Iron County, Utah

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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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

Major highways[edit | edit source]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.