Is Wyoming a good place to live? Pros, Cons, and What to Expect

Is Wyoming a good place to live? Pros and cons you must know

Yes, Wyoming is a good place to live. It offers low taxes, affordable living, and breathtaking natural beauty. 

Known as the Cowboy State, Wyoming offers no state income tax, reasonably priced housing, and access to renowned outdoor destinations like Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

However, living in Wyoming does present some challenges. While the expansive landscapes and strong community spirit are appealing, residents face long travel distances, limited public transportation, and fewer job opportunities in fields beyond energy and agriculture. 

In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of living in Wyoming to help you determine if this Western gem is the right place to call home.

Pros of living in Wyoming

Below are the advantages of living in Wyoming.

Low cost of living in Wyoming

One of the most substantial reasons for moving to the Cowboy State is the low cost of living. According to statistics compiled by the World Population Review—Cost of Living Index by State 2025, Wyoming's cost of living index is 95.1, 4.9% below the national average of 100. The affordability of living in Wyoming attracts many budget-conscious individuals and families.

Average cost of living in Wyoming

Here's a clear and simple table showing the average annual per-capita cost of living in Wyoming.

Source: SOFI - Cost of Living in Wyoming 2025

No state income tax

According to the 2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index by the Tax Foundation, Wyoming has the country's best tax system, which offers residents financial benefits. It has no state income tax on personal or corporate income, making it one of only two states that don’t have these taxes or a gross receipts tax, along with South Dakota. The lack of state income tax laws makes Wyoming tax-friendly, allowing residents to keep more money for saving and spending.

Additionally, Wyoming has a 4.00% state sales tax rate; when combined with local taxes, the average total sales tax rate is 5.44%. This places Wyoming among the five states with the lowest average combined sales tax rates, alongside Alaska (1.82%), Hawaii (4.50%), Maine (5.50%), and Wisconsin (5.70%).

The National Retail Federation (NRF) points out that lower tax rates benefit shoppers and retailers. Lower taxes for individuals increase disposable income, leading to more consumer spending and better living standards. Similarly, lower corporate tax rates help retailers grow, invest in their staff, and create more jobs.

Affordable housing

Aside from having wide housing options, Wyoming's prices are relatively lower than the national average. The average Wyoming home value is $353,826, while the U.S. home value is $357,138. As of early 2025, the Wyoming housing market has 2,319 homes available for sale and 451 new listings.

Average housing cost in larger cities of Wyoming

Here’s the average housing cost of the biggest cities in Wyoming.

Source: Zillow -  Wyoming Housing Market 2025 

Natural beauty and outdoor recreation

Wyoming is a good place to live for nature trips and outdoor adventures because the state is abundant with natural attractions and recreational activities. According to the 2024 Economic Impact Report by Dean Runyan Associates, Wyoming's travel industry is growing. Travel spending reached $4.9 billion and supported 33,610 jobs. Overnight visitors totaled 8.8 million. These numbers show how important tourism is for Wyoming's economy.

National parks and recreation areas in Wyoming

Here is a list of the 10 best national parks and recreation areas for spending time outdoors, as highlighted by the official Visit The USA travel site:

1. Yellowstone National Park: America’s first national park, famous for geysers like Old Faithful and colorful hot springs.

2. Grand Teton National Park is known for its stunning Rocky Mountain peaks, the Snake River, and wildlife like moose and bears.

3. Devils Tower National Monument: A large rock formation popular for hiking, camping, and rock climbing.

4. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area: Recognized for its red canyon walls, it offers fishing and boating.

5. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Features 27 km of trails, scenic views of water, and historic spots.

6. Monument Hill & Hot Springs State Park: Located in Thermopolis, it has hiking paths, mineral hot springs, and a bison herd.

7. National Elk Refuge: In Jackson, home to many elk and popular winter sleigh rides.

8. Fremont Lake: Close to Pinedale, Fremont Lake is the second-largest lake in Wyoming and is excellent for fishing and kayaking.

9. Vedauwoo Recreation Area: Known for its unique granite formations, this area is excellent for climbing and hiking.

10. Fossil Butte National Monument: Near Kemmerer, features fossil beds, hiking trails, and summer quarry tours.

Low crime rate

In Wyoming, you will likely not worry about getting robbed at night. You can be assured of a secure living because of the state’s low crime rate. According to the World Population Review, the total number of crimes in Wyoming was only 1,660 per 100,000 people in 2023. Additionally, Wyoming residents expressed a 43% concern about property crime, lower than the national average of 52%.

