Carbon County sits in Castle Country with a 2024 population of 20,613 residents across 1479.18 square miles. The county seat is Price, and the region is defined by its mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction economy, 38.5-year median age, and median household income of $53,673. Real estate values have moved 4.6% over the past year, with a median home price of $266,492 and typical days on market at 67. This directory profile pulls verified data from the U.S. Census, Utah Department of Workforce Services, and MLS-adjacent public sources to give buyers, sellers, and relocation candidates a full picture of Carbon County — economy, schools, market, and lifestyle — before they engage an agent.
Carbon County at a Glance
| Population (2024) | 20,613 | 5-Year Growth | 1.0% |
| Median Age | 38.5 | Median Household Income | $53,673 |
| Median Home Price | $266,492 | Home Price YoY | 4.6% |
| Median Rent | $828 | Days on Market | 67 |
| Active Listings | 90 | Unemployment | 4.0% |
| College Degree | 18.4% | Poverty Rate | 14.0% |
| Area | 1479.18 sq mi | County Seat | Price |
Real Estate Market in Carbon County
Carbon County’s housing market has shown resilience with 4.6% annual appreciation, driven by affordability and energy sector employment. Median values near $266,000 make it among Utah’s most affordable counties, attracting buyers priced out of larger metro areas.
Current Market Snapshot
Compared with the Utah statewide median of roughly $540,000, Carbon County sits below the state average, shaping affordability for first-time buyers, relocators, and investors. Connect with a licensed Carbon County directory agent for MLS-verified inventory.
Economy and Employment in Carbon County
Carbon County supports 651 employers with 8,821 total workers. The three dominant industry sectors:
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction jobs in Carbon County →
Government
Government jobs in Carbon County →
Retail Trade
Retail Trade jobs in Carbon County →
This employment mix drives job stability, commute patterns, and long-term appreciation across Carbon County — a leading indicator for buyers evaluating relocation to Carbon County.
Schools in Carbon County
School quality is a top-three driver of home value across Carbon County. Buyers should weigh Carbon County school district boundaries before selecting a neighborhood.
Notable Schools in Carbon County
Carbon High School
Homes near Carbon High School →
Helper Middle School
Homes near Helper Middle School →
Mont Harmon Junior High
Homes near Mont Harmon Junior High →
Geography and Climate
Carbon County covers 1479.18 square miles in Castle Country. Elevation ranges from 5,400 ft to 10,452 ft. Carbon County experiences a high desert climate with cold winters and mild summers, shaped by its elevation of approximately 5,500 feet in Price. Annual precipitation is sparse at about 9 inches, with the Wasatch Plateau on the western edge capturing more snowfall.
History and Character
Founded: 1894. Name origin: Named for the extensive coal deposits found throughout the county, which fueled the local mining economy for over a century.
Carbon County’s coal mines powered Utah’s industrialization from the 1880s through the mid-20th century, attracting diverse immigrant communities from Greece, Italy, and Eastern Europe. The Castle Gate mining disaster of 1924 killed 172 men and remains Utah’s deadliest industrial accident.
Notable people from Carbon County: Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch operated throughout Carbon County and the Book Cliffs region in the 1890s. The county has deep ties to Greek-American immigration heritage centered in Helper and Price.
Utilities and Infrastructure in Carbon County
Cities and Towns in Carbon County
Explore every city and town in Carbon County — click any card for a full local guide, listings, and directory-verified agents.
Price
Explore Price →
Helper
Explore Helper →
East Carbon
Explore East Carbon →
Wellington
Explore Wellington →
Scofield
Explore Scofield →
Carbonville
Explore Carbonville →
Helper area (north)
Explore Helper area (north) →
Kenilworth
Explore Kenilworth →
Frequently Asked Questions About Carbon County
What is the median home price in Carbon County?
As of the latest available data, the median home price in Carbon County is $266,492, with year-over-year appreciation of 4.6%. Median monthly rent is $828. Prices vary significantly by city and neighborhood within the county — contact a directory agent for MLS-verified current listings.
Is Carbon County a good place to live?
Carbon County offers a 38.5-year median age, $53,673 median household income, and 4.0% unemployment. The county’s economy is anchored by mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction and government, with schools rated 4/10 on average. Whether it’s the right fit depends on your commute needs, school priorities, and lifestyle preferences.
How far is Carbon County from Salt Lake City?
Carbon County is approximately 120 minutes from Salt Lake City by car via US-6. The nearest commercial airport is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).
What industries drive the Carbon County economy?
The top three sectors in Carbon County are Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction, Government, and Retail Trade. Together they support 8,821 workers across 651 employers, with a current unemployment rate of 4.0%.
Data last updated 2026-Q3. Real estate figures reflect the most recent MLS-adjacent aggregates compiled by Utah Real Estate Directory. For live inventory and MLS-verified comps, connect with a licensed Carbon County directory agent.