Wyoming
West · Capital: Cheyenne · Wide-open range, no income tax, and cowboy independence.
Population
585K
Median Home
$340K
Median Rent
$1,200/mo
Avg Salary
$58,000
Income Tax
None
Cost of Living
Why people move to Wyoming
Wyoming is the least populous state, a place of vast open range, the Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone — the world's first national park. Its tax climate is among the most favorable anywhere: no state income tax, low sales and property taxes, and business-friendly LLC laws that attract entrepreneurs from across the country.
The winters are fierce and windy, the population sparse, and the energy-dependent economy can be cyclical. But for those who prize independence, outdoor freedom, and one of the lowest overall tax burdens in the nation, Wyoming's appeal is powerful.
Region
West
Capital
Cheyenne
Homeownership
72%
Unemployment
3.2%
Top cities
Cheyenne
Population 65K
State capital and rail-and-military hub.
Casper
Population 59K
Oil-country center on the North Platte River.
Laramie
Population 31K
University of Wyoming college town.
Gillette
Population 33K
Energy capital of the Powder River Basin.
Rock Springs
Population 23K
Southwestern mining and trona-producing city.
Jackson
Population 11K
Upscale resort town beside Grand Teton National Park.
Cost of living breakdown
Indexed to the U.S. national average (100). Wyoming's overall cost index is 97 — a moderate cost state.
Housing
Median Home
$340K
Median Rent
$1,200/mo
Property Tax
0.55%
Homeowners
72%
| City | Cost level | Est. rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne | Moderate cost | $1,200/mo |
| Casper | Moderate cost | $1,200/mo |
| Laramie | Moderate cost | $1,200/mo |
| Gillette | Moderate cost | $1,200/mo |
| Rock Springs | Low cost | $950/mo |
About 72% of residents own their homes. Effective property tax runs near 0.55% of assessed value — budget this into any purchase.
Housing assistance in Wyoming
Explore Wyoming vouchers, affordable apartments, down-payment help, rental & utility assistance, senior, veteran, and disability housing — with eligibility and how to apply.
Jobs & economy
Top industries
Major employers
- University of Wyoming
- Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
- Peabody Energy
- Wyoming Machinery
Unemployment
3.2%
Remote-friendly
Moderate
Illustrative salaries by sector
Schools & education
K–12 & top districts
Wyoming public schools serve families across urban and suburban districts. Sought-after systems cluster around its largest metros — including Cheyenne area schools, Casper area schools, Laramie area schools.
Universities & colleges
- University of Wyoming
- Casper College
- Laramie County Community College
Healthcare
Major hospitals & systems
- Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
- Wyoming Medical Center
Access & insurance landscape
Care access is strongest in and around Cheyenne. Most residents use employer or marketplace (ACA) plans; rural areas can mean longer drives to specialist care, so factor network coverage into where you settle.
Transportation & getting around
Walk score
31/100
Transit
Almost entirely car-dependent, with only minimal transit in the largest towns.
I-5, I-15, and I-80 stitch together sprawling western distances. Average one-way commute is about 20 minutes; walkability scores near 31/100 statewide, higher in the largest cities.
Airports & hubs
Jackson
Teton tourism gateway
Casper
Central Wyoming gateway
Weather & natural disaster risk
Semi-arid and continental with hot summers, long cold winters, and relentless wind.
Taxes
State income tax
None
State sales tax
4%
Property tax
0.55%
No state income tax. Statewide sales tax is 4% (local add-ons may apply), and effective property tax averages 0.55% of home value. No state income tax makes this an attractive base for high earners and retirees.
Driver license & vehicle registration
New-resident timeline
60 days to register, immediately for license.
Bring proof of identity, residency, and vehicle title. Expect a vision test and title transfer fees; a REAL ID upgrade needs extra documents.
Emissions testing
Not required
Typical license fee
$35–$90
Business registration & climate
LLC filing fee
$100
Corp income tax
Favorable
Startup climate
Emerging
Best for founders
Yes
Form an LLC through the Secretary of State's online portal for around $100. Startup resources include the Cheyenne Small Business Development Center, local SCORE chapters, and university programs at University of Wyoming.
Commercial space & coworking
Office and retail leasing is most active in Cheyenne and Casper. Rates track the state's moderate cost profile — expect a premium downtown and value in suburban submarkets.
Vendor & pop-up events
Cheyenne Frontier Days
The world's largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration.
Grand Teton Music Festival
A renowned summer classical-music series in Jackson Hole.
Churches & community resources
Faith communities
A mix of LDS, Catholic, and evangelical communities across its rural expanse.
Getting connected
Community centers, libraries, and newcomer meetups in Cheyenne and Casper are great first stops to build a network.
Diverse communities
Home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes on the Wind River Reservation.
The honest take on Wyoming
Pros
- No state income tax and low overall taxes
- Unmatched access to Yellowstone and the Tetons
- Business-friendly LLC laws
Cons
- Harsh, windy winters
- Very sparse population and services
- Energy-dependent, cyclical economy
Create my move plan for Wyoming
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