All About St. George, Utah

St. George Climate

The climate in St. George is semi-arid with two separate rainfall seasons in the early spring and late summer which average about eight inches of annual precipitation. Although average maximum temperatures for the summer months are between 95 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit, the low humidity makes these temperatures agreeable.

The Southern Utah climate features bright sunshine, small annual precipitation, clean air and a wide daily temperature range. Another attractive feature is mild winters with infrequent traces of snowfall which rarely stays on the ground more than a day.

St. George lies in the high desert at an elevation of 2800 feet. Within 20 miles north and west of the city are the Pine Valley Mountains (10,000 feet) and the Beaver Dam Mountains (7,000) offering cool mountain climate during the summer. St. George's climate is an attraction in its own right. It has become a green oasis in the desert, and the combination of the warm, dry winter climate and natural beauty of the setting draws both new residents and tourists to the area.

History

Although settlers came to Washington County as early as 1852, St. George was settled in 1861. Mormon leader Brigham Young sent a group of pioneers to the far reaching corner of the Territory of Utah to grow cotton and wine grapes and harvest silk for export to the Civil War-torn northern states. Today the cotton fields are gone, the wineries are closed and the silk industry has given way to modern, more prosperous businesses.

St. George, the county's largest city, lies along interstate 15 with a host of smaller communities that make up Utah's Dixie. The advantages of the county's position along one of the nation's key east-west routes between California and places such as Salt Lake City, Denver and Albuquerque is making Washington County one of the nation's fastest growing communities. The scenic area not only provides easy access to major markets of the western United States, it has become a destination point for countless people and businesses looking for a better way of life and more fruitful atmosphere for growth and prosperity.

From 1990 to 1995, Washington County grew a staggering 50 percent and St. George grew 61 percent, while the rest of the state tallied up a total growth rate of 16 percent. The tiny farming community of St. George had grown up and surrounding cities followed suit.

By the end of the decade, the St. George - Zion National Park areas of Washington County were rated among the best communities in the country to retire by Rand McNalley, Prentice Hall, Money and the American Association of Retired People. As a result there was a large amount of construction of new homes in the Washington County area.

The unprecedented growth experienced in the county has not been limited to retirees, however. Young working families joined the migration to Utah's Dixie to establish one of the most stable and reliable work forces in the nation. They came for the climate, the scenic beauty, the family atmosphere and explosive job opportunities. Much of the growth is due to the area's competitive construction rates and low crime.

Education

Today Washington County School District provides public education for more than 18,277 students. There are 19 elementary schools, 4 middle schools and 6 high schools.

The growing population of the county has prompted placing many of the elementary and middle school students on a year round educational program. Year round school consists of four track schedules which alternate time off. At any given time, three tracks are attending and one track is off. Generally, students attend 45 days then "track off" for 15 days. Traditional holidays are observed. High school students follow a traditional August to May schedule.

Specialty programs are available through the public school system including remedial and gifted programs, health services and an in-school lunch program for elementary students.

Education has always been important to the people of Washington County. Even before homes were built, schools were held in wagon boxes and temporary shelters. The first school was built in Virgin in 1860. Three others soon followed. In 1901, a central school was completed offering two years of high school.

In 1911, the first college was founded which comprised of only one building. It was named the St. George Stake Academy but later took on the name, Dixie College, and is now known as Dixie State College. It is a full service, comprehensive 4-year community college that serves over 5,000 students and covers over 100 acres in St. George.

Important Links

City of St. George
Chamber of Commerce
Utah's Dixie Guide
Tuacahn Center for the Arts
St. George Musical Theater
Dixie Convention Center
Red Mountain Spa
Zion Canyon National Park
Zion Canyon Theater
Bryce Canyon National Park
St. George Marathon
Huntsman World Senior Games
Wildlife Museum
Dinosaur Museum
St. George Trail System
RADDowntown.com