Walk-in tubs in St. George

• 21,809St. George residents 65+ (22%)
• 10,840St. George residents 75+
• 22.1%of Washington County residents are 65+
• 15.3%county population growth, 2020 to 2024

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates.

An older population in newer homes

St. George's median age is 37.9, against 31.7 for Utah as a whole. Nearby Hurricane (23.6% age 65+) and Washington City (19.9%) are similar. Washington County grew from 180,289 to 207,943 residents between the 2020 base and July 2024, and most of its housing is recent: only 11.3% predates 1980.

Newer homes tend to have modern drains, accessible shutoffs and room in the electrical panel, which keeps a tub replacement simpler than in an older Salt Lake or Ogden house. A few things still deserve a look:

• Which tub is being replaced. Many newer primary bathrooms have a separate shower and a large drop-in or garden tub. A walk-in tub usually replaces a standard 60-inch alcove tub, so the layout may decide which bathroom gets it.
• Single-level living. If the home is single-level, the bathroom choice is easier. If not, put the tub where the bather will be in five years.
• Community rules. If you live in an HOA or a 55+ community, check whether contractors need approval or have set work hours.

St. George water

The City of St. George's 2024 water quality report says most water sources in Southern Utah are hard, and suggests softener settings of 13 to 24 grains per gallon. City water blends groundwater from the Navajo Sandstone and Kayenta aquifers with treated Virgin River water from the Washington County Water Conservancy District. For a walk-in tub, that means regular wiping of the door seal and, with water jets, following the cleaning cycle. See the Utah hard water guide.

Disability after 65

30.6% of St. George residents 65+ report a disability, rising to 40.7% after 75. Because so many residents are in their late 70s and 80s, it is worth asking whether a walk-in tub will still suit the bather in a few years, or whether a curbless shower would serve longer.

Local help

• Five County Area Agency on Aging, 435-673-3548, serving Washington, Iron, Beaver, Garfield and Kane counties, including Cedar City.
• VA clinic in St. George, part of the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System. Ask your care team about a HISA grant for a tub or shower.

Installation reaches all of southern Utah; rural addresses are confirmed on the first call. Program details are on our help paying page, and the full county comparison is on our older Utahns data page.