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Is Powell a Good Place to Live? Powell, Wyoming: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Powell ranks #562 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #95 of 234 towns and #10 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (97%, #7 of 153) and low rents ($764/mo, #11 of 231), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Powell by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Powell'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 Powell?
Powell'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 $764/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $421,737, 13% above the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
| Measure | Powell | 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 | $421,737#672 of 1,187 | $371,854 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $289,400#500 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $764/mo#13 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.6x#755 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.
Powell 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.
Wyoming housing market →Is Powell safe?
Powell recorded 273 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% below the US rate of 328 and 52% above Wyoming's 180. That ranks #512 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #89 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Powell Police Department. Property crime runs 759 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Powell | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 273#512 of 1,085 | 180 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 759#116 of 1,085 | 1,038 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
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. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Powell?
The median household in Powell earns $63,523, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Wyoming ($75,532). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Powell | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $63,523#964 of 1,312 | $75,532 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 12.8%#720 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 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 Powell?
The median resident of Powell is 32.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 35.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #593 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Powell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 32.5 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 35.6%#593 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 69.6% | 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 Powell's schools and health?
Powell's 5 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 13.3 students per teacher and $17,867 spent per pupil. 31.9% of adults are obese and 10.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Powell | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 97%#17 of 1,063 | 81.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 13.3#197 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $17,867#351 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 31.9%#535 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.7%#555 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 16.3%#477 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 11.8%#857 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. 1,817 students are enrolled in Powell's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Powell?
The average commute in Powell is 18.2 minutes (Wyoming 19.7); 0.3% of workers take transit and 7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Powell scores 9.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #729 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 65.7°F and winters 20.7°F, with 6.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Powell | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 18.2 min#204 of 1,312 | 19.7 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 6.4%#761 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 68.6% | 72.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 1.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 9.8% | 3.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.3% | 0.6% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 7% | 9.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.6#729 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 | 31.5 | 6.1 | 0.2 |
| Feb | 35.9 | 10.1 | 0.2 |
| Mar | 48.3 | 19.6 | 0.3 |
| Apr | 56.9 | 28.4 | 0.6 |
| May | 65.9 | 39.6 | 1.2 |
| Jun | 76 | 47.1 | 1.3 |
| Jul | 85.2 | 52.4 | 0.8 |
| Aug | 83.7 | 49.7 | 0.4 |
| Sep | 73 | 40.8 | 0.8 |
| Oct | 57.6 | 29.2 | 0.7 |
| Nov | 43.1 | 17 | 0.2 |
| Dec | 32.6 | 8.2 | 0.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Powell Fld Stn.
| Measure | Powell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 43.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 65.7°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 20.7°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 6.7 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 Powell Fld Stn.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Powell?
Park County's air had a median air quality index of 13, and 98% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Park County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 55% of US counties.
| Measure | Powell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 13#19 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%#750 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 Park County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Park County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.014% | 83% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0077% | 82% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 80% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0018% | 21% 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 Powell compare with similar-size cities?
Powell is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #95 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 6,503.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powell, WYPop. 6,503 | #562 | 57.2 | $63,523 | $764/mo | 273 | 18.2 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 min |
| Tea, SDPop. 6,786 | #63 | 69.8 | $120,139 | $1,220/mo | 169 | 20.2 min |
| Valley City, NDPop. 6,541 | #870 | 52.2 | $60,339 | $780/mo | 61 | 15.8 min |
| Shelburne, VTPop. 6,499 | #6 | 76.0 | $109,583 | $1,439/mo | 61 | 20.7 min |
| Edgemoor, DEPop. 6,349 | #1143 | 46.9 | $59,424 | $1,438/mo | no data | 26.3 min |
| Sterling, AKPop. 6,323 | #459 | 58.8 | $102,415 | $1,248/mo | no data | 30.1 min |
| Sidney, MTPop. 6,171 | #725 | 54.6 | $62,538 | $931/mo | 655 | 21.2 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 Powell compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Powell ranks #10 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 57.2 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 16% below the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 52% above the statewide rate. Homes are 13% 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 Powell's score calculated?
Powell scores 57.2 out of 100, #562 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, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Powell. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
24.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Powell's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
84.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Powell. Similar-size median 56.5.
60.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Powell's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
78.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Powell's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
81.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Powell. Similar-size median 50.8.
44.3 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Powell. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
24.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Powell. Similar-size median 48.3.
55.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Powell's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
45.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
72.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Powell'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 Powell 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 Powell
Is Powell, WY a good place to live?
Powell ranks #562 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #95 of 234 towns and #10 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (97%, #7 of 153) and low rents ($764/mo, #11 of 231), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Powell?
Powell'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 $764/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $421,737, 13% above the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
What is the crime rate in Powell?
Powell recorded 273 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% below the US rate of 328 and 52% above Wyoming's 180. That ranks #512 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #89 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Powell Police Department. Property crime runs 759 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Powell?
The median household in Powell earns $63,523, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Wyoming ($75,532). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Powell?
Median rent in Powell is $764/mo (Census), #13 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 14.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Powell?
The typical home value in Powell is $421,737, down 0.7% in a year, against $371,854 for Wyoming and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $289,400.
How are the public schools in Powell?
Powell's 5 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 13.3 students per teacher and $17,867 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Powell?
The average commute is 18.2 minutes, #204 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.7 minutes across Wyoming. 6.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Powell?
Powell averages 43.2°F over the year, 65.7°F in summer and 20.7°F in winter, with 6.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Powell walkable?
Powell scores 9.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #729 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 Powell at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Park County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 55% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Powell?
Park County's air had a median air quality index of 13, and 98% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Powell?
Powell has 6,503 residents. The median resident of Powell is 32.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 35.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #593 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Powell compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Powell ranks #10 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 57.2 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 16% below the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 52% above the statewide rate. Homes are 13% above the typical Wyoming home.
What cities are similar in size to Powell?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Powell's population of 6,503 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Tea, SD (#63 overall), Valley City, ND (#870 overall), and Shelburne, VT (#6 overall). Powell is #562.