Iron County, Utah

Parowan_Gap

Iron_County_Utah_incorporated_and_unincorporated_areas

Iron County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Utah. As of the 2020 census, the population was 57,289. The county seat is Parowan, and the largest city is Cedar City. The county was created in 1850 and organized in 1851. It was named for the iron deposits found in the area.

History

Iron County was originally settled by Mormon pioneers in the mid-19th century. The first settlement was established in 1851 in what is now Parowan. The area was chosen for its rich iron ore deposits, which were intended to support the Deseret Iron Company. The early settlers faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes.

Geography

Iron County covers an area of approximately 3,301 square miles (8,550 km²). The county is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes mountains, valleys, and desert regions. The Markagunt Plateau and the Cedar Breaks National Monument are notable geographic features within the county.

Adjacent counties

• Beaver County - north
• Millard County - northeast
• Garfield County - east
• Kane County - southeast
• Washington County - south
• Lincoln County, Nevada - west

Major highways

• Interstate 15
• U.S. Route 91
• Utah State Route 14
• Utah State Route 56

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Iron County had a population of 57,289 people. The population density was approximately 17.4 people per square mile (6.7/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of other racial and ethnic groups.

Economy

The economy of Iron County is diverse, with significant contributions from education, tourism, and manufacturing. Southern Utah University in Cedar City is a major employer and educational institution in the region. Tourism is also a vital part of the local economy, with attractions such as the Utah Shakespeare Festival and Cedar Breaks National Monument drawing visitors from around the world.

Education

Iron County is served by the Iron County School District, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. Higher education is provided by Southern Utah University, which offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Communities

Cities

• Cedar City
• Enoch
• Parowan

Towns

• Brian Head
• Paragonah

Unincorporated communities

• Beryl
• Modena
• Newcastle

Points of interest

• Cedar Breaks National Monument
• Frontier Homestead State Park Museum
• Parowan Gap Petroglyphs

See also

• List of counties in Utah
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Iron County, Utah