Wyoming Population 2025 | Statistics & Facts

Population in Wyoming 2025

Wyoming continues to maintain its status as the least populated state in the United States, yet the state has shown consistent moderate growth patterns throughout recent years. As America’s 10th largest state by land area but smallest by population count, Wyoming offers a unique demographic profile characterized by wide open spaces, low population density, and steady migration patterns driven by economic opportunities and quality of life factors. The state’s population dynamics reflect broader national trends while maintaining distinctive regional characteristics tied to its energy sector economy, natural beauty, and rural character.

The population in Wyoming 2025 demonstrates resilience in the face of changing economic conditions, with the state experiencing continuous growth since the challenging period of 2014-2019 when negative net migration occurred due to energy sector downturns. Current demographic trends indicate that Wyoming attracts residents seeking lower costs of living, outdoor recreation opportunities, and employment in diverse sectors including energy, tourism, construction, and government services. Understanding Wyoming’s population statistics provides crucial insights into the state’s economic health, infrastructure needs, and future development trajectories.

Interesting Stats & Facts about Wyoming Population in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates (July 2024), Wyoming Economic Analysis Division

The Wyoming population 2025 figures reveal several compelling demographic realities. With 587,618 residents as of July 2024, Wyoming maintains its position as the nation’s least populated state despite showing positive growth trends. The annual increase of 2,551 persons represents a 0.4% growth rate, which, while modest compared to Sun Belt states like Florida (2.0%) or Texas (1.8%), demonstrates consistent demographic expansion. What makes Wyoming’s growth particularly interesting is the dramatic shift from the six consecutive years of negative net migration between 2014 and 2019, when more people left than arrived due to energy sector challenges.

The natural change component of population growth—the difference between births and deaths—stood at just 403 persons between July 2023 and July 2024. This figure represents a significant decline from pre-pandemic levels when natural increase contributed 1,446 persons in 2019 and 3,015 persons a decade earlier. This decline reflects two major demographic trends: decreasing fertility rates nationwide and the aging of baby boomer populations. Wyoming recorded 6,037 births and 5,634 deaths during this period, highlighting how natural increase now plays a much smaller role in population growth compared to migration patterns.

Migration continues to drive Wyoming’s population in 2025, with a net migration of 2,146 persons between July 2023 and July 2024. This includes 1,285 persons from net international migration and 861 persons from net domestic migration. The international migration figure represents a substantial increase from pre-pandemic annual figures of around 500, largely due to updated U.S. Census Bureau methodology incorporating administrative data from refugee admissions and Homeland Security. Since the 2020 Census, Wyoming has gained 10,774 residents, ranking 26th nationally in cumulative population growth—a remarkable achievement for the nation’s least populated state.

Wyoming Population Growth Trends in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 Population Estimates

The Wyoming population 2025 growth trajectory shows accelerating expansion following the COVID-19 pandemic years. After recording minimal growth of just 837 persons in 2021 during the pandemic’s peak impact, the state experienced progressively stronger increases: 1,955 persons in 2022, 2,342 persons in 2023, peaking at 3,089 persons in early 2024 estimates before settling to 2,551 persons in revised July 2024 figures. This pattern reflects broader national migration trends where individuals and families relocated from high-cost urban centers to lower-cost, less densely populated regions during and after the pandemic.

The growth rate of 0.4% in 2024 places Wyoming as having the 7th lowest growth rate nationally, yet this modest figure masks significant progress when viewed through a longer-term lens. Compared to three states that lost population—Mississippi (-127 persons), Vermont (-215 persons), and West Virginia (-516 persons)—Wyoming’s growth appears robust. All of Wyoming’s neighboring states experienced faster population increases: Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Nebraska, and South Dakota each posted stronger percentage gains, driven by similar factors including outdoor recreation amenities, remote work opportunities, and lower living costs compared to coastal metropolitan areas.

