countyscore
66.8
County Score
Property Tax 95.1Cost of Living 70.7Schools 66.7

County Report Card

About Garfield County, Utah

Garfield Outperforms the National Median

Garfield County earns a composite score of 66.8, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects an exceptionally high standard of living compared to most American counties.

A Top Performer in Utah

The county's overall score of 66.8 easily beats the Utah state average of 53.9. It stands out as a high-performing rural leader within the state's diverse economic landscape.

Unmatched Tax and Cost Advantages

A near-perfect tax score of 95.1 is fueled by an incredibly low effective tax rate of 0.380%. Housing remains highly affordable with a cost score of 70.7 and median gross rents of just $781 per month.

Water and Income Headwinds

Infrastructure needs are evident in the water score of 18.5, the county's most significant vulnerability. Additionally, an income score of 44.2 reflects a median household income of $61,688, which trails the state average.

A Paradise for Frugal Adventurers

Garfield is ideal for retirees or remote professionals seeking some of the lowest tax burdens in the nation. It suits those who prioritize low overhead and access to nature over high-density employment hubs.

2040608010095.170.761.963.466.744.262.418.542.5Tax95.1Cost70.7Safety61.9Health63.4Schools66.7Income44.2Risk62.4Water18.5Weather42.566.8/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Garfield County DNA

D+overall

How Garfield County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Garfield County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (95.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (18.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
95.1+43.099999999999994
Cost
70.7+22.700000000000003
Safety
61.9
Health
63.4+13.399999999999999
Schools
66.7+12.700000000000003
Income
44.2
Risk
62.4+15.399999999999999
Water
18.5-39.5
Weather
42.5-13.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$285,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$781/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$285,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,688/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

38.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Renville County
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Edwards County
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Chickasaw County
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Hooker County
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Grant County
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Nearby counties

Wayne County
Utah
71.8
Kane County
Utah
58.8
Piute County
Utah
68.2
San Juan County
Utah
58.3
Sevier County
Utah
47.4
Emery County
Utah
70.1
Iron County
Utah
46.9
Beaver County
Utah
57.5

Deep Dives

Garfield County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Garfield County

via TaxByCounty

Garfield taxes well below national average

Garfield County's effective tax rate of 0.380% ranks among the lowest in the nation, sitting well below the national median of 0.535%. The median property tax bill here is just $1,087—less than 40% of the national median of $2,690.

Lowest property taxes in Utah

Garfield County has the lowest effective tax rate among all Utah counties at 0.380%, compared to the state average of 0.498%. Residents here pay roughly $728 less annually than the statewide median tax of $1,815.

Significantly lower than nearby Kane County

Garfield's 0.380% rate undercuts Kane County (0.419%) and Piute County (0.431%) by meaningful margins. While home values are comparable across the region, Garfield homeowners enjoy the steepest tax advantage.

Median home pays $1,087 annually

The typical Garfield County home valued at $285,800 carries an annual property tax of $1,087. With a mortgage, that figure rises slightly to $1,176, but remains one of Utah's most affordable tax burdens.

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Even in low-tax Garfield County, many homeowners are assessed above market value and don't realize they can appeal. A formal assessment challenge costs nothing and could reduce your bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Garfield County

via CostByCounty

Garfield rents beat national affordability

At 15.2%, Garfield County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national average, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. With median rent at just $781 per month against a median household income of $61,688, this rural county offers genuine breathing room compared to costlier metros.

Most affordable rentals in Utah

Garfield County ranks among Utah's most affordable housing markets, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% compared to the state average of 16.6%. Median rents here are nearly $320 cheaper than Utah's state median, making it a standout value in the regional landscape.

Cheaper than Piute, pricier than Juab

Garfield's $781 rent sits between neighboring Piute County ($792) and the state average, but homeownership tells a different story—the median home value of $285,800 is lower than surrounding counties like Iron ($342,900) and Kane ($350,900). Renters have it easier here than buyers, relatively speaking.

Where your dollar goes in Garfield

Renters dedicate 15.2% of income to rent ($781/month), while homeowners commit 13.1% to mortgage costs ($673/month). Garfield residents retain more spending power than most Utah counties, with housing consuming a smaller slice of the typical household's $61,688 annual income.

Seeking rural Utah affordability?

If you're relocating to Utah and prioritize low housing costs, Garfield County's combination of cheap rent and modest home prices merits serious consideration. Compare it to neighboring Piute (tighter budgets) and Juab (higher incomes but also higher costs) to find your fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Garfield County

via IncomeByCounty

Garfield trails the national norm

Garfield County's median household income of $61,688 falls 17.5% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower third nationally for household earnings, reflecting economic patterns common to rural mountain communities in the West.

