Although the retiree-aged community fueled the incredible population growth that took place in the 1980s, the composition of the people relocating to Washington County has changed dramatically. Retirees are no longer the primary sector discovering the St. George area. During 1996, Washington County's jobless rate dropped to 3.0 percent, the lowest rate recorded since 1978. Wages are slightly higher in skilled construction, mining, manufacturing and government jobs. Wages are generally lower in service and retail jobs.
New construction is the most active employer followed by retail and restaurants.
The major employers in Washington County are federal, state and local government agencies. Today Washington County School District provides public education for more than 18,277 students. 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.