The population in Wyoming 2025 demonstrates remarkable recovery from the challenging 2014-2019 period when the state experienced nearly six consecutive years of negative net migration totaling tens of thousands of residents. This outflow directly correlated with energy sector downturns that eliminated thousands of mining and related jobs. The reversal beginning in 2020 coincided not only with pandemic-related migration but also with stabilization in Wyoming’s energy economy and diversification into construction, tourism, and government sectors. Total employment growth of 0.9% year-over-year as of June 2024, combined with the nation’s lowest unemployment rate of 2.9%, created conditions favorable for population retention and attraction.

Migration Components in Wyoming 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Component Analysis

Migration patterns tell the most important story about Wyoming population 2025 dynamics. The total net migration of 2,146 persons between July 2023 and July 2024 represents a deceleration from the previous two years when net migration reached 3,000 persons (2022-2023) and 2,778 persons (2021-2022). This slowdown reflects the gradual normalization of pandemic-induced migration patterns that saw unprecedented movement from expensive urban areas to rural and less densely populated regions. Nevertheless, positive net migration continues, indicating Wyoming remains attractive to newcomers despite reduced momentum.

Net domestic migration—the movement of people from other U.S. states to Wyoming minus those leaving for other states—totaled 861 persons in the most recent year, less than half the 1,800-plus domestic migration figure from 2023. This decline suggests that the “pandemic migration bounce” Wyoming experienced has largely run its course. However, cumulatively since the 2020 Census, domestic migration contributed 7,305 persons to Wyoming’s population, demonstrating sustained interstate appeal. States experiencing the largest net domestic outmigration during this period, such as California, New York, and Illinois, served as source states for Wyoming’s domestic migration gains.

International migration has become increasingly significant for Wyoming’s population in 2025, with net international migration of 1,285 persons between July 2023 and July 2024, compared to pre-pandemic annual figures around 500 persons. The dramatic increase results partly from improved Census Bureau methodology that now incorporates administrative records from the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and Department of Homeland Security data on immigrant cases. Cumulatively since 2020, international migration added 3,028 persons to Wyoming’s population, representing nearly 30% of total net migration during this period—a much higher proportion than historically typical for Wyoming.

Natural Population Change in Wyoming 2025

Data Source: Wyoming Department of Health, U.S. Census Bureau

The natural change component of Wyoming population 2025 reveals dramatic demographic shifts. Natural change—calculated as births minus deaths—contributed only 403 persons to population growth between July 2023 and July 2024. This figure represents a fraction of historical contributions: just 28% of the 2019 natural increase of 1,446 persons and merely 13% of the 2014 natural increase of 3,015 persons. The declining contribution of natural increase to population growth reflects two powerful demographic forces reshaping Wyoming and the broader United States.

First, fertility rates continue their long-term decline. Wyoming recorded 6,037 births between July 2023 and July 2024, down from peak birth years in the past decade. Lower fertility rates affect all age groups but particularly impact women in their prime childbearing years (ages 15-44). Economic factors including student debt, housing costs, career priorities, and delayed family formation all contribute to declining birth rates. Additionally, Wyoming’s relatively small population base means absolute numbers of births remain modest compared to more populous states, even when fertility rates match or exceed national averages.

Second, Wyoming’s population is aging as baby boomers—those born between 1946 and 1964—enter their senior years. This demographic cohort, now aged 60-78, comprises a substantial portion of Wyoming’s population. As this large generation ages, death rates naturally increase, even as life expectancy improvements continue. Wyoming recorded 5,634 deaths between July 2023 and July 2024, a figure that will likely continue rising in coming decades as the baby boomer generation ages further. Notably, 2021 marked an unprecedented occurrence where deaths briefly exceeded births during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, though natural change has since returned to positive territory.

The population in Wyoming 2025 increasingly depends on migration rather than natural increase for growth. Cumulatively since the 2020 Census through July 2024, natural change contributed just 440 persons to population growth—only 4% of the total increase of 10,774 persons. In contrast, net migration accounted for 10,333 persons, representing 96% of growth. This migration-dependent growth model has significant implications for Wyoming’s demographic composition, as migrants typically differ from native-born residents in age distribution, educational attainment, and economic characteristics.