Below average for Utah

Garfield's $61,688 median sits notably below Utah's state average of $80,176, putting it in the lower half of Utah's 29 counties. The county's per capita income of $31,935 also trails the state average of $35,055 by roughly 9%.

Similar to nearby rural counties

Garfield earns slightly less than Kane County ($75,000) and slightly more than Piute County ($44,650), reflecting the income diversity across Utah's rural south. Grand County ($62,521) and Iron County ($65,527) are Garfield's closest peers in this region.

Housing costs stay manageable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.2%, Garfield households spend well below the 30% affordability threshold, leaving room in budgets for other essentials. A median home value of $285,800 is accessible relative to the county's income level.

Build financial resilience here

Garfield's low housing cost burden means residents can redirect savings toward retirement accounts, emergency funds, and investments. Starting small with automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account or low-cost index fund compounds wealth over time, even on moderate incomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Garfield County

via CrimeByCounty

A National Leader in Community Safety

Garfield County is significantly safer than the national average, posting a total crime rate of only 878.8 per 100,000 residents. This exceptional performance earns the county a high safety score of 98.6 out of 100.

Surpassing Utah's High Safety Standards

Within Utah, Garfield maintains a crime rate well below the state average of 1,204.8 per 100,000. It outperforms the state's average safety score of 98.1, positioning it as one of the most secure regions in the state.

Comparing Safety with Southern Neighbors

The county's crime rate of 878.8 is notably lower than nearby Kane County's rate of 1,126.1. This suggests a more tranquil environment compared to its southern neighbor, even with data coming from a single reporting agency.

Low Violence and Property Crime Rates

Property crimes account for the majority of local incidents at 761.6 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate remains very low at 117.2. Both figures sit far below the national averages for these categories.

Staying Proactive in a Safe County

Even in high-safety areas like Garfield, basic security remains a smart preventative measure. Installing motion-sensor lights or smart cameras can help maintain the county's low property crime profile.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Garfield County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural School Infrastructure

Garfield County manages its education through a single school district serving 1,312 students. The infrastructure consists of 10 total schools, including six elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools.

Exceptional Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county boasts a 95.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 89.1%. While its per-pupil expenditure of $7,281 is lower than the $13,000 national benchmark, its school score of 56.8 remains well above the state average of 52.7.

Garfield District Leads the Way

The Garfield District operates all 10 public schools in the county with no charter school alternatives currently available. The largest enrollment hub is Garfield Online, which serves 329 primary students across the region.

Intimate Classrooms in a Rural Setting

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a close-knit environment with an average school size of just 131 students. Panguitch School serves 238 students, while smaller specialized facilities ensure no child is lost in the crowd.

Find a Home in High-Performing Garfield

Families looking for personalized attention and elite graduation rates should explore housing near Panguitch or Bryce Valley. School quality is a major driver of property value here, especially given the high composite school scores.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Garfield County

via RiskByCounty

Garfield's risk slightly above national baseline

Garfield County scores 37.63 on the national composite risk scale, putting it in the Very Low category and just above Utah's state average of 36.19. This positioning reflects moderate exposure to natural hazards typical of rural southwestern Utah counties.

Mid-range risk among Utah counties

Among Utah's 29 counties, Garfield ranks in the middle tier for overall disaster risk. While its composite score exceeds the state average, several neighboring counties face significantly higher exposure to earthquakes and wildfires.

Comparable to Kane and slightly higher than Iron

Garfield's 37.63 score sits between Kane County (39.66) to the south and Grand County (10.27) to the north. Both Garfield and Kane face elevated wildfire and earthquake risks compared to their neighbors, though Iron County's 61.42 score signals notably higher overall exposure.

Wildfires and earthquakes dominate here

Wildfire risk scores 78.28—among the highest in the state—making brush fires the leading natural hazard threat in Garfield County. Earthquake risk registers at 64.09, well above the state average, presenting a secondary concern for homeowners and infrastructure.

Prioritize wildfire and quake coverage

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes wildfire and earthquake damage, leaving properties vulnerable to the county's top two risks. Residents should secure separate wildfire and earthquake riders or policies, and maintain defensible space around structures to reduce fire exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Garfield County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rates Drive Failing Water Grade

Garfield County receives an F grade for drinking water compliance due to eight health violations over five years. Its violation rate of 146.0 per 100,000 residents is more than double the Utah state average of 70.1.

Watershed Assessment Data Currently Unavailable

Federal authorities have not yet assessed Garfield County’s water bodies under the Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. No impairment data is currently available in the ATTAINS database for this reporting cycle.

Active Monitoring Tracks Physical and Inorganic Data

Local monitoring remains active with 21,571 measurements taken across 67 different sites. Technicians primarily focus on physical characteristics, inorganics, and metals to track local water quality.

