Carbon County, Utah Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 15th-largest in Utah
The population of Carbon County, Utah is 20,446 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 15th-largest county in Utah. The median household income is $53,673, the median home value is $200,700, and the median age is 38.8.
The population of Carbon County has declined 3.7% since 2010 (21,403 → 20,613), a -0.27% annualized rate.
20,446
Population
-0.27%
Annual growth
14
People / sq mi
$53,673
Median Income
$200,700
Median Home Value
Carbon County covers 1,479 sq mi of land at 13.8 people per square mile.
About Carbon County, UT
What distinguishes Carbon County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 14 people per square mile. Carbon County is a county in Utah with a population of 20,446. It ranks #15 among counties in Utah by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $53,673, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 12.0%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $200,700, with typical rent around $828.
Roughly 18.4% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.5% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Carbon County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Carbon County had a population of 21,403 in 2010 and 20,613 in 2024, a -3.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,403 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.27%.
20,613
Population (2024)
21,403
Population (2010)
21,403
Peak (2010)
-0.27%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,403 |
| 2011 | 21,308 |
| 2012 | 21,226 |
| 2013 | 20,908 |
| 2014 | 20,642 |
| 2015 | 20,400 |
| 2016 | 20,349 |
| 2017 | 20,171 |
| 2018 | 20,248 |
| 2019 | 20,476 |
| 2020 | 20,480 |
| 2021 | 20,355 |
| 2022 | 20,530 |
| 2023 | 20,607 |
| 2024 | 20,613 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.8
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
18.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.0% · Seniors (65+): 18.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,673$-38,077 vs state |
| Mean household income | $70,471 |
| Per-capita income | $28,462 |
| Poverty rate | 12.0%+6.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Carbon County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
78.3%
Public transit
5.5%
Work from home
18.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$200,700$-254,300 vs state
Median home value
$828
Median rent
68.1%
Homeownership rate
9,629
Total housing units
83.3%
Occupied
16.7%
Vacant
31.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.3%
With health insurance
92.9%
With broadband internet
23.6%
Foreign-born
5.8%
Veterans (18+)
17.5%
With a disability
94.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.8%
High School+
18.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Utah
Other counties in Utah
Part of Utah
Metro areas in Utah
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Carbon County, Utah has a population of 20,446 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 15th-largest county in Utah. Population density is 14 people per square mile.
The population of Carbon County has declined 3.7% since 2010 (21,403 → 20,613), a -0.27% annualized rate.
The median household income in Carbon County, Utah is $53,673, with mean (average) household income of $70,471 and per-capita income of $28,462. 12.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Carbon County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.1%), Hispanic or Latino (2.9%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Carbon County, Utah is 38.8 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Carbon County is $200,700 and median monthly rent is $828. 68.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,629 total housing units, 16.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Carbon County, Utah is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Salt Lake City is among the largest cities associated with Carbon County, Utah, with a population of 203,888.
Carbon County, UT Climate
Carbon County, UT has an average annual temperature of 6.7°C (44°F) and receives about 329 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.7°C
Avg Temp
329
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 23 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 25 mm |
| March | 1° / 34° | 27 mm |
| April | 5° / 41° | 22 mm |
| May | 10° / 50° | 28 mm |
| June | 16° / 60° | 22 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 33 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 36 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 35 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 31 mm |
| November | 1° / 33° | 24 mm |
| December | -4° / 24° | 23 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Carbon County, UT
The most comfortable months to visit Carbon County, UT are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Carbon County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.