Grand County, Utah

GrandCountyUTCourthouse

Delicate_arch_sunset

Sagebrush_Rebellion_July_4th,_1980_Grand_County_Utah

Grand_County_Utah_incorporated_and_unincorporated_areas

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Major highways[edit | edit source]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.