Southern Utah continues economic momentum with strong job growth
ST. GEORGE — Iron and Washington counties reported strong year-over-year employment growth in June, outpacing the statewide average and signaling continued momentum in southern Utah's economy, according to new data released by the Utah Department of Workforce Services.
Iron County's employment rose to 26,000 jobs, a 6.3% increase from June 2024. Washington County reached 90,000 jobs, a 4.8% increase from the same time last year. These gains come as Utah's statewide nonfarm employment grew by 2.3%, adding 39,700 jobs over the past 12 months.
"This marks another month of steady gains, underscoring employer confidence and economic resilience," said Ben Crabb, chief economist with the Department of Workforce Services, during a recorded report posted online last Friday.
The unemployment rate in Utah remained unchanged at 3.2% in June, below the national average of 4.1%. Iron County's unemployment rate was below the state average at 3.1%, while Washington County was slightly above the statewide rate at 3.3%.
