5 Cheapest and Safest Places To Live in Wyoming

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If you are looking for a home, perhaps where the buffalo roam, many new homebuyers and wealthy Americans alike are flocking to Wyoming. The state seems to call for young people looking for more natural surroundings and affordable housing as well as retirees looking for a peaceful place to live out their golden years.

It never hurts to check out some real estate slightly outside of popular locations like New York City, San Francisco or Chicago, especially when it comes to the price tag. GOBankingRates recently conducted research on the current cheapest and safest places to live in Wyoming. Here are the top five options.

1. Thermopolis 

Greek for “hot city” Thermopolis is home to numerous natural hot springs as well as being the county seat and biggest town in Hot Springs County, Wyoming. Here are a few considerations: 

• Total population: 2,716
• Population of retirement-aged people (65 and up): 756
• Household median income: $71,574
• Average home value: $202,195
• Total annual cost of living: $38,782
• Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 0.37
• Property crime rate (per 1,000): 6.3

2. Worland 

You can find Worland along the beautiful Big Horn River in northwestern Wyoming. It’s a great place to surround yourself with beautiful views and peaceful living. 

• Total population: 4,788
• Population of retirement-aged people (65 and up): 1,117
• Household median income: $60,603
• Average home value: $237,771
• Total annual cost of living: $40,749
• Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 0.83
• Property crime rate (per 1,000): 4.6

3. Glenrock

Great for those looking for a vibrant and growing community. Glenrock is, located in Central Wyoming, at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Here are a few key takeaways from this community: 

• Total population: 2,806
• Population of retirement-aged people (65 and up): 438
• Household median income: $65,660
• Average home value: $257,461
• Total annual cost of living: $42,938
• Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 0.41
• Property crime rate (per 1,000): 7.4

4. Buffalo 

Buffalo is a down aptly named and located in the foothills of the beautiful Big Horn Mountains. It is also conveniently located by Interstates 25 and 90 so you have the best of both worlds.

• Total population: 4,516
• Population of retirement-aged people (65 and up): 1,432
• Household median income: $61,813
• Average home value: $398,360
• Total annual cost of living: $52,238
• Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 0.64
• Property crime rate (per 1,000): 7.7

5. Pine Bluffs

Pine Bluffs has year-round recreational opportunities with miles of hiking and biking trails, and wildlife and bird watching. It’s located in Laramie County near the border of Nebraska. 

• Total population: 1,260
• Population of retirement-aged people (65 and up): 279
• Household median income: $65,257
• Average home value: $300,456
• Total annual cost of living: $45,384
• Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 0.89
• Property crime rate (per 1,000): 11.5

Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed cities in Wyoming to find the cheapest and safest cities to live. First, GOBankingRates found cities in Wyoming using data from the US Census American Community Survey. For each location, several factors were found including; total population, population ages 65 and over, total households, and household median income all sourced from the US Census American Community Survey. Using this data the percentage of the population ages 65 and over can be calculated. The cost-of-living indexes were sourced from Sperlings BestPlaces and include the grocery, healthcare, housing, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous cost-of-living indexes. The livability index was sourced from AreaVibes for each location and included as supplemental information. The average single-family home value was sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index for November 2024. Using the average single-family home value, assuming a 10% downpayment, and using the most recent national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate, as sourced from the Federal Reserve Economic Data, the average mortgage can be calculated. Using the average mortgage and average expenditure costs, the average total monthly and annual cost of living can be calculated. Property Crime and Violent Crimes were sourced for each city as sourced from the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer. Using the crime data and population data, the violent crime rate and property crime rates can be calculated. The property crime rate was scored and weighted at 1.00, the violent crime rate was scored and weighted at 1.00, and the total cost of living was scored and weighted at 2.00. All the scores were summed and sorted to find the cheapest and safest cities in Wyoming to live. All data was collected and is up to date as of January 22nd, 2025.

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