Juab

Juab is a county in the U.S. state of Utah, located in the west-central part of the state. It is part of the Great Basin region. The county seat is Nephi, and the area includes several smaller communities. The name Juab is derived from a term used by Indigenous peoples in the region; the exact origin is uncertain.

Geography and environment: Juab County features a mix of valley floor and desert terrain, including the Juab Valley and surrounding foothills. The climate is arid to semi-arid, with hot summers and cold winters. The land supports irrigated agriculture in the valleys and ranching on the surrounding hills. The county lies along transportation corridors that connect Salt Lake City with western Utah.

History: The area was settled by Mormon pioneers in the 19th century and gradually organized into a formal county jurisdiction as Utah developed. Juab County grew as an agricultural and transportation center for the surrounding region, with communities forming along trade routes and agricultural lands.

Economy and infrastructure: Today, the economy is primarily based on agriculture, including crops and livestock, with additional activity in mining and energy. Interstate 15 passes through the county, providing important road access to larger markets and nearby communities. Local government and public services support a rural population across Nephi and smaller towns.

Demographics: The county has a small, sparsely distributed population, with Nephi as the largest town. Juab County exemplifies the rural character common to much of western Utah.