Wyoming Population by Age Distribution in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates

Age distribution patterns significantly shape Wyoming population 2025 characteristics and future trends. With a median age of approximately 38.8 years, Wyoming’s population skews slightly older than the national median but younger than states with large retiree populations like Florida or Maine. The working-age population (ages 18-64) comprises roughly 61% of residents, providing a substantial labor force to support Wyoming’s economy. This demographic dividend supports economic productivity while generating tax revenues to fund public services, though the relatively small absolute population base means total workforce numbers remain limited compared to larger states.

The youth population under 18 years represents approximately 21.7-22.5% of Wyoming’s population, translating to roughly 127,000-132,000 young people. This proportion closely aligns with national averages, indicating Wyoming maintains a balanced generational structure despite declining birth rates. The youth population drives demand for educational services, childcare, pediatric healthcare, and family-oriented amenities. Wyoming’s 48 school districts and seven community colleges serve this population, though rural areas face challenges providing comprehensive services given low population densities.

Senior citizens aged 65 and over comprise 16.7-17.5% of the population in Wyoming 2025, totaling approximately 98,000-103,000 residents. This senior population has grown significantly over the past two decades as baby boomers age and life expectancies increase. Wyoming’s senior population drives demand for healthcare services, retirement housing, social services, and age-friendly infrastructure. The state’s relatively low cost of living, absence of state income tax, and natural amenities make it attractive to retirees, though harsh winters and rural isolation present challenges. As this demographic cohort continues expanding, Wyoming faces increasing pressure to provide adequate geriatric healthcare, long-term care facilities, and elder support services.

Racial and Ethnic Composition in Wyoming 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 estimates

The racial and ethnic composition of Wyoming population 2025 reflects the state’s predominantly white demographic profile, with over 85% of residents identifying as white alone. This homogeneity distinguishes Wyoming from increasingly diverse national demographic trends, though the state has experienced modest diversification over recent decades. The white population of approximately 498,000-505,000 includes descendants of European immigrants who settled Wyoming during westward expansion, as well as more recent arrivals from other U.S. regions.

Hispanic or Latino residents, who may be of any race, comprise 10.2-10.6% of Wyoming’s population, totaling 60,000-62,000 persons. This represents the state’s largest minority group and has grown substantially from single-digit percentages in past decades. Hispanic/Latino residents contribute significantly to Wyoming’s economy, particularly in industries including construction, hospitality, agriculture, and service sectors. Communities with substantial Hispanic populations include Rock Springs, Rawlins, and parts of Laramie, where Spanish-language services and cultural organizations serve this growing demographic.

American Indian and Alaska Native residents number 14,000-16,500, representing 2.4-2.8% of the population in Wyoming 2025. Wyoming is home to two federally recognized tribes: the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho, both based on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Fremont County. The reservation, established in 1868, spans over 2.2 million acres, making it one of the largest reservations in the United States. Native American populations face unique challenges including lower median incomes, higher unemployment rates, and health disparities, though cultural preservation efforts and economic development initiatives continue strengthening tribal communities.

County-Level Population Distribution in Wyoming 2025

Data Source: Wyoming Economic Analysis Division County Estimates

County-level population distribution reveals significant geographic variation in Wyoming population 2025 patterns. Laramie County, home to the state capital Cheyenne, remains Wyoming’s most populous county with 101,000-102,000 residents, representing approximately 17-18% of the state’s total population. Cheyenne’s position along Interstate 80, proximity to Colorado’s Front Range metropolitan area, and role as state government center drives continued population growth. The county benefits from diverse economic sectors including government, military (F.E. Warren Air Force Base), transportation, and retail.

Natrona County, anchored by Casper (Wyoming’s second-largest city), contains 79,000-81,000 residents. As a historical center of Wyoming’s oil and gas industry, Natrona County experienced population volatility during energy boom-bust cycles. Recent years show stabilization and modest growth as the local economy diversifies beyond petroleum extraction into healthcare, education, and tourism sectors. Campbell County, home to Gillette and the Powder River Basin coal fields, holds 47,000-48,000 residents but faces uncertain growth prospects due to coal industry challenges and national energy transition trends.