Dirty Devil River Flows Below Historic Means

The Dirty Devil River near Hanksville currently flows at 25 cfs, which is only 26% of its long-term typical volume. This significant drop in streamflow indicates much drier than average conditions for the drainage area.

Focus on Compliance and Source Water Levels

Residents should be aware of the high drinking water violation rate and consider supplemental filtration or testing. Low streamflow on the Dirty Devil River also suggests limited source water availability this season.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Garfield County

via WeatherByCounty

High-Elevation Cool in Garfield County

With an average annual temperature of 45.9°F, Garfield County remains significantly cooler than the national median of approximately 53°F. Its high-elevation climate offers a crisp alternative to more temperate regions across the United States.

Below the Utah Temperature Average

The county's average temperature of 45.9°F sits three degrees below the Utah state average of 48.9°F. This makes Garfield one of the cooler counties in the state, driven by its rugged mountain terrain.

Cooler Than Its Southern Neighbors

While Garfield stays cool at 45.9°F, Kane County to the south enjoys a much warmer 54.0°F average. Neighboring Piute County also trends slightly warmer than Garfield with an annual average of 47.7°F.

Snowy Winters and Mild Summers

Winters are cold with a December-February average of 27.4°F and significant snowfall totaling 48.2 inches annually. Residents see only 18 days reaching 90°F or higher, providing relief from the desert heat common elsewhere in the state.

Prepare for Snow and Chill

Robust heating systems and high-quality winter tires are essential for the 48.2 inches of snow and sub-freezing January nights. Outdoor planning should focus on the mild 68.0°F July peak, which is perfect for summer recreation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Garfield County

via SoilByCounty

A landscape awaiting detailed soil mapping

Garfield's specific soil taxonomic order and pH levels remain unrecorded in the latest surveys. Local conditions likely track with the Utah state average pH of 7.71, which is significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This high pH level requires careful management for acid-loving plants.

Defining texture through local field tests

With specific sand, silt, and clay percentages currently unavailable, the county's workability remains a puzzle for regional data. Most high-desert soils in this region vary between sandy loams and rocky textures. Gardeners should perform a simple jar test to determine their local drainage potential.

Aiming for Utah's high organic benchmarks

While local organic matter data is missing, the state average of 7.59% far exceeds the national average of 2.0%. Aiming for the state's available water capacity benchmark of 0.138 in/in helps sustain plant life during dry spells. Adding compost helps your soil reach these ambitious regional standards.

Navigating unclassified drainage and runoff

The county lacks a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group classification in current databases. Homeowners must monitor site-specific runoff patterns before beginning any major construction or gardening projects. Observing how water moves across your land during a storm reveals the true drainage behavior.

Hardy gardening in Zone 6a

Garfield County is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, where winter lows test plant resilience. Cold-hardy crops like garlic, kale, and currants thrive in this high-altitude climate. Start your garden this spring with seeds acclimated to the Great Basin environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Garfield County

via LawnByCounty

High-Elevation Challenges in Garfield

Garfield County earns a lawn difficulty score of 27.5, trailing both the Utah state average of 28.5 and the national median of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 6a, homeowners face a uphill battle against high-altitude conditions. Keeping grass green here requires significantly more effort than in more temperate regions.

Short Seasons and Dry Air

With only 12.2 inches of annual precipitation, lawns receive less than half of the 30-50 inches they ideally need. The growing season is brief, often starting after the last frost on June 12 and ending by October 10. Mowing schedules remain light with only 1,890 growing degree days.

Navigating Sparse Soil Data

Specific soil metrics for Garfield are currently unavailable in our database, making a local soil test essential for success. Residents should watch for the alkaline trends common in the region that often require sulfur amendments. Focus on adding organic compost to improve water retention in the absence of detailed texture data.

Persistent Drought Pressure

The county has spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought, with 26.1% of the area currently facing severe conditions. Water conservation is critical, so experts recommend deep, infrequent watering at dawn to minimize evaporation. These practices help roots dive deeper into the soil to survive the dry spells.

Cold-Hardy Grass Selections

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are the top choices for this Zone 6a climate due to their cold tolerance. Plan to seed or install sod immediately after the June 12 frost date to maximize the limited growing window. With careful timing and consistent moisture, you can establish a resilient mountain lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garfield County's county score?
Garfield County, Utah has a composite county score of 66.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Garfield County rank among counties in Utah?
Garfield County ranks #6 among all counties in Utah on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Garfield County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Garfield County is $1,087, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Garfield County a tax score of 95.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Garfield County?
The median household income in Garfield County, Utah is $61,688 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Garfield County earns an income score of 44.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Garfield County, Utah a good place to live?
Garfield County scores 66.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Garfield County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Garfield County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.