WyomingPop. 10,856Towns
Is Riverton a Good Place to Live? Riverton, Wyoming: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Riverton ranks #1179 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #208 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.5 min, #38 of 234), and trails on high violent crime (817 per 100,000, #141 of 146) and low graduation rates (77%, #138 of 153).
Riverton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Riverton'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 Riverton?
Riverton'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 $921/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $265,850, 29% below the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
| Measure | Riverton | 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 | $265,850#284 of 1,187 | $371,854 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $219,400#295 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $921/mo#116 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4x#577 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 20%#447 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.
Riverton 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. Riverton is in the Riverton, WY metro.
Wyoming housing market →Is Riverton safe?
Riverton recorded 817 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.5 times the US rate of 328 and 4.5 times Wyoming's 180. That ranks #1012 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #141 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Riverton Police Department. Property crime runs 3,104 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Riverton | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 817#1012 of 1,085 | 180 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 3,104#969 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 Riverton?
The median household in Riverton earns $55,208, 34% below the US figure of $83,163 and 27% below Wyoming ($75,532). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Riverton | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $55,208#1153 of 1,312 | $75,532 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 11.9%#645 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 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 Riverton?
The median resident of Riverton is 35.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1013 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Riverton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 35.1 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 24.1%#1013 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 55.1% | 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 Riverton's schools and health?
Riverton's 7 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $20,836 spent per pupil. 33.3% of adults are obese and 11.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Riverton | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 77%#944 of 1,063 | 81.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 12.6#135 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $20,836#168 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 33.3%#638 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 11.7%#732 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% | 12.9%#944 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. 2,424 students are enrolled in Riverton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Riverton?
The average commute in Riverton is 14.5 minutes (Wyoming 19.7); 1.4% of workers take transit and 4.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Riverton scores 10.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #653 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68°F and winters 18.8°F, with 9.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Riverton | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 14.5 min#50 of 1,312 | 19.7 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 2.5%#103 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 75.7% | 72.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.4% | 1.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 5.6% | 3.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 4.4% | 9.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 10.4#653 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 | 28.7 | 4.2 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 35.5 | 9.6 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 49.2 | 22.2 | 0.7 |
| Apr | 58 | 30.5 | 1.3 |
| May | 67.4 | 40.3 | 2 |
| Jun | 78.9 | 48.5 | 1.1 |
| Jul | 87.9 | 54.8 | 0.7 |
| Aug | 85.7 | 52.2 | 0.5 |
| Sep | 74.4 | 42.5 | 0.8 |
| Oct | 59.2 | 30.4 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 42.7 | 17.1 | 0.4 |
| Dec | 29.6 | 5.7 | 0.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Riverton.
| Measure | Riverton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 43.9°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 | 18.8°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 9.5 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 Riverton.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Riverton?
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 | Riverton | 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 Riverton compare with similar-size cities?
Riverton is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #208 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 10,856.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverton, WYPop. 10,856 | #1179 | 45.8 | $55,208 | $921/mo | 817 | 14.5 min |
| Orono, MEPop. 11,151 | #526 | 57.7 | $59,784 | $1,280/mo | part year | 15.2 min |
| Newport East, RIPop. 11,069 | #465 | 58.7 | $89,028 | $1,876/mo | no data | 20.5 min |
| Brandon, SDPop. 10,996 | #60 | 70.0 | $110,806 | $976/mo | 46 | 18.4 min |
| Cheat Lake, WVPop. 10,902 | #294 | 62.2 | $117,014 | $1,124/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Lexington, NEPop. 10,862 | #781 | 53.6 | $67,666 | $966/mo | 79 | 16.1 min |
| Essex Junction, VTPop. 10,803 | #49 | 70.9 | $89,257 | $1,544/mo | no data | 19.2 min |
| Durham, NHPop. 10,681 | #42 | 71.2 | $112,070 | $1,302/mo | 92 | 17.2 min |
| North Lakes, AKPop. 10,223 | #734 | 54.4 | $101,679 | $1,441/mo | no data | 30.3 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 Riverton compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Riverton ranks #19 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 45.8 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 27% below the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 4.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 29% 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 Riverton's score calculated?
Riverton scores 45.8 out of 100, #1179 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Riverton. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
17.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Riverton's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
32.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Riverton. Similar-size median 56.5.
55.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Riverton's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
64.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Riverton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
82.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Riverton. Similar-size median 50.8.
42.3 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Riverton. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
22.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Riverton. Similar-size median 48.3.
51.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Riverton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
49.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
45.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Riverton'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 Riverton 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 Riverton
Is Riverton, WY a good place to live?
Riverton ranks #1179 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #208 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.5 min, #38 of 234), and trails on high violent crime (817 per 100,000, #141 of 146) and low graduation rates (77%, #138 of 153).
What is the cost of living in Riverton?
Riverton'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 $921/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $265,850, 29% below the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
What is the crime rate in Riverton?
Riverton recorded 817 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.5 times the US rate of 328 and 4.5 times Wyoming's 180. That ranks #1012 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #141 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Riverton Police Department. Property crime runs 3,104 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Riverton?
The median household in Riverton earns $55,208, 34% below the US figure of $83,163 and 27% below Wyoming ($75,532). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Riverton?
Median rent in Riverton is $921/mo (Census), #116 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 20% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Riverton?
The typical home value in Riverton is $265,850, down 2.2% in a year, against $371,854 for Wyoming and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $219,400.
How are the public schools in Riverton?
Riverton's 7 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $20,836 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Riverton?
The average commute is 14.5 minutes, #50 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.7 minutes across Wyoming. 2.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Riverton?
Riverton averages 43.9°F over the year, 68°F in summer and 18.8°F in winter, with 9.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Riverton walkable?
Riverton scores 10.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #653 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 Riverton 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 Riverton?
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 Riverton?
Riverton has 10,856 residents. The median resident of Riverton is 35.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1013 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Riverton compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Riverton ranks #19 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 45.8 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 27% below the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 4.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical Wyoming home.
What cities are similar in size to Riverton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Riverton's population of 10,856 are Orono, ME (#526 overall), Newport East, RI (#465 overall), Brandon, SD (#60 overall), Cheat Lake, WV (#294 overall), and Lexington, NE (#781 overall). Riverton is #1179.