Several rural counties demonstrate impressive growth rates despite small absolute populations. Sheridan County and Lincoln County have each grown by 8% or more since the 2020 Census, driven by factors including natural amenities, outdoor recreation opportunities, and remote work migration. These growth rates, while representing relatively few people in absolute terms, indicate strong local appeal and economic vitality. Conversely, some energy-dependent regions face population stagnation or decline as extractive industries contract. This geographic variation in population in Wyoming 2025 highlights the importance of economic diversification and adaptation to changing national economic conditions.

Economic Characteristics and Population in Wyoming 2025

Data Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Census Bureau, Wyoming Department of Workforce Services

Economic conditions fundamentally influence Wyoming population 2025 trends through employment opportunities, wage levels, and overall prosperity. Wyoming’s unemployment rate of 2.9% as of June 2024 represents the lowest rate since summer 2008 and stands substantially below the national average of 4.1%. This tight labor market indicates strong demand for workers across multiple sectors, potentially attracting job seekers from states with higher unemployment. The combination of plentiful employment opportunities and relatively low living costs creates economic conditions favorable for population growth and retention.

Employment growth of 0.9% year-over-year demonstrates economic resilience despite challenges in specific industries. While mining employment decreased moderately, robust growth in construction and rebounds in government sectors (including higher education, K-12 education, and public hospitals) offset these losses. The construction industry’s expansion reflects infrastructure investment, residential development, and energy-related projects. Government sector recovery following pandemic-era budget constraints restored thousands of jobs, stabilizing communities dependent on public sector employment.

Median household income of $74,815 in 2023 positions Wyoming above the national median, providing residents with purchasing power that enhances quality of life. Combined with the absence of state income tax, this income level translates into significant financial advantages compared to higher-tax states. Per capita income of $49,290 and gross state product of $52.9 billion indicate overall economic prosperity, though wealth distribution varies considerably across regions and demographic groups. Resource-dependent communities experience greater income volatility than diversified economic centers, influencing local population stability.

Housing and Infrastructure in Wyoming 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates

Housing availability and infrastructure capacity significantly impact Wyoming population 2025 growth potential. With approximately 277,000-280,000 total housing units and 235,000-240,000 occupied units, Wyoming maintains a housing vacancy rate of 13-15%. This higher-than-national-average vacancy rate primarily reflects vacation homes, seasonal properties in tourist areas like Jackson Hole and Sheridan, and housing stock in declining resource communities. The relatively high vacancy rate provides flexibility for population growth without immediate housing shortages, though quality and location of available housing varies considerably.

Homeownership rates of 68-70% exceed national averages, reflecting Wyoming’s rural character, relatively affordable housing prices compared to coastal regions, and cultural preferences for single-family homes. Median home values of $250,000-$280,000 represent significant appreciation from pre-pandemic levels but remain substantially below comparable properties in neighboring Colorado resort communities or Pacific Coast metropolitan areas. This affordability attracts families and individuals priced out of more expensive housing markets, contributing to migration patterns observed in recent years.

Infrastructure challenges constrain population in Wyoming 2025 growth in certain regions. Rural areas lack comprehensive broadband internet access, limiting remote work opportunities that drive contemporary migration patterns. Water availability concerns in arid regions restrict development potential, particularly as climate change impacts precipitation patterns. Transportation infrastructure, while adequate for current population levels, requires ongoing investment to maintain connectivity across vast distances. Healthcare facility distribution presents challenges for rural residents, with some counties lacking hospitals or specialist services. Addressing these infrastructure gaps remains essential for supporting sustainable population growth.

Major Cities Population in Wyoming 2025

Data Source: Wyoming Economic Analysis Division, U.S. Census Bureau City Population Estimates

Cheyenne, Wyoming’s capital and most populous city, maintains its leading position with 65,704 residents as of 2024, though growth has been modest at just 0.9% since the 2020 Census when the city recorded 65,132 residents. As the state’s political, commercial, and transportation hub, Cheyenne benefits from its strategic location along Interstate 80 and proximity to the Colorado Front Range metropolitan area, particularly Fort Collins and Denver. The city hosts F.E. Warren Air Force Base, a major employer supporting approximately 3,500 active-duty personnel and generating significant economic activity. State government operations, healthcare facilities, retail centers, and transportation logistics companies provide diverse employment opportunities, though the relatively slow growth rate suggests Cheyenne faces competition from faster-growing Colorado communities just across the border.

