Utah has emerged as one of the rapidly expanding states in the United States, witnessing an impressive 18.4% surge in population from 2010 to 2020.
Despite this overall growth, certain regions within the state are undergoing a contrasting experience. Indeed, several counties in Utah have faced a substantial decrease in their population over the past decade.
This article delves into the five counties in Utah grappling with the most pronounced population decline, as revealed by the latest census data. Additionally, we will examine potential factors and repercussions contributing to this noteworthy trend.
| County | Population (2020) | Population Change (2010-2020) | Median Household Income | Poverty Rate | Number of Schools |
| Piute | 1,484 | -10.90% | $39,583 | 15.90% | 2 |
| Garfield | 4,658 | -11.10% | $46,667 | 12.40% | 8 |
| Emery | 9,373 | -12.40% | $54,688 | 11.20% | 10 |
| Wayne | 2,509 | -14.10% | $42,500 | 16.70% | 3 |
| Daggett | 950 | -23.50% | $48,750 | 12.60% | 2 |
Piute County
Piute County, situated in the south-central region of Utah, had a population of 1,484 as of 2020, marking a 10.9% decline from the 2010 figure of 1,665. It ranks as the second-smallest county in Utah by area and the third-smallest by population. Junction, with a population of 191, serves as both the county seat and the largest town.
The median household income in Piute County is $39,583, notably below the state average of $75,780. Additionally, the county faces a poverty rate of 15.9%, surpassing the state average of 8.9%. Notably, Piute County is equipped with only one elementary school and one high school, and lacks any hospitals or clinics.
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Garfield County
Garfield County, situated in south-central Utah, had a population of 4,658 as of 2020, reflecting an 11.1% decline from the 2010 figure of 5,241.
Ranked as the fifth-largest county in Utah in terms of area, Garfield County stands as the eighth-smallest in population. The county’s primary hub is Panguitch, serving as both the county seat and the largest town, with a population of 1,520.
The median household income in Garfield County is $46,667, notably lower than the state average of $75,780. The county also grapples with a poverty rate of 12.4%, surpassing the state average of 8.9%. Educational facilities include four elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools, along with a single hospital.
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Emery County
Emery County, situated in east-central Utah, recorded a population of 9,373 in 2020, marking a 12.4% decline from the 2010 figure of 10,976.
Ranking as the tenth-largest county in Utah by area, it is the twelfth-smallest in terms of population. The county seat and largest city is Castle Dale, boasting a population of 1,547.
With a median household income of $54,688, Emery County falls below the state average of $75,780. Additionally, the county faces a poverty rate of 11.2%, surpassing the state average of 8.9%. Education facilities in the county include six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools, along with one hospital.
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Wayne County
In 2020, Wayne County, situated in south-central Utah, had a population of 2,509, marking a 14.1% decline from 2010 when it was 2,921. It ranks as the eleventh-largest county in Utah in terms of area and the fourth-smallest in population. The county seat and largest town, Loa, has a population of 572.
The median household income in Wayne County is $42,500, which is below the state average of $75,780. Additionally, the county has a poverty rate of 16.7%, exceeding the state average of 8.9%. Wayne County hosts one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school, but lacks hospitals or clinics.
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Daggett County
Daggett County, situated in northeastern Utah, had a population of 950 as of 2020, marking a 23.5% decrease from the 2010 figure of 1,241. Notably, it holds the title of the smallest county in Utah both in terms of area and population. Manila, with a population of 310, serves as the county seat and largest town.
In terms of economic indicators, Daggett County has a median household income of $48,750, which is below the state average of $75,780. The county’s poverty rate stands at 12.6%, surpassing the state average of 8.9%. Notably, Daggett County has one elementary school and one high school, but lacks hospitals or clinics.
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Conclusion
The most rapid population decline in Utah is occurring in Piute, Garfield, Emery, Wayne, and Daggett counties. These areas are grappling with a range of issues including economic stagnation, environmental degradation, social isolation, and demographic shifts.
These challenges could adversely affect the residents’ quality of life, the delivery of public services, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Despite these difficulties, these counties possess distinctive strengths such as natural beauty, historical sites, recreational activities, and a resilient sense of community.
These assets and opportunities may hold the key to potential solutions and strategies aimed at reversing or mitigating the population decline in these counties.
