History of Box Elder County, Utah in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 18, 2025

Box Elder County is located in the northwestern corner of Utah, United States. The 2020 census reported a population of 57,666, a notable increase from the 2010 figure of 49,975. Brigham City serves as both its county seat and largest city. The county derives its name from the abundant box elder trees found throughout the area.

1944: Republican Party Dominance in Elections since 1944

Since 1944, Box Elder County voters have overwhelmingly supported the Republican Party in national elections.

1968: Last Democrat to Obtain One-Quarter of the County's Vote

In 1968, Hubert Humphrey was the last Democratic Party candidate to obtain one-quarter of the vote in Box Elder County.

1970: Construction of Spiral Jetty

In 1970, the Spiral Jetty, an earthwork sculpture by Robert Smithson, was built on the north shore of the Great Salt Lake in Box Elder County.

November 19, 2005: Declaration of the Republic of Zaqistan

On November 19, 2005, sculptor Zaq Landsberg declared his plot of land independent from the United States, forming the Republic of Zaqistan.

2010: Demographic data from the 2010 Census

As of the 2010 census, Box Elder County had 49,975 people, 16,058 households, and 12,891 families. The population density was 8.70 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White (91.77%), with smaller percentages of Black or African American, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic or Latino populations.

2010: Population Count in 2010

In 2010, the population of Box Elder County, Utah, was recorded as 49,975.

2020: Demographic Data from the 2020 Census

According to the 2020 United States census and 2020 American Community Survey, Box Elder County had a population of 57,666 with a density of 10.0 people per square mile. The racial makeup consisted primarily of White individuals (85.6%), with smaller percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic or Latino populations.