Casper, Wyoming’s second-largest city with 58,823 residents, has experienced more robust growth of 4.0% since 2020, adding 2,291 new residents. This growth represents a notable recovery for the city historically dependent on oil and gas extraction. Casper serves as a regional medical center, with Wyoming Medical Center providing tertiary care services for residents across central Wyoming. The city’s economic diversification efforts, including expansion of tourism related to nearby Casper Mountain and outdoor recreation, have helped stabilize population trends. Gillette, the hub of Wyoming’s coal mining industry in Campbell County, holds 33,846 residents, reflecting 4.7% growth despite ongoing challenges facing the coal sector. The city’s population volatility historically tracked energy boom-bust cycles, but recent growth suggests economic resilience through diversification into services, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors.

Detailed County Population Distribution in Wyoming 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau County Population Estimates 2024

Laramie County’s 101,783 residents represent approximately 17.3% of Wyoming’s total population, making it by far the state’s most populous county despite ranking only 12th in land area. The county’s population density of 37.9 persons per square mile vastly exceeds the state average of approximately 6 persons per square mile, reflecting the urban concentration in Cheyenne and its suburbs. Laramie County’s growth stems from multiple factors including government employment, military presence, retail trade serving southeastern Wyoming and northern Colorado, and residential development attracting commuters to Colorado’s growing northern Front Range communities.

Natrona County, with 80,410 residents and Casper as its county seat, ranks second in population but faces ongoing economic transition challenges. The county’s 5,340 square miles yield a population density of just 15.1 persons per square mile, with population concentrated in Casper while rural areas remain sparsely inhabited. Campbell County holds 47,946 residents despite occupying 4,797 square miles in the Powder River Basin, resulting in a density of 10.0 persons per square mile. The county’s fortune remains tied to coal mining operations, though declining coal demand nationally creates uncertainty about long-term population sustainability. Sweetwater County’s 41,273 residents spread across 10,491 square miles create one of Wyoming’s lowest population densities at just 3.9 persons per square mile, reflecting the county’s vast desert landscapes and concentration of population in Rock Springs and Green River.

Population Density Comparison Across Wyoming Counties in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau Population and Land Area Data

Wyoming’s population density patterns reveal extreme variation across its 23 counties, with Laramie County’s 37.9 persons per square mile representing more than 20 times the density of Carbon County’s 1.8 persons per square mile. This variation reflects fundamental differences in economic opportunities, natural resources, transportation infrastructure, and geographic characteristics. Urban and suburban counties like Laramie concentrate population in cities providing employment, services, education, and cultural amenities that attract and retain residents. These counties feature developed infrastructure including schools, hospitals, retail centers, and entertainment venues supporting higher population densities.

Rural counties demonstrate markedly different patterns. Carbon County’s 1.8 persons per square mile ranks among the lowest population densities in the United States, comparable only to remote Alaska regions and isolated Western desert counties. The county’s 7,964 square miles contain vast rangelands, mountain ranges, and desert landscapes with minimal permanent settlement outside the county seat of Rawlins and Interstate 80 corridor communities. Similarly low densities characterize other rural counties where ranching, energy extraction, and limited tourism comprise primary economic activities. These regions face challenges including limited healthcare access, school consolidation pressures, aging populations, and economic vulnerability to commodity price fluctuations.

Tourism-dependent counties like Teton demonstrate unique density patterns. Despite its 4,222 square miles including Grand Teton National Park and portions of Yellowstone National Park, Teton County’s density of 5.7 persons per square mile significantly understates the seasonal population fluctuations that see Jackson Hole’s population multiply during peak tourism seasons. The county contains some of Wyoming’s most expensive real estate nationally, with median home prices exceeding $2 million in Jackson, creating affordability challenges that restrict year-round population growth despite strong economic vitality.

