WyomingPop. 23,127Towns
Is Rock Springs a Good Place to Live? Rock Springs, Wyoming: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Rock Springs ranks #816 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #145 of 234 towns and #17 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (77%, #138 of 153).
Rock Springs by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Rock Springs'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 Rock Springs?
Rock Springs'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 $928/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $290,316, 22% below the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
| Measure | Rock Springs | 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 | $290,316#353 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 | $1,172/mo#84 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $256,200#406 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $928/mo#130 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 16.1%#103 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.
Rock Springs 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. Rock Springs is in the Rock Springs, WY metro.
Wyoming housing market →Is Rock Springs safe?
Rock Springs recorded 145 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 56% below the US rate of 328 and 20% below Wyoming's 180. That ranks #228 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #47 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rock Springs Police Department. Property crime runs 871 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Rock Springs | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 145#228 of 1,085 | 180 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 871#165 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 Rock Springs?
The median household in Rock Springs earns $69,168, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below Wyoming ($75,532). 16.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Rock Springs | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $69,168#830 of 1,312 | $75,532 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 16.1%#930 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 Rock Springs?
The median resident of Rock Springs is 35.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1099 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Rock Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 35.9 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 21.9%#1099 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 72.4% | 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 Rock Springs's schools and health?
Rock Springs's 9 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 14.5 students per teacher and $17,924 spent per pupil. 36.4% of adults are obese and 10.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Rock Springs | 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 | 14.5#379 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $17,924#348 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 36.4%#904 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.6%#524 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.1%#886 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 14.6%#1052 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. 4,572 students are enrolled in Rock Springs's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Rock Springs?
The average commute in Rock Springs is 22.5 minutes (Wyoming 19.7); 2% of workers take transit and 3.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Rock Springs scores 9.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #750 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 65.9°F and winters 22.4°F, with 7.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Rock Springs | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 22.5 min#544 of 1,312 | 19.7 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 8.8%#980 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 79.1% | 72.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 2% | 1.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.6% | 3.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.9% | 0.6% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 3.3% | 9.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.5#750 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 | 29.5 | 13.6 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 32.9 | 15.7 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 43.9 | 24.1 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 52.8 | 29.7 | 0.9 |
| May | 63.2 | 38.4 | 1.3 |
| Jun | 75 | 47 | 0.7 |
| Jul | 84.1 | 54.8 | 0.5 |
| Aug | 81.5 | 53.1 | 0.6 |
| Sep | 70.7 | 43.9 | 0.8 |
| Oct | 56 | 32.9 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 40.5 | 21.8 | 0.4 |
| Dec | 29.5 | 13.4 | 0.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rock Springs Airport.
| Measure | Rock Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 43.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 65.9°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 22.4°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 7.6 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 Rock Springs Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Rock Springs?
Sweetwater County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sweetwater County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
| Measure | Rock Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#180 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 Sweetwater County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sweetwater County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.006% | 70% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0014% | 62% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.077% | 44% 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 Rock Springs compare with similar-size cities?
Rock Springs is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #145 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 23,127.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Springs, WYPop. 23,127 | #816 | 53.1 | $69,168 | $928/mo | 145 | 22.5 min |
| Columbus, MSPop. 23,348 | #1158 | 46.5 | $42,235 | $897/mo | 470 | 19 min |
| Watertown, SDPop. 23,044 | #659 | 55.7 | $69,600 | $942/mo | 181 | 12.6 min |
| Duncan, OKPop. 22,958 | #1188 | 45.5 | $58,054 | $896/mo | 356 | 21.9 min |
| Keene, NHPop. 22,939 | #231 | 63.7 | $78,445 | $1,342/mo | 143 | 17.2 min |
| Prairie Village, KSPop. 22,874 | #133 | 67.1 | $113,530 | $1,794/mo | 96 | 19.6 min |
| Radcliff, KYPop. 22,864 | #1183 | 45.6 | $58,559 | $971/mo | 287 | 24.7 min |
| North Platte, NEPop. 22,831 | #945 | 51.0 | $58,097 | $921/mo | 116 | 13.3 min |
| Central Falls, RIPop. 22,701 | #937 | 51.2 | $49,285 | $1,200/mo | 273 | 27.4 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 Rock Springs compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Rock Springs ranks #17 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 53.1 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 8% below the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 20% below the statewide rate. Homes are 22% 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 Rock Springs's score calculated?
Rock Springs scores 53.1 out of 100, #816 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 Rock Springs. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
29.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Rock Springs's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
91.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Rock Springs. Similar-size median 56.5.
50.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Rock Springs's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
55.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Rock Springs's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
80.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Rock Springs. Similar-size median 50.8.
40.6 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Rock Springs. 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 Rock Springs. Similar-size median 48.3.
39.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Rock Springs's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
44.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
70.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Rock Springs'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 Rock Springs 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 Rock Springs
Is Rock Springs, WY a good place to live?
Rock Springs ranks #816 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #145 of 234 towns and #17 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (77%, #138 of 153).
What is the cost of living in Rock Springs?
Rock Springs'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 $928/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $290,316, 22% below the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
What is the crime rate in Rock Springs?
Rock Springs recorded 145 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 56% below the US rate of 328 and 20% below Wyoming's 180. That ranks #228 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #47 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rock Springs Police Department. Property crime runs 871 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Rock Springs?
The median household in Rock Springs earns $69,168, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below Wyoming ($75,532). 16.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Rock Springs?
Median rent in Rock Springs is $928/mo (Census), #130 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,172/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Rock Springs?
The typical home value in Rock Springs is $290,316, down 1.8% in a year, against $371,854 for Wyoming and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $256,200.
How are the public schools in Rock Springs?
Rock Springs's 9 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 14.5 students per teacher and $17,924 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Rock Springs?
The average commute is 22.5 minutes, #544 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.7 minutes across Wyoming. 8.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Rock Springs?
Rock Springs averages 43.7°F over the year, 65.9°F in summer and 22.4°F in winter, with 7.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Rock Springs walkable?
Rock Springs 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 Rock Springs at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sweetwater County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Rock Springs?
Sweetwater County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Rock Springs?
Rock Springs has 23,127 residents. The median resident of Rock Springs is 35.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1099 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Rock Springs compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Rock Springs ranks #17 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 53.1 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 8% below the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 20% below the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical Wyoming home.
What cities are similar in size to Rock Springs?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Rock Springs's population of 23,127 are Columbus, MS (#1158 overall), Watertown, SD (#659 overall), Duncan, OK (#1188 overall), Keene, NH (#231 overall), and Prairie Village, KS (#133 overall). Rock Springs is #816.