WyomingPop. 7,432Towns
Is Lander a Good Place to Live? Lander, Wyoming: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lander ranks #699 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #117 of 234 towns and #15 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (13.6 min, #32 of 234) and high graduation rates (92%, #27 of 153), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #116 of 151).
Lander by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lander's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Lander: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Lander safe?
What is the cost of living in Lander?
Lander's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $896/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $388,382, 4% above the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
| Measure | Lander | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 91.6#265 of 1,308 | 92.7 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $388,382#598 of 1,187 | $371,854 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,446/mo#295 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $337,100#622 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $896/mo#83 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 14.4%#39 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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.
Lander 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. Lander is in the Riverton, WY metro.
Wyoming housing market →Is Lander safe?
Lander Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Lander and we don't rank it on safety. Wyoming as a whole records 180 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Lander?
The median household in Lander earns $74,813, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% below Wyoming ($75,532). 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lander | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $74,813#709 of 1,312 | $75,532 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 9.5%#455 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.4% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lander?
The median resident of Lander is 37.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 42.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #407 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lander | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 37.5 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 42.3%#407 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 66.7% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lander's schools and health?
Lander's 4 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 12.2 students per teacher and $20,393 spent per pupil. 30.7% of adults are obese and 10% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Lander | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 81.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 12.2#104 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $20,393#184 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 30.7%#436 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10%#402 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 14.8%#241 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9.3%#557 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 1,558 students are enrolled in Lander's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lander?
The average commute in Lander is 13.6 minutes (Wyoming 19.7); 0.5% of workers take transit and 8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lander scores 9 of 20 (below average walkable), #835 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68°F and winters 22.6°F, with 13.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lander | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 13.6 min#36 of 1,312 | 19.7 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 1.8%#34 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 71.1% | 72.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 1.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 6% | 3.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 2% | 0.6% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 8% | 9.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9#835 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 | 32.8 | 9.8 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 36.6 | 13.3 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 48.6 | 23.4 | 1.3 |
| Apr | 56.2 | 30.3 | 2.1 |
| May | 66.1 | 39.4 | 2.7 |
| Jun | 78 | 47.7 | 1.1 |
| Jul | 87.7 | 55.2 | 0.6 |
| Aug | 85.8 | 53.8 | 0.5 |
| Sep | 74.6 | 44.6 | 1 |
| Oct | 58.9 | 32 | 1.4 |
| Nov | 44.3 | 19.9 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 32.9 | 10.2 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lander Airport.
| Measure | Lander | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 68°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 22.6°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 13.2 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lander Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lander?
Fremont County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 70% 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 Fremont County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 56% of US counties.
| Measure | Lander | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#756 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Fremont County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Fremont County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.018% | 89% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.021% | 86% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 69% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0013% | 40% 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 Lander compare with similar-size cities?
Lander is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #117 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 7,432.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lander, WYPop. 7,432 | #699 | 55.0 | $74,813 | $896/mo | part year | 13.6 min |
| Kenai, AKPop. 7,641 | #533 | 57.6 | $87,083 | $1,138/mo | 344 | 15.5 min |
| Old Town, MEPop. 7,470 | #477 | 58.5 | $51,585 | $989/mo | 0 | 20.2 min |
| Millsboro, DEPop. 7,424 | #661 | 55.7 | $78,707 | $1,277/mo | 345 | 33 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 min |
| Devils Lake, NDPop. 7,308 | #1006 | 50.0 | $43,220 | $711/mo | 191 | 12.1 min |
| Middlebury, VTPop. 7,220 | #5 | 76.4 | $86,250 | $1,201/mo | 54 | 14.6 min |
| Laurel, MTPop. 7,215 | #846 | 52.6 | $68,474 | $974/mo | 303 | 19.1 min |
| Sturgis, SDPop. 7,086 | #1120 | 47.6 | $54,404 | $780/mo | 329 | 18.3 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 Lander compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Lander ranks #15 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 55 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 1% below the Wyoming median. Homes are 4% 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 Lander's score calculated?
Lander scores 55 out of 100, #699 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are 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, some inputs missing · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Lander. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
34.6 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lander. Similar-size median 56.5.
66.1 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lander's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
80.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Lander's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
77.5 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lander. Similar-size median 50.8.
55.3 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lander. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
20.0 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lander. Similar-size median 48.3.
57.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lander's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
45.2 - SafetyNot scored
Lander's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lander's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Lander 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 Lander
Is Lander, WY a good place to live?
Lander ranks #699 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #117 of 234 towns and #15 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (13.6 min, #32 of 234) and high graduation rates (92%, #27 of 153), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #116 of 151).
What is the cost of living in Lander?
Lander's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $896/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $388,382, 4% above the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
Is Lander safe?
Lander Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Lander and we don't rank it on safety. Wyoming as a whole records 180 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Lander?
The median household in Lander earns $74,813, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% below Wyoming ($75,532). 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lander?
Median rent in Lander is $896/mo (Census), #83 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,446/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 14.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lander?
The typical home value in Lander is $388,382, up 1.7% in a year, against $371,854 for Wyoming and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $337,100.
How are the public schools in Lander?
Lander's 4 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 12.2 students per teacher and $20,393 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lander?
The average commute is 13.6 minutes, #36 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.7 minutes across Wyoming. 1.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lander?
Lander averages 45.1°F over the year, 68°F in summer and 22.6°F in winter, with 13.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lander walkable?
Lander scores 9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #835 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 Lander at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fremont County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 56% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lander?
Fremont County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Lander?
Lander has 7,432 residents. The median resident of Lander is 37.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 42.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #407 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lander compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Lander ranks #15 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 55 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 1% below the Wyoming median. Homes are 4% above the typical Wyoming home.
What cities are similar in size to Lander?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lander's population of 7,432 are Kenai, AK (#533 overall), Old Town, ME (#477 overall), Millsboro, DE (#661 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), and Devils Lake, ND (#1006 overall). Lander is #699.