Grand County, Utah

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Grand County is a county located in the eastern part of the U.S. state of Utah. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,669. The county seat and largest city is Moab. The county was named for the Colorado River, which was originally known as the Grand River.

History

Grand County was established in 1890, carved out of Emery County. The area has a rich history, with evidence of Native American habitation dating back thousands of years. The Ancestral Puebloans and Fremont people were among the early inhabitants. European-American settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, primarily for mining and ranching.

Geography

Grand County covers an area of 3,684 square miles (9,540 km²), of which 3,672 square miles (9,510 km²) is land and 12 square miles (31 km²) (0.3%) is water. The county is known for its dramatic landscapes, including parts of the Colorado Plateau, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park.

Adjacent counties

• Uintah County (north)
• Garfield County, Colorado (northeast)
• Mesa County, Colorado (east)
• San Juan County (south)
• Emery County (west)

Major highways

• Interstate 70
• U.S. Route 191
• Utah State Route 128

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 9,669 people, 4,000 households, and 2,500 families residing in the county. The population density was 2.6 people per square mile (1.0/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of Native American, African American, Asian, and other races.

Economy

The economy of Grand County is largely driven by tourism, thanks to its proximity to several national parks and outdoor recreational opportunities. Moab serves as a hub for tourists visiting Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and other natural attractions. Other economic activities include mining, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing.

Education

Grand County is served by the Grand County School District, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Grand County High School.

Communities

City

• Moab (county seat)

Census-designated places

• Castle Valley
• Spanish Valley

Unincorporated communities

• Thompson Springs
• Cisco

Points of interest

• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Dead Horse Point State Park
• La Sal Mountains
• Colorado River

See also

• List of counties in Utah
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Grand County, Utah
• Utah State Route 128