Rich County Resource Assessment

Rich County is located at the northern most east portion of Utah. Bear Lake is located in Rich County and is shared with Idaho. The greatest number of visitors to the county are attracted to Bear Lake for water-related recreation and to enjoy its esthetic value. In January, fishing for the rare Bonneville Cisco is a major event for fishermen. No other lake in the continental United States offers such an opportunity.

All the communities within Rich County share two factors: they are all rural and remote from the larger urban areas of Utah. In 2003, the entire population of Rich County consisted of 2,079 individuals, one of the lowest county populations in the state. Median family income was $40,603, or 20% below the state average of $51,022. Rich County’s racial makeup is primarily white: 97.3% of the total – ethnic population presence is significantly less than the state’s average.

Rich County consists of a total land area of 654,720 acres, or about 1,023 square miles. The average freeze free season is 55 days in the valleys, where most crops are grown. This short growing season limits the choice of crops grown to small grains, grass hay and alfalfa. There is a small raspberry industry along Bear Lake at Garden City. Frost has been reported throughout the year in nearly all parts of Rich County.

Elevations range from 6,500 to 8,700 feet.

Complete Assessment - Land Use Statistics

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Rich County, Utah Resource Assessment (923 KB)

Summary Assessment - Land Use Statistics

Last Modified:  09/19/2006

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