Moving to Wyoming statistics (2024 data)

How many people move to Wyoming?

In 2023, an estimated 22,957 people moved to Wyoming, while 22,875 moved out. This represents a net gain of 82 residents. Despite its beautiful scenery, having the smallest population in the U.S. equates to a general lack of infrastructure, preventing it from becoming as popular as neighboring states like Colorado or Montana.

According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Wyoming ranked in the middle of the pack as the 25th most desired state for relocation.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Wyoming

Based on weighted factors like affordability and quality of life, Wyoming ranks as the 18th best U.S. state to move to in 2024. Though the state has high desirability for wealthy movers interested in the breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities, the sparse population and all that comes with it likely prevents higher popularity. There is large economic divide in the state: For example, home prices in Jackson increased by 80.6% between 2023 and 2024, selling for a median price of $2.8M.

Of those moving to Wyoming, the majority are relocating to the few larger towns spread throughout the state. Laramie attracted the most new residents, adding 747 (2.4% growth) between 2020 and 2023. The only other towns with net positive migration were Gillette and Cheyenne, adding 84 and 12 new residents, respectively.

The top three locations people moved to in Wyoming between 2020 and 2023 included the following:

Why do people move to Wyoming?

Migration to Wyoming is largely driven by an interest in self-sufficiency, outdoor recreation and beautiful scenery. However, there is a clear divide between the wealth of most movers and the wealth of native-born Wyomingites. As of 2022, approximately 74% of Wyomingites are at or above 200% of the poverty level, an increase of 6.1% since 2000. Conversely, the average home sale price in the state increased by 17.5% between 2023 and 2024.

For most movers, the job market is still one of the primary motivators for relocation. While Wyoming’s sparse population can pose challenges, the state still offers a variety of job opportunities. The largest industries in the state are government, trade, transportation, and utilities, and leisure and hospitality. Collectively, these industries employ just under 55% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is manufacturing, growing by 2.9% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Wyoming housing statistics

With a median rent price of $1,134.27 and a median home sale price of $370,900, Wyoming renters can expect to pay significantly less than the national median, while homeowners can often pay 11.8% less.

Wyoming also boasts the fifth-lowest property taxes in the nation at only 0.56%. The tax rate is roughly half that of Minnesota, while Louisiana is the only other state with the same tax rate.

In 2021, the average property owner in Albany County, where Laramie is located, paid $1,561 in annual property taxes. In general, the average property tax paid in Wyoming is far less than the rest of the country, with residents of Niobrara County paying an average of $771 annually in 2021.

Cost-of-living statistics in Wyoming

Wyoming’s cost-of-living index is 92.8, making it less expensive than the national average and the 16th most affordable state. Despite this, the average price of a gallon of gas is $3.30, or just slightly higher than the U.S. average of $3.26. Potentially due to logistical challenges and even though the state is a major producer of crude oil, Wyoming’s gas prices are slightly above average. In fact, The Cowboy State has the highest CO2 emissions per capita, ranking it as the least green state in the union.

In line with the lower cost of living, Wyoming’s median household income of $70,479 is also 6.5% less than the U.S. median of $75,358. Luckily, the state also has a much lower-than-average unemployment rate at 2.9%. The average U.S. unemployment rate is 4.2%.

Wyoming’s housing prices have increased rapidly since 2020, creating a disparity between the cost of housing and the overall cost of living. However, despite rising housing costs, Wyoming still falls below the national median in this regard. This makes the state a generally affordable move-in destination.

Who lives in Wyoming?

An estimated 584,057 people live in Wyoming as of 2023 — the smallest U.S. state in terms of population. Still, this represents a population increase of 2,428 people compared to 2022.

Wyoming’s population skews male with 51.2% of the population, while 48.8% of the population is female. In 2023, 299,025 Wyoming residents were male, and 285,032 were female.

On average, Wyoming’s population is also slightly older (39.7 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. The largest age demographic in the state is those between 25 to 44 years old, accounting for 149,929 residents, or 25.7% of the population.

The vast majority of Wyoming residents are white, with residents in this demographic accounting for 92.3% of the population, or 538,988 people. This is followed by Hispanic and Native American residents, who account for 10.8% and 2.8% of the population, respectively. Compared to other states in the country, Wyoming has one of the largest Native American populations.

Tips for moving to Wyoming

Not sure how to start your move to Wyoming? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

While Wyoming’s cost of living is well below the national average, affordability will largely depend on the region. For instance, the median home sale price in the capital, Cheyenne, is only $361,000, while the median price in Jackson rises dramatically to $2.8M. With that in mind, it’s important to create a financial plan centered around your prospective region’s property taxes, housing prices and utility costs. Websites like Wyoming.gov can provide valuable information to help you budget effectively.

2. Consider remote work

While Wyoming does offer opportunities in energy, agriculture, tourism and more, the state’s sparse population can prove challenging. If you haven’t already, consider looking into remote work, or explore the opportunities available in larger cities like Casper and Gillette. To discover openings in your field, utilize online job boards and the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services website.

3. Prepare for the unique weather

With an average elevation of over 6,700 feet and unique geographical features, Wyoming has one of the most interesting climates in the U.S. Some regions face an abundance of snow, while others can be especially windy. We recommend researching your specific region beforehand, but investing in quality winter gear like insulated jackets, snow boots and gloves is always a safe bet. Additionally, consider how to winterize your home and vehicle, ensuring you have essentials like snow shovels, ice scrapers and a reliable heating system.

4. Ensure you have reliable transportation

With vast, rugged landscapes and sparsely populated cities, owning a personal vehicle is essential in Wyoming. Most major highways are well maintained, but winter weather, wind and other hazards can make rural roads challenging to navigate at best — and impassable at worst. To prepare, check resources from the Wyoming Department of Transportation website.

5. Be aware of natural hazards

Wyoming’s stunning geography comes with its costs, including potential wildfires, blizzards, severe wind and even occasional earthquakes. Each region is unique, so be sure to familiarize yourself with common hazards before you move. You can stay informed by signing up for weather alerts from the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security.

6. Embrace outdoor recreation

The Cowboy State is known for its breathtaking landscapes, and you can get the most out of your residency by embracing outdoor recreation. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, skiing or camping, Wyoming’s national parks and wilderness areas offer endless adventure. That includes the famous Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, as well as countless trails and rivers. Visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website to discover outdoor activities in your new area.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Wyoming, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.