Utah’s job market remains robust compared to national trends, but significant disparities exist at the county level. While the state’s overall unemployment rate is low, certain rural and tourism-dependent counties face much higher joblessness. This article examines the latest data and highlights the Utah counties with the highest unemployment rates as of early 2025.
Utah’s Statewide Unemployment Overview
As of March 2025, Utah’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stands at 3.1%, a slight increase of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. This figure is notably lower than the national unemployment rate, which reached 4.2% in March 2025.
The state’s labor market has grown steadily, adding nearly 29,500 jobs over the past year, with strong gains in education, health services, and construction. However, some sectors, such as leisure and hospitality, have experienced job losses, reflecting broader economic shifts.
Counties with the Highest Unemployment Rates
As of February 2025, the following counties reported the highest unemployment rates in Utah:
| Rank | County | Unemployment Rate (Feb 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garfield County | 14.6% |
| 2 | Wayne County | 8.5% |
| 3 | Grand County | 7.0% |
| 4 | Daggett County | 5.7% |
| 5 | San Juan County | 5.6% |
| 6 | Piute County | 5.2% |
| 7 | Kane County | 4.5% |
| 8 | Emery County | 4.1% |
| 9 | Carbon County | 4.0% |
| 10 | Sevier County | 3.9% |
Garfield County stands out with an unemployment rate of 14.6%, far exceeding the state average. Wayne and Grand counties also report rates well above 7%, indicating persistent employment challenges in these areas.
Factors Driving High Unemployment in Specific Counties
Seasonal Employment: Many of the counties with the highest unemployment, such as Garfield and Grand, rely heavily on tourism and seasonal industries. Fluctuations in visitor numbers and seasonal closures can lead to significant swings in employment.
Rural and Isolated Economies: Counties like Wayne, Daggett, and Piute have small populations and limited economic diversification, making them more vulnerable to job losses in key sectors.
Industry Shifts: Structural changes, such as declines in mining or federal workforce reductions, have also contributed to rising unemployment in some areas.
Comparison with Statewide and National Trends
Utah Statewide: 3.1% (March 2025)
National Average: 4.2% (March 2025)
While Utah’s overall unemployment rate remains low, the gap between the state average and the highest county rates is stark. For example, Garfield County’s unemployment is more than four times the state average.
What initiatives are being taken to reduce unemployment in counties with high rates
Utah has implemented a range of targeted initiatives to address unemployment in counties with persistently high jobless rates, particularly in rural and tourism-dependent areas. These efforts focus on workforce development, remote work, business support, and economic diversification.
Remote Online Initiative (ROI)
The ROI program, launched by the Utah Legislature, aims to reduce rural unemployment by training residents for remote jobs. It offers certificate courses such as Certified Remote Work Professional, Certified Remote Work Leader, and Certified Tech Sales Professional. These programs have helped hundreds of rural Utahns secure remote employment, expanding access to job opportunities beyond local markets.
The ROI also partners with companies to place graduates in remote positions, supporting both individual job seekers and local businesses adapting to remote work models.
Rural Coworking and Innovation Centers
Grants from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development have funded coworking and innovation centers in high-unemployment counties like Garfield. These centers provide workspace, equipment, and business incubation services, enabling residents to launch startups, pursue remote work, and develop entrepreneurial skills.
The centers also host community education programs and serve as hubs for local economic activity, fostering a culture of innovation in rural areas.
Rural Economic Development Incentive (REDI) Grants
The REDI Grant program encourages businesses to create new, high-paying jobs in rural counties. By offering financial incentives, the state attracts employers willing to expand or relocate operations to areas with higher unemployment, thus diversifying local economies.
Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) and Targeted Grants
Other programs, such as BEAR and the Rural Rapid Manufacturing Grant, provide direct support for expanding existing businesses and attracting new industries, especially in sectors beyond tourism. These initiatives aim to create sustainable, year-round employment and reduce reliance on seasonal jobs.
Workforce Training and Vocational Rehabilitation
Counties like Garfield offer employment training and adjustment programs for individuals with disabilities, as well as adult education, GED preparation, and English as a Second Language courses. These services help broaden the employable workforce and address skill gaps in rural communities.
Education and Community Partnerships
Partnerships with Utah State University Extension and local school districts provide research-based community education, business resources, and youth programs. These efforts build long-term capacity for economic resilience and workforce readiness
Conclusion
Utah’s robust job market continues to outperform the national average, but the benefits are not evenly distributed. Rural and tourism-dependent counties like Garfield, Wayne, and Grand face persistently high unemployment, underscoring the need for targeted economic development and workforce support in these regions. Addressing these disparities will be crucial for ensuring that all Utahns have access to stable employment opportunities, regardless of where they live.
Source:
[1] https://usafacts.org/answers/what-is-the-unemployment-rate/state/utah/
[2] https://jobs.utah.gov/wi/data/library/employment/countyunemployment.html
[3] https://stacker.com/stories/utah/counties-highest-unemployment-utah
[4] https://www.aol.com/counties-highest-unemployment-utah-190929945.html
[5] https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/unemployment-rate-in-utah-percent-m-sa-fed-data.html
[6] https://jobs.utah.gov/wi/update/press/pdfs/ratecurrent.pdf
[7] https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/unemployment-rate-in-utah-county-ut-percent-m-nsa-fed-data.html
[8] https://jobs.utah.gov/wi/update/index.html