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Is Wyoming a good place to live now in 2022? We evaluated all the top pros and cons of living in Wyoming to give you an unbiased look at this rugged state.
Wyoming is one of the most sparsely populated states in the nation, but offers a booming tourist industry, wide open terrains, and plenty of game to hunt and fish to catch.
We all know that Wyoming is a beautiful place to visit, but what is life there actually like? Is it worth moving to Wyoming to live full-time? What are the major considerations that you have to know before deciding to relocate to the frontiers of Wyoming?
Our team took a deep-dive into everything there is to know about the state and came up with the top eight pros and cons of living in Wyoming in 2022 so that you have the latest facts and figures to make your decision.
So, let’s take a look at all the positive aspects as well as all the things to look out for if you are considering moving to Wyoming.
Table of Contents
Is Wyoming a Good Place to Live? Top 4 Pros
1. Wide Open Spaces and Natural Beauty
Wyoming is known for its vast and empty, but also beautiful, space. So, if you’re looking at the pros and cons of living in Wyoming and trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then this state might be the perfect place for you.
In fact, although Wyoming is the 10th largest state, it is also the least populous state with a population of just 575,000 people. That is fewer than cities like Portland or Memphis, which aren’t huge cities to begin with.
As such, if you’re not much of a people person or you enjoy life out in the open, Wyoming could be perfect for you. You’ll never have to worry about a traffic jam again!
Another great draw of Wyoming is the wide variety of beautiful wildlife you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else. That includes grizzly bears, moose, bison, wild horses, and mountain lions. You’re bound to see it all if you live in Wyoming.
Being close to nature is a big part of why people choose to live here, and if you’re a woodsy person, you’ll love its quiet, peaceful environment, wild landscape, and fresh, clean air.
So, is Wyoming a good place to live for those seeking a spot in nature away from the grind? Absolutely.
2. Low Crime Rate
Wyoming has one of the lowest crime rates across the entire United States, likely in part to its scarce population and rural living. This is a big factor when considering the pros and cons of living in Wyoming.
Some areas in Wyoming have reported almost zero crime incidents for several consecutive years, making Wyoming one of the safest states to live in.
Is Wyoming a good place to live for those whose main priority is safety? Then, the answer is yes.
3. Low Cost of Living
With low tax rates and affordable housing costs, Wyoming is one of the cheaper places to live in the US. In fact, Wyoming residents spend less than $850 a month on rent on average, and home prices are about 30-40% lower than the US national average.
With no personal or corporate state income tax and lower tax rates overall compared to most other states, Wyoming is a great place if you want to live well and save money.
This is especially true for remote workers who can settle cheaply here and collect a large salary elsewhere.
4. Outdoor Sports and Recreation
There’s plenty of fish and game to enjoy along with countless creeks, lakes, and rivers that fill the countryside. Wyoming is acclaimed as a fisherman’s and outdoor lover’s paradise.
If you love hiking and camping, you’ll fit right in here, too. Wyoming is home to world-famous national parks like Yosemite National Park and Grand Teton National Park.
There’s nothing better than being a part of nature and enjoying the gorgeous views of the sky at night. Winter sports are big in Wyoming, too. Plenty of ski and snowboard-worthy mountains dot the countryside, including the famed Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Meanwhile, snowmobiling is all the more fun in the open landscape of Wyoming.
Is Wyoming a Good Place to Live? Top 4 Cons
1. Long Distances Between Everything
Unfortunately, the price of rugged individualism is an extended travel time to wherever you want to go. You should expect a longer commute to work or for trips to the grocery store, especially if you live in a rural part of the state.
Getting into town for an afternoon of shopping will take you a lot longer, and you’ll have to be prepared in advance for the food you’ll need throughout the week.
As the least densely populated state, people are pretty spread out, so if you crave a robust social life, Wyoming might not be the right place for you.
It’s worth noting that even though the commute times may be longer, you don’t have to worry about much traffic, and the main highway running through the state allows for efficient traveling.
Still, driving from one side of Wyoming to the other would take about 7 hours.
2. Unpredictable Weather
Wyoming has an average temperature of 42 degrees year-round, which is pretty cold by most people’s standards. However, what makes Wyoming unique is that it has pretty hot and dry summers with temperatures that reach about 85-95 degrees.
Compare that to the biting cold winters that can fall below 10 degrees (which is some of the coldest in the US!) and you’ve got a state with a lot of temperature fluctuations that make acclimatizing to the environment a nightmare for those who are not used to the extreme hot or cold weather.
Wyoming is also quite dry and only gets about 13 inches of rain on average per year. Meanwhile, snowfall is another story entirely, with Wyoming getting an average of 56 inches of snow per year.
