Washington County in Utah is located in the southwestern corner of the state. It had a population of 180,279 as of the 2020 census, making it the fifth-most populous county in Utah. The county seat and largest city is St. George. The county was created in 1852 and named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. Geographically, the county features a mixture of mountains, flat stretches, and desert terrain, with parts of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert within its boundaries. The lowest point in Utah, in Beaver Dam Wash, is located here, and its highest point is Signal Peak at 10,369 feet in the Pine Valley Mountains. Historically, the county was initially attached to Iron County for administrative purposes until its own organization in 1856. It has several rural areas along with popular resort communities and towns near Zion National Park, which attracts tourism to the area. Washington County is part of the St. George Metropolitan Statistical Area and includes several cities and towns such as Hurricane, Ivins, La Verkin, Santa Clara, and more. The economy incorporates recreation, retirees, education, services, and trade, with notable institutions including Utah Tech University located in St. George. Water supply and management have been significant issues historically due to the arid climate. Overall, Washington County is characterized by a diverse geography, a growing population centered around St. George, and a mix of urban, rural, and natural areas including major tourist attractions like Zion National Park.