Educational Attainment in Wyoming Population 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023

Educational attainment levels significantly influence Wyoming population 2025 economic outcomes and migration patterns. With 93.6% of residents aged 25 and older holding high school diplomas or higher education, Wyoming exceeds the national average of approximately 89%, reflecting the state’s strong K-12 education system and cultural emphasis on educational achievement. This high school completion rate supports workforce development across industries, providing employers with literate, numerically competent workers capable of technical training. Wyoming’s 48 school districts serve approximately 94,000 students in public schools, with average student-teacher ratios of 1:13, considerably lower than the national average of 1:16, enabling more individualized instruction.

However, bachelor’s degree attainment of 28.8% among adults 25 and older falls slightly below the national average of approximately 33%, potentially constraining economic diversification into knowledge-intensive industries. The 120,000 Wyoming residents holding bachelor’s degrees or higher represent a crucial human capital asset supporting professional occupations including healthcare, education, engineering, business management, and government administration. Graduate and professional degree holders, numbering approximately 42,000 or 10.1% of the adult population, concentrate in specific locations including Cheyenne (government), Laramie (University of Wyoming), and Casper (healthcare), creating geographic disparities in advanced educational attainment.

The population in Wyoming 2025 includes approximately 95,000 individuals with some college education but no degree, representing 22.8% of adults. This category often includes community college students, individuals pursuing vocational certificates, those who attended college without completing degrees, and workers who participated in employer-sponsored training programs. Wyoming’s seven community colleges—Casper College, Central Wyoming College, Eastern Wyoming College, Laramie County Community College, Northern Wyoming Community College (Sheridan), Northwest College (Powell), and Western Wyoming Community College (Rock Springs)—serve approximately 26,000 students annually, providing accessible higher education and workforce training throughout the state. Associate’s degree holders, numbering 43,000 or 10.3% of adults, fill crucial middle-skilled occupations including nursing, technical trades, law enforcement, and administrative support roles essential to Wyoming’s economy.

K-12 and Higher Education Enrollment in Wyoming 2025

Data Source: Wyoming Department of Education, University of Wyoming, National Center for Education Statistics

Wyoming’s K-12 public education system enrolled 94,488 students across 348 schools in 49 school districts as of 2022, with current 2024-2025 enrollment estimated at similar levels given stable youth population trends. The state’s relatively small student population spread across its vast geography creates unique challenges including school consolidation pressures in declining rural communities, transportation difficulties requiring extensive busing over long distances, and economies of scale limitations affecting per-pupil costs. Wyoming employed approximately 7,378 public school teachers, yielding a favorable student-teacher ratio of roughly 1:13 compared to the national average of 1:16. This lower ratio enables more individualized instruction and smaller class sizes, particularly beneficial for rural schools serving isolated communities.

The University of Wyoming, the state’s only four-year public university, enrolled 10,246 students in Spring 2024, down 2.1% from the previous year’s 10,463 students. This enrollment decline reflects broader national trends of decreasing college enrollment following the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as Wyoming’s small population base limiting in-state student recruitment. The university’s main campus in Laramie educated 7,707 students, while UW-Casper served 273 students and distance education programs enrolled 2,266 students. As Wyoming’s flagship research institution, the University of Wyoming plays crucial roles in workforce development, research supporting state industries (particularly energy, agriculture, and natural resources), and providing cultural and athletic amenities enhancing quality of life statewide.

Wyoming’s seven community colleges collectively enroll approximately 26,000 students annually, providing accessible higher education, vocational training, and workforce development throughout the state. These institutions serve diverse populations including recent high school graduates, working adults seeking career advancement, displaced workers requiring retraining, and individuals pursuing personal enrichment. Community colleges offer affordable alternatives to four-year universities, with in-state tuition rates significantly lower than University of Wyoming costs. The colleges maintain partnerships with four-year institutions facilitating transfer pathways, collaborate with local employers providing customized training, and deliver adult basic education and English language instruction supporting immigrant and refugee populations.

Gender Distribution in Wyoming Population 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates by Sex

The Wyoming population 2025 gender distribution shows a slight male majority, with approximately 297,000 males (50.5%) and 290,618 females (49.5%). This yields a sex ratio of 102.2 males per 100 females, notably higher than the national ratio of 97.9 males per 100 females. Wyoming’s male-skewed population reflects occupational patterns, particularly in male-dominated industries including energy extraction (oil, gas, coal), mining, construction, agriculture, and military service. These industries historically attracted male workers and continue employing predominantly male workforces, though female participation has increased in recent decades across all sectors.