3. Lack of Access to Emergency Service
This risk comes with the territory when you choose to live alone or in a rural environment, but the long travel time across the state and the sparse population mean that Wyoming has a pretty slow emergency response time compared to other states.
In fact, Wyoming actually has the slowest emergency response time in the US, with an average response time of 36 minutes, which is 13 minutes slower than the second-worst state.
Those precious minutes can make all the difference in a medical emergency or road accident, and the icy wintery conditions make the lack of prompt emergency services that much more alarming.
As such, if you’re planning on living in Wyoming, you should always take precautions outdoors and know how to treat yourself on your own.
4. Little Social Interaction with People
While popular culture and movies may idolize rugged country life as the ideal recipe for happiness, the truth is that many people still crave some social interaction. Much of Wyoming’s culture is grounded in its natural scenery and recreation.
But, when examining the pros and cons of living in Wyoming, one has to consider that there’s not much going on in the state regarding social activities.
If you enjoy parties, gathering with friends, going to the mall, or other social events, you may find yourself getting a bit of cabin fever living in Wyoming.
Some people just aren’t suited for an isolated life, which is the main appeal of a state like Wyoming.
So, is Wyoming a good place to live for those who want to hang out with friends every weekend? Then Wyoming may not be the right state for you.
Pros and Cons of Living in Wyoming – Summary
Overall, Wyoming can be a great place to live for those looking for some isolation in an affordable place and don’t mind the reduced access to some amenities. It may be a small price to pay to get to experience this majestic state.
But, you may also conclude that it is a bit too secluded and the benefits of cheap living and natural beauty are not worth the extreme separation that Wyoming provides.
Either way, we think that you should make a trip out to Wyoming and see for yourself if its vibes match your style.
FAQs
Is Wyoming a good place to live 2022? ›
Living in Wyoming becomes easier because you don't have to pay the state income tax. Also, with plains and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming is a point of attraction for tourists, backpackers, travelers, and many others. Apart from that high crime rates, there are a few safe and secure places in Wyoming.
Is moving to Wyoming a good idea? ›Is it worth moving to Wyoming? Wyoming offers affordable home prices, no state income tax, clean air, and a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. So yes, if you're planning to move there, then you simply shouldn't hesitate.
What problems does Wyoming have? ›Rural subdivision and development, energy development, invasive species, climate change, and disruption of historic disturbance regimes are five important conservation issues that extend across a majority of Wyoming's habitat types and wildlife species.
Why are people moving out of Wyoming? ›Movers are choosing to embrace the small city lifestyle with lower costs and more wide open space. Post-pandemic "more remote workers and retirees are choosing their next destination based on lifestyle, taxes, and cost of living, not proximity to a subway" the study said.
What is the safest city to live in Wyoming? ›1. Kemmerer. The top safest city in Wyoming is Kemmerer, also known as 'The Gateway to the West. ' This community is an astounding 73% below the national crime rate, which helps stress levels remain low.
Is living in Wyoming worth it? ›Wyoming is an excellent place to live if you're looking for affordable home prices, no state income tax, clean air, and boundless opportunities in the great wide-open outdoors.
How much money do you need to live in Wyoming? ›Average Cost of Living in Wyoming: $42,016 per year
It also ranks among the top 20 most affordable states in the nation, according to MERIC data collected in late 2021.
| Rank | City | Safety Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sheridan | 0.57 |
| 2 | Green River | 0.55 |
| 3 | Jackson | 0.54 |
| 4 | Laramie | 0.52 |
Retirement Income: Wyoming is very taxpayer-friendly when it comes your retirement income—no taxes on payments from 401(k) plans, IRAs or pensions. Why? The Cowboy State doesn't have an income tax. Social Security Benefits: Wyoming won't take a share of your Social Security check, either.
Is Wyoming mostly Republican? ›The U.S. state of Wyoming is known for its reliably conservative politics and heavy support for the Republican Party, particularly in federal elections. Democratic voters, in the minority, are concentrated in more urban areas such as Teton County.
What are the property taxes in Wyoming? ›
Wyoming Property Taxes
Despite the fact that there is no state income tax in Wyoming, it has among the lowest property taxes in the U.S. The state's average effective property tax rate is just 0.57%, which is good for 10th-lowest nationwide.
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cashier | $23,917 |
| 2 | Customer Service Representative | $28,169 |
| 3 | Machine Operator | $28,216 |
| 4 | Sales Associate | $34,977 |
People living in Wyoming are very familiar with mosquitoes. In fact, there are 45 species in the state. To keep them away, people use personal bug spray, citronella candles, head nets, etc.
Is water a problem in Wyoming? ›Wyoming has suffered through a drought for as long as I can remember. The University of Wyoming Water Resource Data System indicates that the Cowboy State has been in a moderate to severe drought since 1999.
