County Crime & Safety
San Juan County, UT, reports a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 135 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime in the county was around 800 per 100,000, also lower than the U.S. average of 1,958. Local law enforcement emphasizes community policing, and crime reporting is facilitated through the San Juan County Sheriff's Office and online resources. Overall, San Juan County remains a safe community with effective crime prevention measures in place.
Elections
San Juan County, Utah, had about 8,500 registered voters as of 2022, with a roughly even split between Republicans and unaffiliated voters; Democrats make up a significant minority, especially among the Navajo Nation population. The county holds general, primary, and local elections. In the 2020 presidential race, Donald Trump received 59% of the county’s vote. Issues include Native American representation, land use, and Bears Ears National Monument. Voters cast ballots at locations in Monticello, Blanding, Bluff, and Navajo communities. Elections are overseen by the San Juan County Clerk/Auditor, with active engagement from local party organizations.
Education, Employment and Housing
San Juan County, UT, has around 14 public schools serving grades K-12, with an 86% high school graduation rate and about 17% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The school district emphasizes Native American education and bilingual programs, reflecting the majority Navajo student population. Average test scores tend to be below the Utah state average, with a GreatSchools rating of 4/10. Adult education and vocational programs are available through San Juan School District and partnerships with Utah State University. School safety measures include security protocols and regular emergency drills.
As of 2022, San Juan County, UT, reported an employment rate of approximately 49%. Major industries include educational services, health care, and social assistance (23%), with government jobs employing around 33% of workers. The leading occupation types are management, business, science, and arts (30%). About 68% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes. The majority of employees work within the county, particularly in Monticello and Blanding. Unemployment rate was about 6.2%, higher than the state average.
San Juan County, UT, has a homeownership rate of approximately 76%, with the median home value around $218,000 in 2023. The median gross rent is about $760 per month. The county predominantly features single-family homes, with some mobile and manufactured housing. Key neighborhoods include Blanding, Monticello, and Bluff. Property values have seen modest annual growth of 2–3% in recent years. Property tax rates average 0.44%, noticeably lower than the national average. The housing market remains affordable, attracting residents seeking low costs and rural living amidst scenic southeastern Utah landscapes.
Demographics
As of 2023, San Juan County, Utah, has a population estimated at about 14,500. The median age is 33 years. The gender distribution is roughly 50.2% male and 49.8% female. Racially, the population is approximately 53% Native American, 41% White, 3% two or more races, and about 2% other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals represent around 6% of residents.
Popular names
- Craig Simpson
- Jean Benally
- Lorraine Black
- Aaron Keith
- Emerson Black
- James Laws
- Joshua Nielson
- Kenneth Black
- Marguerita Gray
- Mary Yazzie
- Melinda Blackhorse
- Michael Christensen
- Michelle Keith
- Ruth Johnson
- Tyler Bailey
- Alden Chee
- Alfred Billie
- Amy Terlaak
- Andrew Graf
- Angela Begay
- Ann Christiansen
- Avis Bedoni
- Bernice Cly
- Brandon Keith
- Brenda Brown
- Bridget Gutierrez
- Carrie Black
- Christine Witteman
- Clancy Cressler
- Clayton Holt
- Clint Meyers
- Colby Turk
- Dan Nakai
- Danny Flannery
- Darrell Dee
- Darrell Pipkin
- David Boyle
- David Bronson
- David Homedew
- David Johnson
- David Ketron
- David Lacy
- Elvira Benally
- Genevieve Atene
- Glen Harris
- Hailey Adams
- Hank Lee
- Iva Atene
- Jacqueline Dee
- James Atene
- James Hunt
- James Johnson
- Jamin Bradford
- Jeffrey Hunt
- Jennifer Acox
- Jeremy Jones
- Jerry Johnson
- Jim Eberling
- Joan Harvey
- John Johnson