Elections

Grand County, Utah, had 5,234 registered voters in 2022. Voters participate in federal, state, county, and municipal elections, with general, primary, and special elections held as needed. In the 2020 presidential race, 56.6% voted Republican, 38.4% Democratic. Major issues include public lands and tourism. There are typically 3 in-person polling locations, with mail-in ballots widely used. Elections are administered by the Grand County Clerk’s office. The county leans Republican but has an active Democratic minority, reflecting its diverse community interests.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Grand County, Utah, had a population of 9,669. The median age is approximately 40.7 years. About 49.2% are female and 50.8% are male. The racial and ethnic composition is 87.7% White, 7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Native American, 0.5% Asian, and 3.6% identifying as two or more races. The county’s population is relatively small but diverse, with a notable Indigenous presence and a growing Hispanic community.

County Crime & Safety

Grand County, Utah, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. As of 2023, the violent crime rate stands at approximately 2.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime is around 16.2 per 1,000 residents. Reported incidents mostly involve theft and burglary, with rare cases of violent crimes. The Grand County Sheriff’s Office actively encourages public crime reporting, contributing to effective community policing. Overall, residents and visitors generally experience a safe environment, with crime rates well below many urban areas.

Education, Employment and Housing

Grand County, UT, has 5 public schools, including Grand County High School. About 89% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 31% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school rating is 6/10, according to GreatSchools. The district offers career and technical education, STEM programs, and special education services. School safety measures include secure campuses and anti-bullying initiatives. Adult education is provided through local community programs and partnerships with Utah State University, supporting lifelong learning for residents.

As of 2022, Grand County, UT had an employment rate of 62.6%. Major industries include Accommodation & Food Services (25%), Arts, Entertainment & Recreation (13%), and Retail Trade (12%). The leading occupations are Food Preparation & Serving (18%), Office & Administrative Support (13%), and Management (10%). About 81% of workers are employed within Grand County, while 19% commute to neighboring counties. The average commute time is around 12 minutes. Employment is largely seasonal, driven by tourism in Moab and Arches National Park.

Grand County, UT’s median home value is around $450,000, with a homeownership rate near 63%. The median gross rent is approximately $1,050. Housing consists primarily of single-family homes, townhomes, and some manufactured housing, with more affordable options limited due to tourism-driven demand. Moab is the largest community, with neighborhoods like Spanish Valley and Castle Valley. Property values have increased over 50% since 2017, reflecting the region’s popularity. Property taxes average about 0.6% of home value, lower than the national average. Rental vacancy rates remain tight, contributing to steadily rising rents and low housing inventory.