County Crime & Safety
Garfield County, UT, maintains a low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported only 22 total crimes, including 2 violent crimes and 20 property crimes, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. The crime rate stands at approximately 5.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, much lower than Utah’s average of 22.3 per 1,000. Law enforcement emphasizes proactive community policing and swift reporting, contributing to a strong sense of safety. Violent crimes are rare, and most incidents involve minor theft or property offenses.
Education, Employment and Housing
Garfield County, UT, has 9 public schools serving about 900 students, including one high school (Bryce Valley High). Approximately 88% of adults hold a high school diploma, while around 18% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public school graduation rates exceed 90%. Schools report strong safety standards, with few incidents. Academic proficiency scores in math and reading are near state averages. Educational programs feature small class sizes and focus on STEM and career readiness. Adult education is available via local partnerships.
Garfield County, UT had an unemployment rate of 3.3% as of March 2024. Key industries include accommodation and food services (32%), government (28%), and retail trade (10%). Leading occupations are in food preparation and serving (25%), office and administrative support (11%), and management (9%). Approximately 75% of residents work within the county, while about 25% commute to neighboring counties such as Kane and Iron. The average commute time is 18 minutes, reflecting the county’s rural character and tourism-driven economy.
Garfield County, UT, features a homeownership rate of approximately 75%, with a median home value near $290,000 in 2023. Rental units are limited, and median gross rents hover around $850 monthly. The property market has seen moderate appreciation, rising about 10% over the past year. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes, with some cabins and manufactured homes. Key neighborhoods include Panguitch, Bryce, and Escalante. Property tax rates are relatively low, averaging 0.34% of assessed value. The rural setting offers spacious lots and a quiet lifestyle, attracting both families and retirees.
Demographics
As of 2022, Garfield County, Utah, has an estimated population of around 5,000. The median age is about 41 years, with roughly 50.5% male and 49.5% female residents. The racial composition is predominantly White (over 88%), with Hispanic or Latino making up approximately 7%, and small percentages of Native American, Asian, and other groups. The county features a sparsely populated, aging demographic with limited racial diversity.
Elections
Garfield County, Utah, has approximately 3,000 residents, with around 1,900 registered voters as of 2024. The county holds general, primary, and municipal elections, typically favoring Republican candidates—Donald Trump won 80.7% of the vote in 2020. Polling locations include the Panguitch Library and local schools. Recent issues include public lands and water management. Elections are overseen by the Garfield County Clerk, with both mail-in and in-person voting available. Registered Republicans outnumber Democrats nearly 7:1, with a growing number of unaffiliated voters. Turnout in presidential elections often exceeds 75%.
Popular names
- Arlo Barton
- Chris Christensen
- Clayne Coleman
- David Heaton
- David Mathews
- Dawneta Dunham
- Falyn Owens
- Gayle Pollock
- James Houston
- Janice Twitchell
- Mike Johnson
- Ryan Crosier
- Stefan Syrett
- Terry Clark
- Terry Dutton
- William Weppner
- Alberto Vasquez
- Allen Jordan
- Amber Williams
- Amy Syrett
- Andrew Ferrigno
- Angeli Sheffer
- Annette Chynoweth
- Annette Ormond
- Annie Steed
- Anthony Dinges
- April Lefevre
- Arlene Davenport
- Arthur Lyman
- Arthur Miller
- Barbara Talbot
- Barry Davenport
- Benjamin Cox
- Betty Frandsen
- Blake Dalton
- Brady Syrett
- Brandon Steed
- Bree Shakespeare
- Brenda Rose
- Brent Bonner
- Brett Palmer
- Brian Frandsen
- Brigitte Delthony
- Brittney King
- Brooke Shakespeare
- Bryce Syrett
- Bud Dodds
- Byron Sargent
- Cal Porter
- Cameron Henrie
- Carolyn Callies
- Cary Deccio
- Catherine Barney
- Cecelia Brown
- Chad Justus
- Chad Veater
- Chance Brooks
- Charlene Ancira
- Cheryl Thatcher
- Cindy Barney