Is Southern Utah Ready For Half A Million People (Or More) ?

Southern Utah is expected to remain one of the state’s most dynamic growth regions over the next four decades, according to new long-term planning projections from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. Washington and Iron counties continue to lead the region’s expansion, while Beaver, Kane and Garfield counties also show steady upward movement. Together, these five counties are projected to reach a combined population of 531,187 by 2065, underscoring the region’s increasing significance in Utah’s demographic future.

Washington County remains a major population engine. Its 2025 population of 209,084 is forecast to rise to 384,339 by 2065, an 83.8 percent increase. The report notes that Washington County is already investing in major wastewater infrastructure expansions, anticipating the continued in-migration that has long made the area one of Utah’s fastest-growing destinations. With an average annual growth rate of 1.5 percent, Washington County is among the top growth counties statewide through mid-century.

Inland Port Could Help Iron County Double In Population

Iron County is similarly poised for strong growth. With its population expected to climb from 69,982 in 2025 to 123,138 in 2065, the county will experience a projected increase of 76 percent. The report identifies expanding economic activity at the Utah Inland Port Authority’s Iron Springs site as one of the contributors to long-term employment and population growth. As with Washington County, migration plays an increasingly central role in Iron County’s expansion.

Rural southern Utah will see moderate but consistent increases over the next four decades. Beaver County is projected to grow from 7,533 residents in 2025 to 8,389 in 2065, an 11.4 percent rise. Kane County is expected to increase from 8,398 to 9,688 during the same period, a growth rate of 15.4 percent. Garfield County—the smallest of the five—will see its population rise from 5,119 to 5,633, reflecting a 10 percent increase.

Read More: Some Utah Cities Losing Population

Although their raw numbers are comparatively small, the growth trajectories of these rural counties mirror the state’s broader demographic patterns. Utah’s natural increase continues to slow as fertility rates decline, placing greater emphasis on net migration as the primary driver of population growth. Southern Utah, with its expanding communities and strong quality of life, is well positioned to benefit from these trends.

Get our free mobile app

As the combined population of Washington, Iron, Kane, Beaver and Garfield counties surpasses the half-million mark by 2065, regional planning for housing, transportation, water and healthcare will play an increasingly important role in supporting sustainable growth across southern Utah.

America Behind Bars: State Rankings for Prison Population Growth

With many states experiencing corrections officer shortages and no shortage of criminals willing to land themselves behind bars, some states are closely monitoring prison populations and searching for solutions. Other states have thrown caution to the wind and more lawbreakers into prison, with a southern state leading the way, growing its incarcerated population by over 14% from 2021 to 2022, according to a study conducted by H&P Law. Let's countdown to the state with the largest percentage growth of residents housed in prison.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow