New Study Highlights Wide Differences in Cost of County Government Across Utah
Utah residents face very different county government costs depending on where they live, according to our newly released 2026 Cost of County Government Report.
The study examines taxes and fees collected by Utah’s 29 counties, comparing collections to both population and residents’ income. Using county financial statements and U.S. Census data, the report provides a useful way to evaluate the relative cost of county government rather than simply comparing total budgets.
When measured against resident income, Daggett County had the highest collections at $102.02 for every $1,000 of resident income, followed by Garfield County at $94.13 and Beaver County at $85.77.
At the other end of the spectrum, Washington County had the lowest collections at $11.40 per $1,000 of income, followed by Davis County at $14.28 and Cache County at $17.01. The average across Utah’s counties was $40.09.
The report also measures tax and fee collections on a per-resident basis. Daggett again ranked highest at $3,510 per person, followed by Summit County ($3,334) and Garfield County ($3,333). Washington County ($447), Sanpete County ($571), and Cache County ($575) had the lowest per-capita collections. The average across all counties was $1,466 per resident.
These comparisons require some context. Rural counties often provide services in large unincorporated areas, while urban residents may receive comparable services from city governments. Additionally, visitors and nonresidents contribute to county revenues through sales taxes, lodging taxes, and fees. These figures measure taxes and fees collected, not government efficiency or total county spending.
Nevertheless, the significant differences between counties should prompt important questions from elected officials and taxpayers alike. Are programs delivering measurable value? Could services be provided more efficiently? Are county governments prioritizing their core responsibilities and eliminating unnecessary expenses?
Before asking residents to pay more in taxes or fees, government leaders should first demonstrate that they are doing everything possible to stretch every taxpayer dollar as far as it can go.
Taxpayers deserve a government that constantly looks for opportunities to improve efficiency and deliver better services with existing resources. Responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars should always come before requests for additional revenue.
Read the full study here.