Iron County sits in Dixie / Southern Utah with a 2024 population of 65,936 residents across 3296.34 square miles. The county seat is Parowan, and the region is defined by its retail trade economy, 29.0-year median age, and median household income of $65,527. Real estate values have moved 4.0% over the past year, with a median home price of $399,529 and typical days on market at 73. 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 Iron County — economy, schools, market, and lifestyle — before they engage an agent.
Iron County at a Glance
| Population (2024) | 65,936 | 5-Year Growth | 15.1% |
| Median Age | 29.0 | Median Household Income | $65,527 |
| Median Home Price | $399,529 | Home Price YoY | 4.0% |
| Median Rent | $1,008 | Days on Market | 73 |
| Active Listings | 350 | Unemployment | 3.0% |
| College Degree | 30.3% | Poverty Rate | 11.6% |
| Area | 3296.34 sq mi | County Seat | Parowan |
Real Estate Market in Iron County
Iron County is one of Utah’s fastest-growing counties, with 15.1% population growth since 2020 driving robust housing demand. median home values near $399,500 with 4% annual appreciation reflect strong demand from both in-migration and SUU student population growth.
Current Market Snapshot
Compared with the Utah statewide median of roughly $540,000, Iron County sits below the state average, shaping affordability for first-time buyers, relocators, and investors. Connect with a licensed Iron County directory agent for MLS-verified inventory.
Economy and Employment in Iron County
Iron County supports 2,275 employers with 25,955 total workers. The three dominant industry sectors:
Retail Trade
Retail Trade jobs in Iron County →
Educational Services
Educational Services jobs in Iron County →
Health Care and Social Assistance
Health Care and Social Assistance jobs in Iron County →
This employment mix drives job stability, commute patterns, and long-term appreciation across Iron County — a leading indicator for buyers evaluating relocation to Iron County.
Schools in Iron County
School quality is a top-three driver of home value across Iron County. Buyers should weigh Iron County school district boundaries before selecting a neighborhood.
Notable Schools in Iron County
Cedar City High School
Homes near Cedar City High School →
Canyon View High School
Homes near Canyon View High School →
Parowan High School
Homes near Parowan High School →
Geography and Climate
Iron County covers 3296.34 square miles in Dixie / Southern Utah. Elevation ranges from 5,000 ft to 11,307 ft. Iron County sits on the Markagunt Plateau at 5,800 to 6,000 feet elevation, giving Cedar City a temperate four-season climate with warm summers, snowy winters, and annual precipitation of 12-14 inches. Brian Head ski resort in the county reaches 11,307 feet and receives over 400 inches of snowfall annually.
History and Character
Founded: 1850. Name origin: Originally called Little Salt Lake Valley County, renamed Iron County in recognition of iron ore deposits near Cedar City that motivated the Mormon Iron Mission established in 1851.
The LDS Iron Mission of 1851 was one of Utah’s first large-scale industrial ventures. Southern Utah University (SUU), founded in 1897, remains Cedar City’s anchor institution. The Utah Shakespeare Festival (Tony Award-winning) has drawn international visitors to Cedar City since 1961.
Notable people from Iron County: Fred Adams, founder of the Utah Shakespeare Festival, transformed Cedar City into a cultural destination.
Utilities and Infrastructure in Iron County
Cities and Towns in Iron County
Explore every city and town in Iron County — click any card for a full local guide, listings, and directory-verified agents.
Cedar City
Explore Cedar City →
Parowan
Explore Parowan →
Enoch
Explore Enoch →
Brian Head
Explore Brian Head →
Paragonah
Explore Paragonah →
Kanarraville
Explore Kanarraville →
Frequently Asked Questions About Iron County
What is the median home price in Iron County?
As of the latest available data, the median home price in Iron County is $399,529, with year-over-year appreciation of 4.0%. Median monthly rent is $1,008. Prices vary significantly by city and neighborhood within the county — contact a directory agent for MLS-verified current listings.
Is Iron County a good place to live?
Iron County offers a 29.0-year median age, $65,527 median household income, and 3.0% unemployment. The county’s economy is anchored by retail trade and educational services, with schools rated 6/10 on average. Whether it’s the right fit depends on your commute needs, school priorities, and lifestyle preferences.
How far is Iron County from Salt Lake City?
Iron County is approximately 240 minutes from Salt Lake City by car via I-15. The nearest commercial airport is Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC).
What industries drive the Iron County economy?
The top three sectors in Iron County are Retail Trade, Educational Services, and Health Care and Social Assistance. Together they support 25,955 workers across 2,275 employers, with a current unemployment rate of 3.0%.
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 Iron County directory agent.