Grantsville is the second most populous city in Tooele County, Utah, United States. It is part of the Salt Lake City, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 8,893 at the 2010 census. The city has grown slowly and steadily throughout most of its existence, but rapid increases in growth occurred during the 1970s and 1990s. Recent rapid growth has been attributed to the nearby Deseret Peak recreational center, the Utah Motorsports Campus raceway and to the newly built Wal-Mart Distribution Center located just outside the city. It is quickly becoming a bedroom community for commuters into the Salt Lake valley.
History
The area of Grantsville was originally populated by the Goshute tribe. Grantsville was originally called "Willow Creek", and has also been called Twenty Wells, due to the natural wells that give fresh water to the area. Grantsville was settled by Mormon pioneers in 1850. The present name after Col. George D. Grant, a Mormon leader, was adopted ca. 1853. A post office called Grantsville has been in operation since 1864.
As of the census of 2011, there were 9,063 people, and 2,916 households in the city. The population density was 459.8 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 95.7% White, 0.1% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, and 2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.1% of the population. Recorded in the 2000 census: There were 1,856 households, out of which 49.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.4% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.7% were non-families. 15.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.24 and the average family size was 3.62. In the city, the population was spread out, with 36.7% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 17.4% from 45 to 64, and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.4 males. The median income for a household in the city was $45,614, and the median income for a family was $50,433. Males had a median income of $38,715 versus $24,548 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,681. About 4.3% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.
The Old Folks Sociable is the traditional social event of the year. The Old Folks Sociable idea started in 1875 when professional photographer Charles Savage and LDS Church Presiding Bishop Edward Hunter inaugurated "Old Folks Day" to honor fathers and mothers. The first Old Folks Sociable held in Grantsville was on January 6, 1884. This annual event is believed to have been canceled only twice in its 125-year history. The Old Folks Sociable honors all residents and former residents who are 75 years and older. Grantsville High School, home to the Old Folks Sociable, becomes a gathering place for high school class reunions and family reunions. The Sociable is also a celebration of Grantsville's heritage. For residents and former residents it is a walk down memory lane. Events include a 5K run, a car show, a program, a reception for honored guests, a dinner, and a dance. All residents and former residents are invited to attend. The Old Folks Sociable is held each year during the month of March.