Does Wyoming have a homeless problem? ›Wyoming had the second-lowest homeless population count in the nation, next to North Dakota with 541. Obert and Bocanegra said they are both seeing a mix of Wyoming residents and out-of-state transients staying at their respective shelters.
Are people fleeing to Wyoming? ›A desire to be closer to family was the main reason people moved to Wyoming in 2021 — the same reason a high number of people questioned by United Van Lines gave for moving out of the state.
Is Wyoming losing people? ›CASPER — Wyoming's population is growing faster than the country's.
Is Wyoming a friendly state? ›On top of just being friendly, people from Wyoming are typically willing to lend a hand to help you with whatever you need.
What is the most common crime in Wyoming? ›Property crime in Wyoming: Fear vs.
Wyoming's property crime rate is 16% lower than the national average of 19.6. Larceny-theft is the most prevalent property crime, accounting for 77% of all crime statewide.
There's a new study that has declared that Wyoming is a better place to live than Colorado or Montana. Homesnacks just shared their 10 Best States to Live In America for 2019 list. I could not care less about the top 10, but the real gem in this study is how Wyoming compares to our neighbors in Colorado and Montana.
Why would someone want to live in Wyoming? ›
The Equality State has no income tax, no estate or inheritance tax, a low sales tax, and a low property tax. The average state and local sales tax is 5.32%, and the average property tax is $635 per $100,000 in home value.
Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Wyoming? ›According to MERIC data in the third quarter of 2021, Montana ranks 30th when it comes to cost of living. That means Montana is more expensive to live in than half of the country. If you have your heart set on living in the Rocky Mountain region, Wyoming is a much more affordable option, ranked 18th on the same list.
How cold does it get in Wyoming? ›In January, the coldest month generally, man minimum temperatures range mostly from 5 to 10° F. In the western valleys mean values go down to about 5° below zero. The record low for the State is -66° F observed February 9, 1933, at Yellowstone Park.
What is the average gas bill in Wyoming? ›For the third year in a row, Wyoming ranks first in the nation when it comes to the highest motor-fuel consumption per driver and second for the most expensive energy costs, with an average cost of $403 per month, according to a 2021 WalletHub survey.
Does Wyoming get tornadoes? ›The average length of a tornado in Wyoming is 3.05 miles with an average width of 79 yards. On average there are six tornado days per year. Based on Wyoming's size, one tornado on average would be expected to have a recurrence interval of 79,300 years at any given point within the state.
How much is gas Wyoming? ›| Regular | Diesel | |
|---|---|---|
| Current Avg. | $3.738 | $5.401 |
| Yesterday Avg. | $3.732 | $5.414 |
| Week Ago Avg. | $3.787 | $5.419 |
| Month Ago Avg. | $3.831 | $4.825 |
Weather: Winters in Wyoming are usually long and cold. January is usually the coldest month of the year. At this time, the minimum temperatures are between 5 and 10 degrees. There are some mild periods when it gets up to the 50s.
Does all of Wyoming get snow? ›Snow falls frequently across Wyoming from October through May, with snow beginning as early as late September across the lower elevations. About five times a year on the average, stations at the lower elevations will have snowfall exceeding five inches.
Is Wyoming safe from natural disasters? ›The state typically receives a fair amount of precipitation in the winter and spring, but when the warm weather comes around, everything dries up and creates a risk for fires. Wyoming has a long history of fires. The state's deadliest natural disaster was the Blackwater Fire of 1937 that occurred near Cody.
What city in Wyoming has the best climate? ›226 miles northeast of Kemmerer lies the warmest town in Wyoming, Thermopolis. Named after the Greek word for "hot city", the city is home to the largest mineral hot spring in the world and boasts an average year-round high temperature of 66.
What part of Wyoming has the best climate? ›
The warmest parts of the state are the lower portions of the Bighorn Basin, the lower elevations of the central and northeast, and along the eastern border. The highest recorded temperature is 116°F on July 12, 1900 at Bitter Creek in Sweetwater County. The average maximum temperature at Basin in July is 92°F.
Are groceries taxed in Wyoming? ›Wyoming Tax Facts: Sales Tax. The state of Wyoming has a 4% sales tax that applies to each purchase made, except for some services, groceries and prescription drugs, in all 23 counties. This means that for each dollar spent on purchasing goods or services in Wyoming, an additional 4 cents is charged for state sales tax ...
Do seniors pay property taxes in Wyoming? ›Exemptions. (a) The following property is exempt from property taxation: (xlii) Property of residents sixty‑five (65) years of age or older, to the extent provided by W.S. 39‑13‑105(m).