Safety is a must for everyone when choosing a place to live. In Wyoming, low crime rates are partly due to the strong community spirit. Residents in these communities trust each other and work together, which helps keep everyone safe and lowers crime rates.

Rich cowboy culture and community

Wyoming's cowboy culture was further solidified with the establishment of iconic events such as rodeos and cattle roundups. These gatherings brought together cowboys from different ranches, showcasing their skills in roping, riding, and other cowboy activities.

Wyoming’s small towns blend frontier charm, Western culture, and beautiful landscapes. Cheyenne, the capital, has trolleys and gardens, while Jackson Hole features upscale shops and cowboy bars. Casper offers outdoor adventures and pioneer heritage, and Meeteetse is known for its boardwalks and chocolates. Thermopolis has hot springs and dinosaur fossils. Rock Springs and Green River provide access to natural wonders and museums. 

Cons of living in Wyoming

Below are the disadvantages of living in Wyoming.

Weather conditions

Due to its elevation, Wyoming generally has a cooler climate. At altitudes above 6,000 feet, temperatures seldom exceed 100°F. In the past decade, however, Wyoming has seen a rise in severe storms, including thunderstorms, hailstorms, and even tornadoes. These storms can bring heavy rainfall, large hail, and strong winds, often leading to widespread damage and disruption. Understanding the approximate timing, frequency, and intensity of various weather threats, including high winds, snow, rain, ice, flooding, tornadoes, and hail, can enhance crop yields and protect livestock.

Limited transportation options

Public transportation in Wyoming can often be challenging due to the limited options, especially in the smaller towns and rural areas. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) reports that all 23 counties in Wyoming have at least one public transportation provider. Still, many of these services are sparse and may not operate at convenient times. 

In big cities like Cheyenne and Casper, residents depend a lot on cars, which makes having a personal vehicle essential for many. This reliance reduces the need for public transportation, making it hard for low-income families who don’t have a car to get to work, healthcare, school, and other essential places.

If you plan to buy a car outside the state, AmeriFreight Car Shipping offers reliable auto transportation to Wyoming. We have 20 years of experience in the transportation industry and we prioritize the safe delivery of your vehicles.

Long distances

The State Symbols US ranks Wyoming 9th in the largest states with a land area of 97,105 square miles. Wyoming's expansive plains make it hard for residents to access basic services like jobs and healthcare, especially in rural areas. This leads to a heavy reliance on personal vehicles. Driving in remote areas comes with risks, especially if help is far away during an accident. Limited cell phone reception in these regions can make it hard to get assistance if your car breaks down. These long distances can also affect social connections, delay emergency responses, and complicate infrastructure maintenance. All these factors impact residents' daily lives and overall quality of life.

Pro Tip: A reliable car is necessary for traveling long distances. Buying a durable vehicle from the best car dealerships in Wyoming is a good idea.

Least populated state and limited job options

Wyoming is known for its beautiful landscapes and vast open spaces. However, it has a low population density of about 585,484 residents. This low population density is mainly due to its mountainous terrain and harsh winters, which make settling there challenging.

Another reason for the small population is the lack of job variety. According to the Wyoming State Geological Survey, Wyoming is the top coal producer in the U.S., with coal mines operating in Campbell, Lincoln, and Sweetwater counties. Many jobs depend on the energy industry, and this dependence poses problems for other sectors, leading to some residents leaving Wyoming for better job opportunities in different fields.

Relocating to Wyoming with AmeriFreight Car Shipping

Wyoming could be your dream destination, and it truly is a unique state in the country. Your move to Wyoming will not be complete without a reliable transportation partner. At AmeriFreight Car Shipping, we build lasting connections with our clients. 

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FAQs

Is moving to Wyoming worth it?

Yes, moving to Wyoming can be worthwhile for those who appreciate outdoor recreation, an affordable cost of living, and a more rural lifestyle. However, it's essential to consider the potential for harsh weather, limited job market diversity, and fewer urban amenities.

What are the pros and cons of living in Wyoming? 

The pros and cons of living in Wyoming include a low cost of living, no state income tax, beautiful outdoor recreation, and low crime rates. Cons include severe weather, limited transportation, long distances, and fewer job opportunities.

Does Wyoming get a lot of tornadoes?

Yes, Wyoming does get a lot of tornadoes. The number of severe storms, including tornadoes, has increased in the past decade. These storms bring strong winds and heavy damage.

Why don’t more people move to Wyoming?  

Few people move to Wyoming because of its harsh weather, rural isolation, limited public transportation, and lack of job diversity.

Are people happy living in Wyoming? 

Yes, people are happy living in Wyoming due to the strong sense of community, low crime, affordable living, and natural access.