Iron County, Utah
According to countryaah.com, Iron County is located in southwestern Utah and is bordered by Washington, Kane, and Garfield Counties. The county seat is Parowan and the population is estimated to be around 46,000 people. The landscape of Iron County contains many scenic features including the colorful red rock canyons of Cedar Breaks National Monument, the sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park, and the Pine Valley Mountains.
Iron County covers an area of 4,741 square miles with an average elevation of 5,854 feet above sea level. It has a generally dry climate with hot summers and cold winters. The population density in Iron County is around 9 people per square mile.
The major economic activities in Iron County are mining (especially iron ore), tourism (including outdoor recreation), agriculture (especially livestock), manufacturing (particularly food products), and government services. The county’s largest cities are Cedar City (population 28,857) and Parowan (population 2,790).
The median household income for Iron County stands at $45,914 while the per capita income stands at $21,746. The majority of residents are White (90%) followed by Hispanic or Latino (4%), Native American or Alaska Native (<1%) and Asian (<1%). Around 25% of the population is under 18 years old while 11% are over 65 years old.
Iron County offers its residents a variety of recreational activities including camping, hiking, biking trails, hunting grounds, fishing spots as well as skiing/snowboarding areas nearby. Visitors can also enjoy its wide array of historical sites such as Frontier Homestead State Park Museum or take part in some cultural events such as the Utah Summer Games held annually in Cedar City.
History of Iron County, Utah
Iron County was established in 1851 and is the fifth most populous county in Utah. It is located in southwestern Utah and is bordered by Washington, Kane, and Garfield Counties. The population of Iron County is estimated to be around 46,000 people.
The first settlers arrived in Iron County in 1851 with the intention of settling along the banks of the Virgin River. These settlers were Mormon pioneers who had been sent by Brigham Young to establish a city near present-day Parowan. Over the next few decades, additional settlements were built as more settlers moved into the area.
In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed an act that created Iron County which encompassed all of what is now Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane and Washington Counties. By 1864, Parowan had become the county seat for Iron County and other cities such as Cedar City and Kanarraville were soon established.
Throughout its history, Iron County has experienced significant economic growth due to its rich mineral resources including iron ore, coal, gold and silver deposits. In addition to mining operations, the county also developed an agricultural industry centered on raising livestock such as cattle and sheep as well as growing crops like corn and wheat.
The tourism industry has also played an important role in Iron County’s economy over the years with visitors drawn to its many scenic attractions including Cedar Breaks National Monument and Zion National Park. Today, Iron County continues to attract tourists with its wide array of recreational activities such as camping, hiking trails for biking/hiking/horseback riding/ATVing/snowmobiling; hunting grounds; fishing spots; skiing/snowboarding areas nearby; historical sites; cultural events (e.g., Utah Summer Games); outdoor concerts; etc.
Major cities and towns in Iron County, Utah
Iron County is home to five cities and numerous towns and unincorporated communities. The major cities are Parowan, Enoch, Cedar City, Kanarraville, and New Harmony.
Parowan is the oldest city in the county and was designated as the county seat in 1864. The city has a rich history as it is one of the first settlements established by Mormon pioneers in Iron County. Today, it is home to a variety of attractions including the Old Rock Church and Parowan Gap Petroglyphs.
Enoch City was established in 1883 and is located just north of Cedar City. It is known for its picturesque views of mountain ranges and its close proximity to several recreational areas such as Quail Creek State Park and Sand Hollow State Park.
Cedar City is located near the center of Iron County, making it an ideal location for many businesses, services, educational institutions, cultural centers, etc. It also hosts many events throughout the year such as the Utah Summer Games held annually in Cedar City.
Kanarraville is one of Iron County’s most scenic towns with its quaint historic buildings surrounded by towering red cliffs. It was founded in 1870 by Mormon settlers from nearby Parowan who were looking to expand their farming operations into a new area. Today, it remains a popular destination for visitors who come to explore its unique history and attractions like Kanarra Falls Trailhead at Kolob Reservoir which offers spectacular views of Zion National Park’s Kolob Canyon section.
New Harmony is located at the southern end of Iron County near Washington County’s border. It was founded in 1850 by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who were sent there by Brigham Young to establish a settlement near present-day Parowan Valley. Today, it remains an important part of Iron County with its numerous historical sites including Harmony Hall which served as a meeting place for early settlers during religious ceremonies or social gatherings.
Population in Iron County, Utah
According to Act-Test-Centers, Iron County, Utah is home to a diverse population of approximately 51,000 people. The county is located in the southwestern part of the state and borders Arizona, Nevada, and Washington County. According to the latest census data, Iron County has a population density of about 20 people per square mile.
The majority of Iron County’s population is made up of White Americans (70.3%), with smaller percentages belonging to other ethnic groups such as Native Americans (7.9%), Hispanic/Latino (13.4%), African American (2.0%), Asian (2.7%), and Pacific Islander (0.3%). The county also has a significant Mormon population with over 70% of residents belonging to that faith group.
The median age for Iron County residents is 29 years old, with slightly more males than females living in the area (50.6% vs 49.4%). The median household income is $41,652 and the poverty rate sits at 13%.
Education levels are quite high in Iron County with approximately 85% of adults having at least some college education or higher compared to the state average of 64%. The unemployment rate is slightly lower than the national average at 4%, which is likely due to its diverse economy consisting mostly of service-related jobs such as retail, healthcare, tourism, government services, education services, etc., as well as some manufacturing jobs and agriculture related work in rural areas within the county.
Iron County offers a variety of amenities for its residents including numerous parks and recreational areas for outdoor activities like camping or boating on Quail Creek Reservoir; numerous historical sites; theaters; museums; art galleries; restaurants; shopping centers; hotels; golf courses; ski resorts; etc., making it an ideal place for those looking for both urban convenience and rural tranquility that only this part of Utah can provide.
