county highlight | by john krantz, economist

Daggett County

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Utah, Daggett County is renowned for its beautiful scenery and recreational activities. The county is Utah’s least populated with only 941 residents in 2009.

Encompassing parts of the Ashley National Forest and Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (pictured), over 90 percent of the land in the county is federally owned.

Virtually all economic activity is tied to Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The leisure and hospitality industries account for 30 percent of total annual employment, and these industries include not only restaurants and accommodations, but recreational services for activities such as boating, rafting, and fishing as well.

The largest employer in the county is the government. More than a third of all employment is dedicated to the public administration of government services. Many of these workers are employed to operate and protect Flaming Gorge Dam. Another 13 percent of total employment is devoted to providing elementary and secondaryeducational services.