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Home/WY/Best for Young Professionals
Wyoming · best for young professionals · #8 of 50 states

Best Cities for Young Professionals in Wyoming

Wyoming ranks #8 of 50 for young professionals, with a young professionals score of 67.5. Ranchettes is its best city for young professionals at 61.8.

See all 50 states for young professionals →

#1 city in WY for young professionals
Ranchettes61.8
Young Professionals score out of 100
Wyoming, all states
#8 of 50
Population
5,949
Open Ranchettes →
Unemployment
3.4%
BLS LAUS
Median income
$75,532
Census ACS
Pop. growth
+0.35%
Census estimates
Cost of living
92.7
BEA RPP · 100 = avg
Livability
51/100
Dining, arts, nightlife

Why Wyoming Works for Young Professionals

Wyoming ranks #8 out of 50 for young professionals — a top destination for ambitious early-career workers. The state's economy scores 50/100, with 3.4% unemployment and a median household income of $75,532. Modest population growth of 0.35% suggests a stable but not booming market.

For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. Wyoming's cost-of-living index of 92.7 is significantly below the national average, meaning entry-level salaries go further here than in most metros. Growth metrics are moderate, so career advancement may depend more on specific industries than broad market expansion.

Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. Wyoming's livability score of 51/100 is adequate — metro areas have decent options, though the state isn't known as a cultural hub. Transportation is car-dependent in most areas (score: 48/100), which is worth factoring into housing location decisions.

All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals

#  CityGradeYoung Professionals scoreOverallEconomyGrowthWalkabilityPopulation
1RanchettesA61.865.075—265,949
2JacksonA+61.170.973276010,756
3LaramieB+57.861.152453732,234
4CheyenneB+57.559.559554565,239
5GilletteB+56.960.459444233,431
6CasperB55.957.654444758,839
7DouglasB+52.559.74233426,420
8CodyB+51.060.133275110,276
9BuffaloB50.856.82443314,572
10Green RiverB+50.759.943234111,581
11SheridanC+50.755.524444319,285
12EvanstonB49.856.536294111,800
13PowellB47.857.22524456,503
14WorlandC+47.455.72521484,794
15LanderC+46.655.03520427,432
16Rock SpringsC+46.453.130244523,127
17TorringtonC45.452.51127626,182
18RawlinsC+44.553.92616418,129
19RivertonD41.645.818235010,856
20South GreeleyF40.140.619—314,631

City young professionals scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.

Compare: States with Similar Young Professionals Rankings

  • North DakotaYoung Professionals score 75.9#3
  • New HampshireYoung Professionals score 74.9#4
  • MontanaYoung Professionals score 70.2#5
  • NebraskaYoung Professionals score 69.3#6

Also See: Wyoming for Other Lifestyles

  • FamiliesFamilies score 86.8#2
  • RetireesRetirees score 85.6#1
  • Remote WorkersRemote Workers score 83.6#1
  • Small BusinessSmall Business score 77.9#6
  • Outdoor EnthusiastsOutdoor Enthusiasts score 95.0#1

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wyoming a good state for young professionals?

Wyoming ranks #8 out of 50 for young professionals with a persona-weighted score of 67.5/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (86/100) and its weakest is Growth (43/100).

What is the best city for young professionals in Wyoming?

Ranchettes ranks #1 in Wyoming for young professionals with a score of 61.8/100, followed by Jackson and Laramie.

What factors are most important for young professionals in Wyoming?

Rankings weighted toward job market strength, economic growth, affordable living, transportation, and vibrant community life — the factors that attract ambitious young professionals.