Grand County sits in Castle Country / Canyon Country with a 2024 population of 9,800 residents across 3671.0 square miles. The county seat is Moab, and the region is defined by its accommodation and food services economy, 43.5-year median age, and median household income of $62,521. Real estate values have moved -2.4% over the past year, with a median home price of $543,317 and typical days on market at 70. 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 Grand County — economy, schools, market, and lifestyle — before they engage an agent.
Grand County at a Glance
| Population (2024) | 9,800 | 5-Year Growth | 1.4% |
| Median Age | 43.5 | Median Household Income | $62,521 |
| Median Home Price | $543,317 | Home Price YoY | -2.4% |
| Median Rent | $1,150 | Days on Market | 70 |
| Active Listings | 120 | Unemployment | 3.9% |
| College Degree | 34.7% | Poverty Rate | 10.6% |
| Area | 3671.0 sq mi | County Seat | Moab |
Real Estate Market in Grand County
Moab’s real estate market has cooled from pandemic-era highs, with median home values near $543,000 declining 2.4% year-over-year. The market is dominated by vacation homes and short-term rental properties; locals face a significant affordability gap relative to median incomes.
Current Market Snapshot
Compared with the Utah statewide median of roughly $540,000, Grand County sits above the state average, shaping affordability for first-time buyers, relocators, and investors. Connect with a licensed Grand County directory agent for MLS-verified inventory.
Economy and Employment in Grand County
Grand County supports 698 employers with 6,276 total workers. The three dominant industry sectors:
Accommodation and Food Services
Accommodation and Food Services jobs in Grand County →
Retail Trade
Retail Trade jobs in Grand County →
Government
Government jobs in Grand County →
This employment mix drives job stability, commute patterns, and long-term appreciation across Grand County — a leading indicator for buyers evaluating relocation to Grand County.
Schools in Grand County
School quality is a top-three driver of home value across Grand County. Buyers should weigh Grand County school district boundaries before selecting a neighborhood.
Notable Schools in Grand County
Grand County High School
Homes near Grand County High School →
Helen M. Knight Elementary
Homes near Helen M. Knight Elementary →
Grand County Middle School
Homes near Grand County Middle School →
Geography and Climate
Grand County covers 3671.0 square miles in Castle Country / Canyon Country. Elevation ranges from 3,960 ft to 12,331 ft. Grand County has a high desert climate centered on Moab at 4,000 feet elevation, with hot summers (regularly exceeding 100°F), mild winters, and very low annual precipitation of 9-10 inches. The La Sal Mountains rise to over 12,000 feet and receive significant snowfall, creating a sharp contrast with the canyon desert below.
History and Character
Founded: 1890. Name origin: Named for the Grand River (now the upper Colorado River), which flows through the county; the river was renamed Colorado in 1921.
Grand County’s uranium boom of the 1950s and potash mining transformed Moab. Arches National Park (1971) and Canyonlands National Park (1964) made Moab the adventure tourism capital of Utah. The area hosts world-renowned mountain biking, off-road, and river recreation.
Notable people from Grand County: Edward Abbey, author of Desert Solitaire and The Monkey Wrench Gang, worked as a ranger in Arches and immortalized the canyon country.
Utilities and Infrastructure in Grand County
Cities and Towns in Grand County
Explore every city and town in Grand County — click any card for a full local guide, listings, and directory-verified agents.
Moab
Explore Moab →
Castle Valley
Explore Castle Valley →
Moab Valley area
Explore Moab Valley area →
Spanish Valley
Explore Spanish Valley →
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand County
What is the median home price in Grand County?
As of the latest available data, the median home price in Grand County is $543,317, with year-over-year appreciation of -2.4%. Median monthly rent is $1,150. Prices vary significantly by city and neighborhood within the county — contact a directory agent for MLS-verified current listings.
Is Grand County a good place to live?
Grand County offers a 43.5-year median age, $62,521 median household income, and 3.9% unemployment. The county’s economy is anchored by accommodation and food services and retail trade, with schools rated 5/10 on average. Whether it’s the right fit depends on your commute needs, school priorities, and lifestyle preferences.
How far is Grand County from Salt Lake City?
Grand County is approximately 250 minutes from Salt Lake City by car via US-191. The nearest commercial airport is Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY).
What industries drive the Grand County economy?
The top three sectors in Grand County are Accommodation and Food Services, Retail Trade, and Government. Together they support 6,276 workers across 698 employers, with a current unemployment rate of 3.9%.
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 Grand County directory agent.