WyomingPop. 65,239Smaller cities
Is Cheyenne a Good Place to Live? Cheyenne, Wyoming: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Cheyenne ranks #428 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #199 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16 min, #16 of 524) and low unemployment (3.3%, #67 of 476), and trails on low graduation rates (78%, #379 of 437).
Cheyenne by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Cheyenne'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 Cheyenne?
Cheyenne's cost of living index is 96.5, 4% below the US level of 100 and #526 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,118/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $392,134, 5% above the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
| Measure | Cheyenne | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 96.5#526 of 1,308 | 92.7 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $392,134#608 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 | $1,532/mo#362 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $333,700#610 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,118/mo#357 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17%#155 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.
Cheyenne 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. Cheyenne is in the Cheyenne, WY metro.
Wyoming housing market →Is Cheyenne safe?
Cheyenne recorded 299 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 9% below the US rate of 328 and 66% above Wyoming's 180. That ranks #561 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #249 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cheyenne Police Department. Property crime runs 2,700 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Cheyenne | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 299#561 of 1,085 | 180 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,700#900 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 Cheyenne?
The median household in Cheyenne earns $78,839, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above Wyoming ($75,532). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Cheyenne | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $78,839#637 of 1,312 | $75,532 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.3%#186 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 8.7%#387 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.1%#213 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 Cheyenne?
The median resident of Cheyenne is 38.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 33.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #660 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Cheyenne | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 33.6%#660 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 67.1% | 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 Cheyenne's schools and health?
Cheyenne's 32 public schools graduate 78% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $18,376 spent per pupil. 33.9% of adults are obese and 10.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Cheyenne | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 78%#920 of 1,063 | 81.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.4#206 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $18,376#315 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.9%#694 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.6%#524 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.2%#457 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.4%#907 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. 12,490 students are enrolled in Cheyenne's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Cheyenne?
The average commute in Cheyenne is 16 minutes (Wyoming 19.7); 0.3% of workers take transit and 7.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Cheyenne scores 9.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #750 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 66.4°F and winters 29.1°F, with 16 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Cheyenne | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 16 min#97 of 1,312 | 19.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.9%#370 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 80.9% | 72.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.3% | 1.1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 3.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.8% | 9.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.5#750 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 | 40.6 | 18 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 41.1 | 17.8 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 49.2 | 24.6 | 1 |
| Apr | 54.8 | 30.1 | 1.8 |
| May | 64.3 | 39.5 | 2.5 |
| Jun | 76.1 | 49 | 2.2 |
| Jul | 83 | 55.6 | 2.2 |
| Aug | 81.2 | 53.5 | 1.6 |
| Sep | 72.5 | 45.3 | 1.6 |
| Oct | 59 | 33.3 | 1.1 |
| Nov | 47.7 | 24.4 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 39.5 | 17.8 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cheyenne Wfo.
| Measure | Cheyenne | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 46.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 66.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 29.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 16 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 Cheyenne Wfo.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Cheyenne?
Laramie County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 75% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Laramie County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hail, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
| Measure | Cheyenne | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#248 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 Laramie County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Laramie County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.0095% | 84% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0094% | 83% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0033% | 54% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.009% | 51% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.061% | 23% 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 Cheyenne compare with similar-size cities?
Cheyenne is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #199 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 65,239.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne, WYPop. 65,239 | #428 | 59.5 | $78,839 | $1,118/mo | 299 | 16 min |
| Rowlett, TXPop. 65,463 | #433 | 59.4 | $112,081 | $1,990/mo | 157 | 31.2 min |
| Lorain, OHPop. 65,395 | #1213 | 44.5 | $48,685 | $887/mo | 565 | 24.9 min |
| Brentwood, CAPop. 65,208 | #552 | 57.3 | $142,494 | $2,758/mo | 202 | 40 min |
| St. Cloud, FLPop. 65,130 | #457 | 58.8 | $83,174 | $1,683/mo | 141 | 35.9 min |
| Kenner, LAPop. 64,904 | #944 | 51.0 | $64,020 | $1,179/mo | 288 | 25.3 min |
| Waltham, MAPop. 64,902 | #71 | 69.3 | $120,216 | $2,268/mo | 224 | 24.7 min |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #1015 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 | 18.1 min |
| North Little Rock, ARPop. 64,538 | #1250 | 42.4 | $52,707 | $1,069/mo | 960 | 19.8 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 Cheyenne compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Cheyenne ranks #8 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 59.5 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 4% above the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 66% above the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above 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 Cheyenne's score calculated?
Cheyenne scores 59.5 out of 100, #428 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 Cheyenne. Similar-size median 55.5.
58.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Cheyenne's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
68.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Cheyenne. Similar-size median 58.9.
57.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Cheyenne's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
60.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Cheyenne's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
72.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Cheyenne. Similar-size median 56.1.
58.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Cheyenne. Similar-size median 42.4.
54.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Cheyenne. Similar-size median 50.0.
46.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Cheyenne's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
44.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
67.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Cheyenne'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 Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne
Is Cheyenne, WY a good place to live?
Cheyenne ranks #428 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #199 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16 min, #16 of 524) and low unemployment (3.3%, #67 of 476), and trails on low graduation rates (78%, #379 of 437).
What is the cost of living in Cheyenne?
Cheyenne's cost of living index is 96.5, 4% below the US level of 100 and #526 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,118/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $392,134, 5% above the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
What is the crime rate in Cheyenne?
Cheyenne recorded 299 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 9% below the US rate of 328 and 66% above Wyoming's 180. That ranks #561 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #249 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cheyenne Police Department. Property crime runs 2,700 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Cheyenne?
The median household in Cheyenne earns $78,839, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above Wyoming ($75,532). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Cheyenne?
Median rent in Cheyenne is $1,118/mo (Census), #357 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,532/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Cheyenne?
The typical home value in Cheyenne is $392,134, up 3.5% in a year, against $371,854 for Wyoming and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $333,700.
How are the public schools in Cheyenne?
Cheyenne's 32 public schools graduate 78% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $18,376 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Cheyenne?
The average commute is 16 minutes, #97 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.7 minutes across Wyoming. 3.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Cheyenne?
Cheyenne averages 46.6°F over the year, 66.4°F in summer and 29.1°F in winter, with 16 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Cheyenne walkable?
Cheyenne scores 9.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #750 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 Cheyenne at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Laramie County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hail, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Cheyenne?
Laramie County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 75% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Cheyenne?
Cheyenne has 65,239 residents. The median resident of Cheyenne is 38.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 33.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #660 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Cheyenne compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Cheyenne ranks #8 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 59.5 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 4% above the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 66% above the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above the typical Wyoming home.
What cities are similar in size to Cheyenne?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Cheyenne's population of 65,239 are Rowlett, TX (#433 overall), Lorain, OH (#1213 overall), Brentwood, CA (#552 overall), St. Cloud, FL (#457 overall), and Kenner, LA (#944 overall). Cheyenne is #428.