List of Counties in Utah
Utah has 29 counties. The most populous counties are Salt Lake County (Salt Lake City), Utah County (Provo), Davis County, Weber County (Ogden), Washington County (St. George), Cache County, Tooele County, Box Elder County, Summit County, and Uintah County. Salt Lake County, home to Salt Lake City, is the largest by population and serves as the state’s political, cultural, and economic center. Utah County, home to Provo, and Davis and Weber counties, which are part of the larger Wasatch Front metropolitan area, are also rapidly growing.
List of All Counties in Utah
- Beaver County, Utah
- Box Elder County, Utah
- Cache County, Utah
- Carbon County, Utah
- Daggett County, Utah
- Davis County, Utah
- Duchesne County, Utah
- Emery County, Utah
- Garfield County, Utah
- Grand County, Utah
- Iron County, Utah
- Juab County, Utah
- Kane County, Utah
- Millard County, Utah
- Morgan County, Utah
- Piute County, Utah
- Rich County, Utah
- Salt Lake County, Utah
- San Juan County, Utah
- Sanpete County, Utah
- Sevier County, Utah
- Summit County, Utah
- Tooele County, Utah
- Uintah County, Utah
- Utah County, Utah
- Wasatch County, Utah
- Washington County, Utah
- Wayne County, Utah
- Weber County, Utah
Largest Counties in Utah
1. San Juan County
Overview
San Juan County is the largest county in Utah, covering 7,933 square miles in the southeastern corner of the state. It is bordered by Colorado to the east, Arizona to the south, and Grand and Wayne counties to the north. Established in 1880, San Juan County is rich in Native American history, with the Navajo Nation and Ute Mountain Ute tribes having significant populations within its boundaries. The county is known for its striking landscapes, including Monument Valley, Bears Ears National Monument, and Canyonlands National Park. Tourism is a major part of the economy, alongside agriculture and mining.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 14,000
- County Seat: Monticello
- Major Airports: No major commercial airports; nearest is Cortez Municipal Airport in Colorado
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 191, U.S. Highway 491, Utah State Route 95
2. Tooele County
Overview
Tooele County is located in northwestern Utah and covers 6,941 square miles. It is bordered by Nevada to the west, Utah County to the southeast, and Salt Lake County to the northeast. The county was established in 1852 and named after the Goshute word “Tule,” a type of grass that grows in marshlands. Tooele County’s economy has historically been driven by mining and military activities, particularly the Tooele Army Depot. In recent decades, the county has seen growth in residential development due to its proximity to Salt Lake City. The county also offers outdoor recreational activities, with the Bonneville Salt Flats and Deseret Peak being major attractions.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 77,000
- County Seat: Tooele
- Major Airports: None (Salt Lake City International Airport nearby)
- Major Highways: Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 6, Utah State Route 36
3. Millard County
Overview
Millard County, located in central Utah, spans 6,828 square miles. It is bordered by Juab County to the north, Sevier County to the east, and the state of Nevada to the west. The county was established in 1851 and named after U.S. President Millard Fillmore. Historically, Millard County was a frontier settlement with agriculture as its main economic activity. The county is known for its wide-open spaces, including the Great Basin Desert, and landmarks such as the Topaz War Relocation Center, a former internment camp for Japanese Americans during World War II. Today, farming, ranching, and renewable energy development are key sectors of the local economy.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 13,000
- County Seat: Fillmore
- Major Airports: No major commercial airports
- Major Highways: Interstate 15, U.S. Highway 6, U.S. Highway 50, Utah State Route 132
4. Box Elder County
Overview
Box Elder County is situated in the northwestern corner of Utah, covering 5,746 square miles. It is bordered by Idaho to the north, Nevada to the west, and Weber and Cache counties to the south and east, respectively. Established in 1856, the county was named after the box elder trees that grow in the region. Box Elder County’s geography includes the Great Salt Lake Desert and parts of the Wasatch Range. The economy is largely driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation, with the ATK Thiokol plant, a key aerospace company, being located here. The county is also home to the Golden Spike National Historic Site, where the first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 60,000
- County Seat: Brigham City
- Major Airports: None (Salt Lake City International Airport nearby)
- Major Highways: Interstate 15, Interstate 84, U.S. Highway 89, Utah State Route 30
5. Uintah County
Overview
