WyomingPop. 58,839Smaller cities
Is Casper a Good Place to Live? Casper, Wyoming: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Casper ranks #530 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #241 of 524 smaller cities and #9 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17 min, #32 of 524) and low rents ($1,009/mo, #49 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (81%, #352 of 437).
Casper by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Casper's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Casper?
Casper's cost of living index is 93.8, 6% below the US level of 100 and #412 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,009/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $313,856, 16% below the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
| Measure | Casper | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 93.8#412 of 1,308 | 92.7 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $313,856#416 of 1,187 | $371,854 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,393/mo#250 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $260,400#415 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,009/mo#228 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17.2%#173 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Casper housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Casper is in the Casper, WY metro.
Wyoming housing market →Is Casper safe?
Casper recorded 320 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2% below the US rate of 328 and 78% above Wyoming's 180. That ranks #590 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #262 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Casper Police Department. Property crime runs 1,835 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Casper | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 320#590 of 1,085 | 180 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,835#641 of 1,085 | 1,038 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Casper?
The median household in Casper earns $70,218, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Wyoming ($75,532). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Casper | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $70,218#810 of 1,312 | $75,532 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 10.8%#562 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Casper?
The median resident of Casper is 37.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #773 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Casper | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 30.5%#773 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 69.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Casper's schools and health?
Casper's 21 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $16,870 spent per pupil. 36.6% of adults are obese and 11% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Casper | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 81%#849 of 1,063 | 81.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.7#405 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,870#418 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 36.6%#917 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11%#624 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.9%#618 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.8%#857 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 11,629 students are enrolled in Casper's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Casper?
The average commute in Casper is 17 minutes (Wyoming 19.7); 0.6% of workers take transit and 10.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Casper scores 10 of 20 (below average walkable), #694 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.5°F and winters 25.5°F, with 12.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Casper | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 17 min#137 of 1,312 | 19.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.2%#431 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 77.9% | 72.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 1.1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2% | 3.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 10.5% | 9.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10#694 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35.2 | 15 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 37.8 | 15.4 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 48.8 | 22.7 | 0.8 |
| Apr | 56.3 | 28.2 | 1.4 |
| May | 66.8 | 37.1 | 2.2 |
| Jun | 79.6 | 45.4 | 1.3 |
| Jul | 89 | 53 | 1.2 |
| Aug | 86.7 | 51.4 | 0.8 |
| Sep | 75.6 | 42.2 | 1 |
| Oct | 59.7 | 30.9 | 1.2 |
| Nov | 45.9 | 22 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 34.7 | 14.8 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Casper-Natrona Co Airport.
| Measure | Casper | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 45.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 67.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 25.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 12.2 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Casper-Natrona Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Casper?
Natrona County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Natrona County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
| Measure | Casper | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.14%#633 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Natrona County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Natrona County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.014% | 87% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.011% | 81% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 69% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0013% | 19% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Casper compare with similar-size cities?
Casper is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #241 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 58,839.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casper, WYPop. 58,839 | #530 | 57.6 | $70,218 | $1,009/mo | 320 | 17 min |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #221 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 | 22.7 min |
| Grand Forks, NDPop. 59,042 | #222 | 63.9 | $63,627 | $980/mo | 270 | 14.8 min |
| National City, CAPop. 58,893 | #1125 | 47.4 | $66,841 | $1,692/mo | 637 | 25.4 min |
| The Hammocks, FLPop. 58,838 | #1023 | 49.7 | $85,628 | $2,187/mo | no data | 35 min |
| Hempstead, NYPop. 58,801 | #685 | 55.3 | $90,420 | $1,622/mo | no data | 33.3 min |
| Towson, MDPop. 58,679 | #313 | 61.8 | $101,320 | $1,764/mo | no data | 25.1 min |
| Taylorsville, UTPop. 58,678 | #731 | 54.5 | $86,413 | $1,482/mo | 187 | 22.2 min |
| Hoboken, NJPop. 58,668 | #15 | 74.2 | $180,579 | $2,938/mo | 199 | 36.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Casper compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Casper ranks #9 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 57.6 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 7% below the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 78% above the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical Wyoming home.
