Here are 20 fun facts you should know about Utah County:
1. Utah County is the second most populous county in the State
As per the 2010 census, there were 140,602 households, 114,350 families, and 516,654 people residing in Utah. These statistics rank the county as the second most populous in the State.
2. Utah County is the 16th largest in area in the State
The U.S. Census Bureau revealed that the county has an area of 2,144 square miles (5,550 square km) placing Utah County as the 16th largest county statewide. Of the total square miles, 2,003 square miles (5,190 square km) are land while the remaining 141 square miles (370 square km) are water.
3. The county’s name originates from the Native American ‘Ute’ tribe
The State of Utah was created in 1850 and named after the Spanish name ‘Yuta’ from the Ute tribe which simply translates to ‘people of the mountains’ in English. The county is among the seven counties in the US to have the same name as their state. The other 6 include Hawaii, Idaho, Oklahoma, Iowa, Arkansas, and New York.
4. Provo, Utah is the County Seat
Located 43 miles (69 km) south of Salt Lake City, Provo is the third-largest city in Utah and the largest city in Utah County. This city also happens to be the County Seat (administrative center).
5. Utah County is home to approximately 20% of Utah’s population
Utah County holds 19.6% of Utah’s total residents. When merged with the Salt Lake County (with 36.7% of Utah’s population), the two counties make 56% of the total population of Utah.
6. Utah County is the fourth fastest-growing county in the country
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Utah County has grown by 17.4% since the 2010 census –ranking it fourth in terms of growth rate in the entire county. The other three fastest-growing counties include Wasatch, Morgan, and Washington counties.
7. Utah County is the youngest median age county in the State
The county has an average age of 24.4 making the county youngest in the entire state. It is followed by Cache County with an average age of 25. Utah County is also the sixth youngest county in the country, right behind the Chattahoochee County in Georgia.
8. The county has new population estimates of 606,425
According to new population data estimates released on July 1st, 2017, Utah County came in at 606,425. That is a 17.4% increase from the 2010 census data which recorded 516,654 total residents.
9. The first large manufacturing plant in Utah was based in Utah County
According to the Utah State Historical Society, Provo Woolen Mill was the first large manufacturing plant in Utah. Lehi in Utah county also happens to be home of the first large-scale sugar factory built in 1890.
10. The county has the 8th–highest median income in the state
Utah County has a median household income of $64,321 – ranking it eighth as the county with the highest median income in the state. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Summit County recorded the highest median household income of $91,470. Piute County registered the lowest median household income at $37,112.
11. Utah County records the lowest percentage of Veterans compared to other counties in the State
With 15, 285 veterans in Utah County, it equals to only 2.5% of the county’s total population – which is the lowest percentage in the entire state. The Cache and Wasatch counties follow with 3% and 3.1%, respectively.
Piute County recorded the highest percentage of veterans at 11.3%.
12. The county’s residents are more educated than the National average
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 87% of the nation’s adults over the age of 25 have graduated from high school. Utah County happens to record a higher national average at 93.6%. Statistics also reveal that 38.1% of Utah County residents have at least a Bachelor’s degree – compared to the 30.3% across the entire country, and 31.7% in the state.
13. 10.1% of Utah County’s residents are non-religious
Of the total population in Utah County, 88.1% are Churchgoers and 1.8% belong to other religions. The remaining 10.1% are non-religious.
14. Utah County is among the three most generous counties in philanthropic donations
Researches and reports on the charitable giving in the United States named Utah County as one of the most generous counties in philanthropic donations –alongside Madison, San Juan, and Idaho Counties.
15. The first JB's Big Boy was opened in Provo, Utah
Before you take your next trip to the Big Boy's Burger and Shakes for a hamburger, is it worth knowing that their first food restaurant was opened in Provo? Well, thanks to Provo and its residents.
16. Utah County is referred to as the most Republican County in the United States
Reports reveal that Utah County has only supported a Democrat for president nine times since Statehood. It has never supported a Democrat for president since the year 1964. All the six Senators of the county, as well as all the other 12 representatives, are all Republicans.
17. The county has three School Districts
Utah has three school districts namely Provo, Alpine, and Nebo. To overview its tertiary institutions, the county has two universities: Utah Valley University and Brigham Young University. It also has one technical college: the Mountainland Technical College.
18. The Hispanic or Latino Race accounts for the second largest population in Utah County
The Hispanic or Latino race accounts for 10.8% of the population in Utah County. The Caucasian race tops with 89.4%. The remaining population constitutes of 0.6% American or Alaska Native, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.8% Native Hawaiian, and 4.6% of other races.
19. A Boxing Match was once held at the bottom of Utah Lake
Of course, Utah Lake is now filled with water. But in 1935, there was a boxing match that was staged at the bottom of the dried up lake.
20. Springville City was initially called Hobble Creek
The early settlers used to call the now Springville City ‘Hobble Creek’ as horses would be hobbled and left by a nearby stream. ‘Hobbling’ simply means tying up with some mobility.