Uintah County is located in northeastern Utah and spans 4,499 square miles. It is bordered by Colorado to the east, Duchesne County to the west, and Daggett County to the north. Established in 1880, the county was named after the Ute Indian tribe. Uintah County’s economy is heavily based on the energy sector, particularly oil, natural gas, and mining. The county is also home to parts of the Uinta Mountains and the Green River, which provide outdoor recreational opportunities such as fishing, rafting, and hiking. The Dinosaur National Monument, famous for its fossil discoveries, is located in the northeastern part of the county.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 36,000
- County Seat: Vernal
- Major Airports: Vernal Regional Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 40, Utah State Route 45, Utah State Route 121
6. Iron County
Overview
Iron County is located in southwestern Utah, covering 3,301 square miles. It is bordered by Beaver County to the north, Washington County to the southwest, and Kane County to the east. The county was established in 1850 and named after the rich iron deposits found in the area. Cedar City, the county seat, has become a regional hub for education, tourism, and the arts, with Southern Utah University and the annual Utah Shakespeare Festival drawing visitors. Iron County’s economy is based on a combination of mining, agriculture, and tourism, with Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park nearby. The county’s scenic beauty and natural resources are significant contributors to the local economy.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 61,000
- County Seat: Cedar City
- Major Airports: Cedar City Regional Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 15, U.S. Highway 91, Utah State Route 14
7. Garfield County
Overview
Garfield County is located in south-central Utah and covers 5,175 square miles. It is bordered by Wayne County to the north, Kane County to the south, and Piute County to the west. Established in 1882, the county was named after U.S. President James A. Garfield. Garfield County is known for its rugged landscapes and national parks, including Bryce Canyon National Park and portions of Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The county’s economy is primarily based on tourism, with outdoor recreation playing a significant role. Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, also remains important.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 5,000
- County Seat: Panguitch
- Major Airports: No major commercial airports
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 89, Utah State Route 12, Utah State Route 63
8. Beaver County
Overview
Beaver County is located in southwestern Utah and covers 2,590 square miles. It is bordered by Millard County to the north, Iron County to the south, and Piute and Sevier counties to the east. The county was established in 1856 and named after the Beaver River, which flows through the area. Beaver County is home to a number of geothermal energy plants, which take advantage of the region’s geothermal resources. Historically, mining was a significant part of the local economy, but today, agriculture and energy production are the dominant sectors. The county’s rural landscapes and proximity to national forests make it a peaceful, scenic area with outdoor recreation opportunities.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 7,000
- County Seat: Beaver
- Major Airports: No major commercial airports
- Major Highways: Interstate 15, U.S. Highway 91, Utah State Route 21
9. Sevier County
Overview
Sevier County is located in central Utah, covering 1,911 square miles. It is bordered by Sanpete County to the north, Piute County to the south, and Millard County to the west. Established in 1865, Sevier County was named after the Sevier River, which runs through the region. The county’s geography includes fertile valleys and rugged mountain ranges, making it well-suited for both agriculture and outdoor recreation. The economy is primarily based on farming, ranching, and small-scale manufacturing, with a growing focus on tourism due to the county’s proximity to Fishlake National Forest and other scenic areas. Richfield, the county seat, serves as a regional center for commerce and transportation.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 21,000
- County Seat: Richfield
- Major Airports: No major commercial airports
- Major Highways: Interstate 70, U.S. Highway 89, U.S. Highway 50
10. Washington County
Overview
Washington County is located in the southwestern corner of Utah and spans 2,430 square miles. It is bordered by Arizona to the south and Iron County to the north. Established in 1852, Washington County was named after U.S. President George Washington. The county is known for its warm climate and scenic landscapes, including Zion National Park, which attracts millions of visitors annually. The St. George area has experienced rapid growth in recent years, making Washington County one of the fastest-growing regions in Utah. The economy is diverse, with sectors including tourism, healthcare, construction, and education contributing to its expansion.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 180,000
- County Seat: St. George
- Major Airports: St. George Regional Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 15, U.S. Highway 91, Utah State Route 9