| City | Rank in WY | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson, WYPop. 10,756 | #1 | 70.9 | $118,991 | $2,100/mo | 178 |
| Ranchettes, WYPop. 5,949 | #2 | 65.0 | $121,445 | $831/mo | no data |
| Laramie, WYPop. 32,234 | #3 | 61.1 | $55,613 | $925/mo | 93 |
| Gillette, WYPop. 33,431 | #4 | 60.4 | $81,316 | $976/mo | 221 |
| Cody, WYPop. 10,276 | #5 | 60.1 | $72,570 | $1,051/mo | 124 |
| Green River, WYPop. 11,581 | #6 | 59.9 | $84,747 | $921/mo | 123 |
| Douglas, WYPop. 6,420 | #7 | 59.7 | $83,147 | $841/mo | 124 |
| Cheyenne, WYPop. 65,239 | #8 | 59.5 | $78,839 | $1,118/mo | 299 |
| Casper, WYPop. 58,839 | #9 | 57.6 | $70,218 | $1,009/mo | 320 |
| Powell, WYPop. 6,503 | #10 | 57.2 | $63,523 | $764/mo | 273 |
| Buffalo, WYPop. 4,572 | #11 | 56.8 | $62,629 | $1,019/mo | 106 |
| Evanston, WYPop. 11,800 | #12 | 56.5 | $76,516 | $805/mo | 163 |
| Worland, WYPop. 4,794 | #13 | 55.7 | $63,357 | $703/mo | 252 |
| Sheridan, WYPop. 19,285 | #14 | 55.5 | $62,867 | $936/mo | 110 |
| Lander, WYPop. 7,432 | #15 | 55.0 | $74,813 | $896/mo | part year |
| Rawlins, WYPop. 8,129 | #16 | 53.9 | $64,773 | $741/mo | 114 |
| Rock Springs, WYPop. 23,127 | #17 | 53.1 | $69,168 | $928/mo | 145 |
| Torrington, WYPop. 6,182 | #18 | 52.5 | $47,902 | $901/mo | 321 |
| Riverton, WYPop. 10,856 | #19 | 45.8 | $55,208 | $921/mo | 817 |
| South Greeley, WYPop. 4,631 | #20 | 40.6 | $56,844 | $1,376/mo | no data |
All 20 Wyoming cities we track, by overall score. Wyoming statewide: median income $75,532, violent crime 179.9 per 100,000.
How is Casper's score calculated?
Casper scores 57.6 out of 100, #530 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Wyoming's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Casper. Similar-size median 55.5.
54.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Casper's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
73.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Casper. Similar-size median 58.9.
52.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Casper's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
57.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Casper's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
78.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Casper. Similar-size median 56.1.
50.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Casper. Similar-size median 42.4.
44.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Casper. Similar-size median 50.0.
50.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Casper's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
47.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
55.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Casper's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Casper has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Casper
Is Casper, WY a good place to live?
Casper ranks #530 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #241 of 524 smaller cities and #9 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17 min, #32 of 524) and low rents ($1,009/mo, #49 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (81%, #352 of 437).
What is the cost of living in Casper?
Casper's cost of living index is 93.8, 6% below the US level of 100 and #412 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,009/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $313,856, 16% below the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
What is the crime rate in Casper?
Casper recorded 320 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2% below the US rate of 328 and 78% above Wyoming's 180. That ranks #590 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #262 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Casper Police Department. Property crime runs 1,835 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Casper?
The median household in Casper earns $70,218, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Wyoming ($75,532). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Casper?
Median rent in Casper is $1,009/mo (Census), #228 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,393/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Casper?
The typical home value in Casper is $313,856, up 1.8% in a year, against $371,854 for Wyoming and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $260,400.
How are the public schools in Casper?
Casper's 21 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $16,870 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Casper?
The average commute is 17 minutes, #137 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.7 minutes across Wyoming. 4.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Casper?
Casper averages 45.6°F over the year, 67.5°F in summer and 25.5°F in winter, with 12.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Casper walkable?
Casper scores 10 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #694 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Casper at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Natrona County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Casper?
Natrona County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Casper?
Casper has 58,839 residents. The median resident of Casper is 37.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #773 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Casper compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Casper ranks #9 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 57.6 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 7% below the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 78% above the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical Wyoming home.
What cities are similar in size to Casper?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Casper's population of 58,839 are St. Peters, MO (#221 overall), Grand Forks, ND (#222 overall), National City, CA (#1125 overall), The Hammocks, FL (#1023 overall), and Hempstead, NY (#685 overall). Casper is #530.