The gender imbalance varies considerably across age groups and geographic regions. Younger age cohorts show near-parity or slight male advantages, while older age groups, particularly those 75 and older, show substantial female majorities due to women’s longer life expectancies. Counties with large energy extraction operations, military installations, or heavy industrial activities demonstrate more pronounced male majorities, sometimes exceeding 105-110 males per 100 females in prime working-age groups. Conversely, counties containing government centers, universities, or healthcare facilities show more balanced ratios or even female majorities, as these sectors employ substantial female workforces in education, healthcare, and administrative occupations.

Wyoming Population Projections Through 2030

Data Source: Analysis based on U.S. Census Bureau trends and Wyoming Economic Analysis Division forecasts

Population projections for Wyoming through 2030 indicate continued modest growth, with the state likely reaching between 600,000 and 606,000 residents by 2030, representing cumulative growth of 2.1-3.1% from the 2024 base of 587,618. These projections assume continuation of recent trends including positive but decelerating net migration, minimal natural increase due to aging demographics and low fertility rates, and stable economic conditions supporting employment growth. The projected annual growth rates of 0.3-0.5% align with Wyoming’s recent performance, positioning the state among slower-growing states nationally but maintaining positive expansion unlike declining states such as West Virginia, Illinois, or Louisiana.

Several factors could influence actual outcomes relative to these projections. Upside scenarios include accelerated remote work adoption enabling professionals to relocate to Wyoming while maintaining employment with out-of-state employers, energy sector revitalization through new technologies like carbon capture or hydrogen production, tourism expansion capitalizing on national parks and outdoor recreation demand, and successful economic diversification attracting technology, manufacturing, or professional services firms. Such developments could push Wyoming’s population toward or beyond 606,000 by 2030, particularly if accompanied by infrastructure investments addressing broadband access, healthcare capacity, and housing availability.

Conversely, downside risks include continued energy sector contraction eliminating mining and related jobs, climate change impacts affecting agriculture and water availability, aging demographics accelerating as baby boomers enter their 70s and 80s, limited urban amenities discouraging younger residents, and infrastructure deficits constraining development in high-growth counties. Severe energy industry downturns similar to 2014-2016 could trigger renewed out-migration, potentially limiting growth to 595,000-598,000 residents by 2030. Additionally, national economic recession, housing affordability challenges even in Wyoming’s relatively affordable market, or quality-of-life concerns related to climate, isolation, or limited cultural amenities could moderate in-migration flows supporting recent growth.

Looking ahead, the Wyoming population 2025 trajectory appears poised for continued moderate growth, though at potentially decelerating rates as pandemic-related migration patterns normalize. Several factors suggest sustained but modest population increases over the next five to ten years. Economic diversification efforts, particularly expansion of outdoor recreation tourism, technology sector recruitment, and value-added manufacturing, may create employment opportunities attracting new residents. Remote work normalization allows more Americans to prioritize lifestyle factors over proximity to employers, potentially benefiting Wyoming’s exceptional natural amenities. However, challenges including aging demographics, limited urban amenities, harsh climate conditions, and dependence on volatile extractive industries may constrain growth rates below those of Sun Belt states.

The state’s demographic composition will likely shift substantially as natural change contributes minimally to growth and migration dominates population change. This migration-dependent growth model implies Wyoming’s population will increasingly reflect characteristics of migrants—potentially younger working-age adults, families seeking affordable housing, and retirees attracted by tax advantages—rather than naturally reproducing local populations. Successfully attracting and retaining diverse populations requires strategic investments in education, healthcare, broadband infrastructure, cultural amenities, and economic development. While Wyoming’s 587,618 residents in 2024 represent modest growth from the 2020 Census baseline of 576,844, the state’s future prosperity depends on creating conditions where individuals and families choose Wyoming not merely as a temporary destination but as a permanent home offering opportunity, community, and quality of life.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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