Emery County sits in Castle Country with a 2024 population of 10,161 residents across 4462.0 square miles. The county seat is Castle Dale, and the region is defined by its mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction economy, 37.5-year median age, and median household income of $69,956. Real estate values have moved 3.0% over the past year, with a median home price of $225,000 and typical days on market at 80. 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 Emery County — economy, schools, market, and lifestyle — before they engage an agent.
Emery County at a Glance
| Population (2024) | 10,161 | 5-Year Growth | 3.4% |
| Median Age | 37.5 | Median Household Income | $69,956 |
| Median Home Price | $225,000 | Home Price YoY | 3.0% |
| Median Rent | $850 | Days on Market | 80 |
| Active Listings | 60 | Unemployment | 3.7% |
| College Degree | 17.2% | Poverty Rate | 10.8% |
| Area | 4462.0 sq mi | County Seat | Castle Dale |
Real Estate Market in Emery County
Emery County has a very thin real estate market tied to energy sector employment, with modest values and slow appreciation. Affordability is strong for those working in local mining or utilities sectors.
Current Market Snapshot
Compared with the Utah statewide median of roughly $540,000, Emery County sits below the state average, shaping affordability for first-time buyers, relocators, and investors. Connect with a licensed Emery County directory agent for MLS-verified inventory.
Economy and Employment in Emery County
Emery County supports 273 employers with 3,574 total workers. The three dominant industry sectors:
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction jobs in Emery County →
Government
Government jobs in Emery County →
Utilities
Utilities jobs in Emery County →
This employment mix drives job stability, commute patterns, and long-term appreciation across Emery County — a leading indicator for buyers evaluating relocation to Emery County.
Schools in Emery County
School quality is a top-three driver of home value across Emery County. Buyers should weigh Emery County school district boundaries before selecting a neighborhood.
Notable Schools in Emery County
Emery High School
Homes near Emery High School →
Cleveland School
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Ferron School
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Geography and Climate
Emery County covers 4462.0 square miles in Castle Country. Elevation ranges from 4,200 ft to 10,743 ft. Emery County features a high desert climate in the San Rafael Swell region with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Canyonlands terrain creates varied microclimates; annual precipitation is sparse at 8-12 inches in valley areas, with the Wasatch Plateau receiving significantly more snow.
History and Character
Founded: 1880. Name origin: Named for George W. Emery, governor of Utah Territory from 1875 to 1880.
Emery County’s economy was built on coal mining, with multiple mines operating from the 1880s through the early 21st century. The county contains the San Rafael Swell, a massive geological anticline that is a major landmark. Several power plants in the county historically supplied electricity to large portions of the West.
Utilities and Infrastructure in Emery County
Cities and Towns in Emery County
Explore every city and town in Emery County — click any card for a full local guide, listings, and directory-verified agents.
Castle Dale
Explore Castle Dale →
Huntington
Explore Huntington →
Ferron
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Orangeville
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Green River
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Cleveland
Explore Cleveland →
Elmo
Explore Elmo →
Clawson
Explore Clawson →
Emery
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Frequently Asked Questions About Emery County
What is the median home price in Emery County?
As of the latest available data, the median home price in Emery County is $225,000, with year-over-year appreciation of 3.0%. Median monthly rent is $850. Prices vary significantly by city and neighborhood within the county — contact a directory agent for MLS-verified current listings.
Is Emery County a good place to live?
Emery County offers a 37.5-year median age, $69,956 median household income, and 3.7% 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 Emery County from Salt Lake City?
Emery County is approximately 165 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 Emery County economy?
The top three sectors in Emery County are Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction, Government, and Utilities. Together they support 3,574 workers across 273 employers, with a current unemployment rate of 3.7%.
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 Emery County directory agent.