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Cache and Duchesne Counties Show Divergent Housing and Economic Trends

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Cache and Duchesne Counties Show Divergent Housing and Economic Trends
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U.S. Census Bureau data from September 2026 reveals distinct housing and demographic landscapes in Cache and Duchesne counties, Utah. While Cache County shows higher median home values and a larger population, Duchesne County maintains a significantly higher rate of owner-occupied housing.

Key takeaways

  • Cache County median owner-occupied housing values reached $444,400 between 2020 and 2024.
  • Duchesne County maintains a higher owner-occupied housing rate of 78.9% compared to Cache County's 63.7%.
  • Cache County population grew 8.9% between 2020 and July 2025, while Duchesne County grew 6.4%.
  • The median household income in Cache County was $81,665, exceeding Duchesne County's $78,445.
  • Educational attainment for Bachelor's degrees or higher is 42.2% in Cache County and 18.5% in Duchesne County.

Cache County and Duchesne County present contrasting demographic and housing profiles according to U.S. Census Bureau data released Sept. 3, 2026. While Cache County maintains higher median home values and a larger population, Duchesne County demonstrates a higher rate of owner-occupied housing units and a lower median gross rent.

Cache County Housing Trends

Housing market data for Cache County indicates a median value of $444,400 for owner-occupied housing units between 2020 and 2024. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the owner-occupied housing unit rate in the county stands at 63.7%, which is slightly lower than the United States average of 65.2%.

Monthly costs for homeowners in Cache County vary significantly based on mortgage status. The median selected monthly owner costs with a mortgage was $1,795 between 2020 and 2024, while the median cost without a mortgage was $526. Additionally, the median gross rent in the county was recorded at $1,213 during the same period.

Duchesne County Housing Trends

In contrast, Duchesne County reported a lower median value for owner-occupied housing units at $283,700 between 2020 and 2024. The Census Bureau data shows that the owner-occupied housing unit rate in Duchesne County is 78.9%, notably higher than both the Cache County rate and the national average of 65.2%.

Monthly housing expenses in Duchesne County also reflect different economic conditions. The median selected monthly owner costs with a mortgage was $1,599, while the median cost for those without a mortgage was $462. The median gross rent in the county was $1,009 between 2020 and 2024.

Population Growth and Shifts

Population estimates from July 1, 2025, show Cache County has a population of 145,000, representing an 8.9% increase since the April 1, 2020, estimates base. The Census Bureau reports the population in Cache County grew from 133,158 in 2020 to 145,000 in 2025.

Duchesne County's population was estimated at 20,856 as of July 1, 2025. This represents a 6.4% increase from the April 1, 2020, estimate of 19,604. While both counties show growth, Cache County's population increase of 8.9% outpaced Duchesne County's 6.4% growth rate.

Demographic Comparisons

Demographic characteristics in the two counties reveal differences in age and ethnicity. In Cache County, 27.2% of the population is under 18 years old, and 11.2% are 65 years and older. The county's population is 91.0% White alone, while 12.5% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino.

Duchesne County has a higher percentage of residents under 18 years old at 29.9%, and a higher percentage of residents aged 65 and older at 15.3%. In terms of ethnicity, 89.8% of Duchesne County is White alone, and 9.0% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.

Economic and Employment Data

Economic indicators show Cache County has a higher median household income of $81,665 in 2024 dollars, compared to $78,445 in Duchesne County, according to the Census Bureau. Per capita income in the past 12 months was $33,781 for Cache County and $32,622 for Duchesne County.

Employment and business data also differ. Cache County reported 4,140 total employer establishments in 2023, with a total employment count of 56,328. Duchesne County reported 675 total employer establishments in 2023 and a total employment of 6,427. Both counties show varying rates of growth in their respective civilian labor forces.

Development and Education

Building permits and infrastructure development also show variation. In 2025, Cache County issued 1,112 building permits, while Duchesne County issued 127 building permits.

Educational attainment levels also differ between the regions. In Cache County, 42.2% of persons aged 25 years or older hold a Bachelor's degree or higher. In Duchesne County, that figure is significantly lower at 18.5%. Conversely, 94.5% of Cache County's population aged 25 and older are high school graduates or higher, while Duchesne County reports 91.7%.

Summary of Findings

The U.S. Census Bureau data provides a comprehensive look at the socioeconomic landscape of Utah counties. While Cache County serves as a larger, higher-income hub with higher educational attainment and property values, Duchesne County maintains a higher rate of homeownership and a higher percentage of younger residents.

Sources used (2)

  • www.census.govOfficialU.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Duchesne County, Utah; United States
  • www.census.govOfficialU.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Cache County, Utah; United States

How this story was made

2 sources gathered

Coverage collected from the outlets listed above. · September 3, 2026

Written by AI

Utah News AI (on-device model) · September 3, 2026

Quality checks

Passed editorial quality review (88/100)

Published

45 min ago · September 3, 2026

This story was written by AI from the public sources listed above and passed automated quality review before publishing.

Article details

CategoryMulti-Source
CityDuchesne, Snowville
ToneNeutral
SourceAI Generated