Does Wyoming tax your Social Security? ›Wyoming does not have its own income tax, which means the state will not tax any form of retirement income. This includes Social Security retirement benefits. Property taxes and sales taxes in Wyoming are also among the lowest in the country.
What percent of Wyoming voted for Trump? ›Elected President
Johnson's 1964 landslide victory. Trump's 69.94% of the vote is the second-highest ever by a presidential candidate in Wyoming, only surpassed by Ronald Reagan during his 1984 landslide.
As of 2018, Massachusetts was the most Democratic state, with 56% of residents identifying as Democrat, while only 27% of residents identified as Republican.
Is Wyoming a rich or poor state? ›| Rank | State | State revenue per capita |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | North Dakota | 14,636 |
| 7 | Maryland | 9,894 |
| 8 | Hawaii | 10,629 |
| 9 | Wyoming | 15,370 |
Personal and real property taxes
In Wyoming, all property is taxable unless it is specifically exempt. All property tax is based on the assessed value of the property.
Wyoming does not have an individual income tax. Wyoming also does not have a corporate income tax. Wyoming has a 4.00 percent state sales tax, a max local sales tax rate of 2.00 percent, and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 5.22 percent.
Is WY tax-free? ›Which Are the Tax-Free States? As of 2022, Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming are the only states that do not levy a state income tax.
Why are so many people moving to Wyoming? ›
The weather, climate, low cost of living, housing cost, and seven national parks, including Yellowstone, ensured that the population was growing for many years. Relocation to Wyoming was common. It became one of the best places to live.
What is the most common crime in Wyoming? ›Property crime in Wyoming: Fear vs.
Wyoming's property crime rate is 16% lower than the national average of 19.6. Larceny-theft is the most prevalent property crime, accounting for 77% of all crime statewide.
Wyoming is an excellent place to live if you're looking for affordable home prices, no state income tax, clean air, and boundless opportunities in the great wide-open outdoors.
Why do less people live in Wyoming? ›One reason for Wyoming's small population is probably its landscape, which includes high, rugged terrain; valleys; plains; and large, flat treeless basins. The Continental Divide, known as the Crest of the Rockies, runs across the state. The state has many several-thousand-acre ranches.
What is the safest place to live in Wyoming? ›1. Kemmerer. The top safest city in Wyoming is Kemmerer, also known as 'The Gateway to the West. ' This community is an astounding 73% below the national crime rate, which helps stress levels remain low.
What's the most violent city in Wyoming? ›As of 2021, the most dangerous town in Wyoming to live in is Riverton, which has a population of just over 11,000 and sees 345 violent crimes per 100,000 residents annually.
Does Wyoming tax Social Security benefits? ›Retirement Income: Wyoming is very taxpayer-friendly when it comes your retirement income—no taxes on payments from 401(k) plans, IRAs or pensions. Why? The Cowboy State doesn't have an income tax. Social Security Benefits: Wyoming won't take a share of your Social Security check, either.
What are winters in Wyoming like? ›Weather: Winters in Wyoming are usually long and cold. January is usually the coldest month of the year. At this time, the minimum temperatures are between 5 and 10 degrees. There are some mild periods when it gets up to the 50s.
How much money do you need to live in Wyoming? ›Average Cost of Living in Wyoming: $42,016 per year
It also ranks among the top 20 most affordable states in the nation, according to MERIC data collected in late 2021.
The Equality State has no income tax, no estate or inheritance tax, a low sales tax, and a low property tax. The average state and local sales tax is 5.32%, and the average property tax is $635 per $100,000 in home value.
Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Wyoming? ›
According to MERIC data in the third quarter of 2021, Montana ranks 30th when it comes to cost of living. That means Montana is more expensive to live in than half of the country. If you have your heart set on living in the Rocky Mountain region, Wyoming is a much more affordable option, ranked 18th on the same list.
How cold does it get in Wyoming? ›In January, the coldest month generally, man minimum temperatures range mostly from 5 to 10° F. In the western valleys mean values go down to about 5° below zero. The record low for the State is -66° F observed February 9, 1933, at Yellowstone Park.
What is the racial makeup of Wyoming? ›| Population | |
|---|---|
| White alone, percent | 92.4% |
| Black or African American alone, percent(a) | 1.2% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent(a) | 2.8% |
| Asian alone, percent(a) | 1.1% |
On top of just being friendly, people from Wyoming are typically willing to lend a hand to help you with whatever you need.
Are a lot of people moving to Wyoming? ›Wyoming's net migration was about 1,368. This positive net migration means that 1,368 more residents moved into Wyoming than moved out of the State between July 2020 and July 2021. Nationally, the population grew at the slowest rate in the nation's history, 0.1 percent or 392,665 persons from July 2020 to July 2021.