Wyoming
Wyoming ranks #16 of 50 US states in 2026 with a composite score of 69.4/100 and a B+ grade. Its strongest category is Outdoor Access (96/100) and its weakest is Education (37/100).
How Does Wyoming Rank For...
Weights vary by lifestyle. Families prioritize education & safety; retirees prioritize fiscal health & healthcare. See methodology →
Top Strengths
Areas to Watch
Category Breakdown
12-Month Composite Trend
IllustrativeCities in Wyoming
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Jackson | A+ | 70.9 | 10,746 | $112,609 | 93.8 | 92.7 |
| 106 | Gillette | A | 63.4 | 33,278 | $90,699 | 235.2 | — |
| 112 | Ranchettes | A | 63.2 | 6,389 | $124,426 | — | — |
| 124 | Laramie | A | 62.7 | 31,848 | $52,414 | 160.8 | — |
| 160 | Lander | A | 61.4 | 7,565 | $71,601 | — | — |
| 163 | Cody | A | 61.3 | 10,121 | $68,676 | 203.6 | — |
| 164 | Buffalo | A | 61.3 | 4,516 | $61,813 | 64 | 94.4 |
| 190 | Powell | A | 60.7 | 6,466 | $65,077 | 121.9 | — |
| 195 | Douglas | A | 60.4 | 6,400 | $79,839 | 170.1 | 86.7 |
| 218 | Sheridan | B+ | 59.8 | 19,035 | $61,598 | 92.5 | — |
| 228 | Cheyenne | B+ | 59.4 | 65,163 | $74,244 | 325 | 90.9 |
| 229 | Worland | B+ | 59.4 | 4,788 | $60,603 | 83.1 | — |
| 233 | Green River | B+ | 59.3 | 11,679 | $85,399 | 342 | — |
| 248 | Casper | B+ | 59.0 | 58,754 | $69,171 | 261.3 | 91.8 |
| 315 | Rawlins | B+ | 57.4 | 8,217 | $69,912 | 146.6 | — |
| 343 | Torrington | B+ | 56.8 | 6,174 | $53,393 | 195.2 | — |
| 378 | Evanston | B | 56.0 | 11,803 | $76,569 | 319.6 | — |
| 393 | Rock Springs | B | 55.5 | 23,229 | $73,307 | 188.7 | — |
| 564 | Riverton | C+ | 51.9 | 10,803 | $56,280 | 637.4 | — |
| 589 | South Greeley | C+ | 51.2 | 4,596 | $53,625 | — | — |
Best Cities in Wyoming for...
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Wyoming Rankings Overview
Wyoming earns an overall grade of B+ with a composite score of 69.4 out of 100, ranking #16 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Outdoor Access (96/100) while its biggest challenge is Education (37/100).
Economy & Employment in Wyoming
With an unemployment rate of 3.5% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Wyoming performs above average on economic indicators. The median household income is $71,847, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Wyoming
Wyoming's violent crime rate of 203 per 100,000 residents places it in the top half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Wyoming
Wyoming ranks #27 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #32 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates. Life expectancy in Wyoming is 77.5 years, and the high school graduation rate is 82%.
Taxes & Fiscal Health in Wyoming
Wyoming's total tax burden is 5.79% of personal income, which is below the national average of 8.74%. Wyoming has no state income tax. The effective property tax rate is 0.58% and the combined state and local sales tax rate is 5.56%.
Housing & Affordability in Wyoming
The median home price in Wyoming is $484,000, compared to the national average of $394,620. The cost of living index is 91 (where 100 equals the national average), making it a more affordable state. The price-to-income ratio is 6.7x.
Environment in Wyoming
Wyoming has a median air quality index of 35 (EPA AirData), better than the national average. 33% of the state's electricity comes from renewable sources, an above-average share. The FEMA natural disaster risk score is 38 (above average risk).
Growth & Migration in Wyoming
Wyoming's population growth rate is +0.6% year over year. The net domestic migration rate is +1.5 per 1,000 residents, indicating more people are moving in than out. 87.8% of households have broadband internet access.
Best Cities in Wyoming
The top-ranked cities in Wyoming based on our composite scoring are Jackson, Gillette, and Ranchettes. These cities score highest across economy, safety, health, and affordability metrics among the cities we track in Wyoming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wyoming's overall ranking?
Wyoming ranks #16 out of 50 states with a composite score of 69.4/100 and a grade of B+.
Is Wyoming a good place to live?
Wyoming ranks among the top-performing states in America with a composite score of 69.4/100. Its strengths in areas like economic opportunity and public safety make it an attractive place to live for many residents.
What is the crime rate in Wyoming?
The violent crime rate in Wyoming is 203 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Wyoming's economy compare?
Wyoming's median household income is $71,847 with an unemployment rate of 3.5%. The unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Wyoming?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Wyoming are Jackson, Gillette, and Ranchettes.
How does Wyoming rank for families?
Wyoming ranks #16 of 50 states for families with a score of 70.2/100. This is a mid-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing education, safety, housing.
How does Wyoming rank for retirees?
Wyoming ranks #9 of 50 states for retirees with a score of 77.9/100. This is a top-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing health, fiscal, housing.
How does Wyoming rank for remote workers?
Wyoming ranks #2 of 50 states for remote workers with a score of 77.9/100. This is a top-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing housing, economy, outdoor.