WyomingPop. 8,129Towns
Is Rawlins a Good Place to Live? Rawlins, Wyoming: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Rawlins ranks #766 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #131 of 234 towns and #16 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($741/mo, #6 of 231) and short commutes (13.3 min, #28 of 234), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.9%, #134 of 151) and low graduation rates (82%, #115 of 153).
Rawlins by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Rawlins'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 Rawlins?
Rawlins'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 $741/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $202,958, 45% below the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
| Measure | Rawlins | 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 | $202,958#122 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 | $1,022/mo#28 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $217,100#285 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $741/mo#7 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 13.7%#28 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.
Rawlins 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. Rawlins is in the Rock Springs, WY metro.
Wyoming housing market →Is Rawlins safe?
Rawlins recorded 114 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% below the US rate of 328 and 37% below Wyoming's 180. That ranks #161 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #34 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rawlins Police Department. Property crime runs 875 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Rawlins | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 114#161 of 1,085 | 180 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 875#166 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 Rawlins?
The median household in Rawlins earns $64,773, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Wyoming ($75,532). 15.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Rawlins | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $64,773#932 of 1,312 | $75,532 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 15.4%#883 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.9%#1074 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 Rawlins?
The median resident of Rawlins is 39.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 18.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1203 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Rawlins | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 39.7 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 18.4%#1203 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 71% | 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 Rawlins's schools and health?
Rawlins's 3 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $21,251 spent per pupil. 39.5% of adults are obese and 11.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Rawlins | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 82%#809 of 1,063 | 81.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 11.9#74 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $21,251#153 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 39.5%#1083 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 11.9%#775 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 16.8%#1136 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. 1,377 students are enrolled in Rawlins's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Rawlins?
The average commute in Rawlins is 13.3 minutes (Wyoming 19.7); 0% of workers take transit and 2.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Rawlins scores 8.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #895 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 64.5°F and winters 22.9°F, with 9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Rawlins | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 13.3 min#31 of 1,312 | 19.7 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 2.8%#149 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 78.7% | 72.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 1.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.4% | 3.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.6% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 2.5% | 9.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.7#895 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 | 13.2 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 33.9 | 14.5 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 45.1 | 22 | 0.7 |
| Apr | 53.5 | 27.3 | 1.3 |
| May | 64.2 | 35.5 | 1.5 |
| Jun | 76.6 | 43.2 | 0.9 |
| Jul | 85.1 | 50.8 | 0.7 |
| Aug | 82.6 | 49.1 | 0.7 |
| Sep | 72.3 | 40.7 | 0.9 |
| Oct | 56.8 | 30.4 | 0.7 |
| Nov | 41.8 | 20.8 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 31.3 | 12.8 | 0.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rawlins Airport.
| Measure | Rawlins | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 43.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 64.5°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 22.9°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 9 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 Rawlins Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Rawlins?
Carbon County's air had a median air quality index of 8, and 100% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from no2. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Carbon County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 64% of US counties.
| Measure | Rawlins | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 8#1 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% | 0.18%#827 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 Carbon County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Carbon County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.14% | 87% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.01% | 85% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0083% | 76% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.001% | 60% 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 Rawlins compare with similar-size cities?
Rawlins is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #131 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 8,129.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rawlins, WYPop. 8,129 | #766 | 53.9 | $64,773 | $741/mo | 114 | 13.3 min |
| Wilmington Manor, DEPop. 8,214 | #824 | 52.9 | $78,078 | $1,155/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| York, NEPop. 8,141 | #817 | 53.1 | $63,265 | $862/mo | 183 | 9.7 min |
| Tiverton, RIPop. 8,091 | #220 | 64.0 | $99,158 | $1,342/mo | county/metro | 26.2 min |
| Ketchikan, AKPop. 8,078 | #506 | 58.0 | $85,275 | $1,417/mo | 350 | 10.6 min |
| Helena Valley West Central, MTPop. 8,056 | #714 | 54.8 | $90,082 | $1,327/mo | no data | 19.6 min |
| Montpelier, VTPop. 8,014 | #62 | 69.9 | $81,030 | $1,302/mo | 343 | 18.1 min |
| Wahpeton, NDPop. 8,010 | #735 | 54.4 | $62,750 | $751/mo | 135 | 17.6 min |
| Oak Hill, WVPop. 7,937 | #1209 | 44.7 | $52,466 | $847/mo | 92 | 29 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 Rawlins compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Rawlins ranks #16 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 53.9 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 14% below the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 37% below the statewide rate. Homes are 45% 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 Rawlins's score calculated?
Rawlins scores 53.9 out of 100, #766 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 Rawlins. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
25.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Rawlins's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
93.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Rawlins. Similar-size median 56.5.
46.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Rawlins's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
72.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Rawlins's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
84.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Rawlins. Similar-size median 50.8.
40.0 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Rawlins. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
15.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Rawlins. Similar-size median 48.3.
43.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Rawlins's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
40.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
67.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Rawlins'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 Rawlins 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 Rawlins
Is Rawlins, WY a good place to live?
Rawlins ranks #766 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #131 of 234 towns and #16 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($741/mo, #6 of 231) and short commutes (13.3 min, #28 of 234), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.9%, #134 of 151) and low graduation rates (82%, #115 of 153).
What is the cost of living in Rawlins?
Rawlins'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 $741/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $202,958, 45% below the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
What is the crime rate in Rawlins?
Rawlins recorded 114 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% below the US rate of 328 and 37% below Wyoming's 180. That ranks #161 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #34 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rawlins Police Department. Property crime runs 875 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Rawlins?
The median household in Rawlins earns $64,773, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Wyoming ($75,532). 15.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Rawlins?
Median rent in Rawlins is $741/mo (Census), #7 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,022/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 13.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Rawlins?
The typical home value in Rawlins is $202,958, up 2.4% in a year, against $371,854 for Wyoming and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $217,100.
How are the public schools in Rawlins?
Rawlins's 3 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $21,251 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Rawlins?
The average commute is 13.3 minutes, #31 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.7 minutes across Wyoming. 2.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Rawlins?
Rawlins averages 43.1°F over the year, 64.5°F in summer and 22.9°F in winter, with 9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Rawlins walkable?
Rawlins scores 8.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #895 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 Rawlins at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Carbon County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 64% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Rawlins?
Carbon County's air had a median air quality index of 8, and 100% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from no2.
Who lives in Rawlins?
Rawlins has 8,129 residents. The median resident of Rawlins is 39.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 18.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1203 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Rawlins compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Rawlins ranks #16 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 53.9 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 14% below the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 37% below the statewide rate. Homes are 45% below the typical Wyoming home.
What cities are similar in size to Rawlins?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Rawlins's population of 8,129 are Wilmington Manor, DE (#824 overall), York, NE (#817 overall), Tiverton, RI (#220 overall), Ketchikan, AK (#506 overall), and Helena Valley West Central, MT (#714 overall). Rawlins is #766.