000 residents), so what's available at any given time reflects a small, slow-turning pool rather than a broad suburban market.
The sub-$500K range in Torrey attracts a specific mix: retirees trading a larger Utah Front Range home for a simpler high-desert life, remote workers who can clock in from anywhere and want acreage without a Moab-level price tag, and buyers scouting a nightly-rental investment before the market tightens further. Wayne County currently allows short-term rentals in certain zones, which adds an income angle that buyers weigh carefully at every price tier. Keep in mind that services are limited — the nearest hospital is in Richfield (about 70 miles north on US-24/I-70), and Torrey's grocery options are small. Those trade-offs are the reason entry-level prices here remain accessible compared to better-known Southern Utah markets like Moab or St. George. Browse the active listings below to see what's currently on the market.
July 2026 · Torrey market
Live from the Utah MLS — what's actually happening in Torrey right now.
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Common questions
About homes under $500k in Torrey.
How many homes under $500K are typically available in Torrey at any given time? ▾
Usually just a handful — often fewer than ten active listings under $500K across Torrey and the immediate surrounding area (Teasdale, Bicknell, Grover). Wayne County is one of Utah's least populated counties, so inventory moves slowly and good properties at this price point can sit for a season or get scooped up quickly depending on the time of year.
What kind of home can I realistically get in Torrey for under $500,000? ▾
Expect smaller square footage (often 1,000–1,800 sq ft), older builds from the 1970s–1990s, manufactured homes on permanent foundations, or newer cabins on small lots. Properties with significant acreage or water rights usually push above $500K. Some vacant land parcels with utilities also fall in this range if you'd rather build.
Can I short-term rent a home in Torrey? ▾
Torrey town has nightly rental regulations, and not every property is permitted for STR use. The area near the park entrance has more established vacation rentals, while residential zones can be more restrictive. Always verify the specific parcel's zoning and any existing STR permit with Wayne County and the town before assuming Airbnb income.
What should I know about water and utilities at this elevation? ▾
Torrey town has a culinary water system, but homes outside town limits often rely on private wells and irrigation shares tied to the Fremont River. Natural gas is not available — most homes use propane, electric, or wood heat. At 6,800 feet, winter heating costs are a real line item, and pipes need proper insulation.
How's the drive to grocery stores, medical care, and an airport? ▾
Basic groceries are available in Torrey and Bicknell, but the closest full-service supermarket is in Richfield (about an hour northwest). Wayne Community Health Center is in Bicknell, with the nearest hospital in Richfield. The closest commercial airport is Salt Lake City at roughly 3.5 hours; St. George and Grand Junction are similar distances.
Is Torrey a good fit for a year-round residence or mostly seasonal? ▾
Both work, but go in with eyes open. Winters are cold and snowy, the town effectively quiets down November through March, and many businesses run seasonal hours. Year-round residents tend to be ranchers, park employees, retirees, and remote workers who genuinely want the solitude. Seasonal owners often close up from late fall through early spring.