countyscore
48.2
County Score
Property Tax 77.6Water Quality 66.2Health 62.3

County Report Card

About Albany County, Wyoming

Albany Trails the National Median

Albany County's composite score of 48.2 sits just below the national median of 50.0. While it offers unique benefits, it struggles to keep pace with national averages for cost and safety.

Trailing the Wyoming State Average

The county ranks below the Wyoming state average composite score of 56.5. This performance gap is driven by higher housing costs compared to its rural neighbors.

A Low-Tax Haven with Good Health

Tax efficiency is the county's greatest asset, boasting a score of 77.6 and a low effective tax rate of 0.573%. Health and water quality also score well above average, reaching 62.3 and 66.2 respectively.

High Costs Dampen Affordability

Housing affordability is the primary challenge, with a cost score of only 25.4. Median home values of $322,100 make entry into the local market difficult for many families.

Best for Health-Conscious Professionals

Albany suits individuals who prioritize healthcare access and low taxes over low-cost housing. It is a strong choice for those who value stable community services and high water quality.

Score breakdown

Tax77.6Cost25.4Safety36.2Health62.3Schools50Income38.7Risk51.5Water66.2Weather48.1
🏛77.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠25.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡36.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Platte County
Wyoming
66
Carbon County
Wyoming
62.4
Laramie County
Wyoming
40.1
Converse County
Wyoming
58.8
Goshen County
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53.7
Larimer County
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40.5
Jackson County
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Banner County
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56

Deep Dives

Albany County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Albany County

via TaxByCounty

Albany's taxes sit well below national average

At 0.573%, Albany County's effective tax rate is roughly one-third lower than the national median of 0.85%, placing it among the most affordable counties in America. The median property tax here is $1,846 annually—well below the national median of $2,690—despite homes being worth slightly more than the national average.

Slightly above Wyoming's already-low average

Albany County ranks third-highest among Wyoming counties for tax burden, with an effective rate of 0.573% compared to the state average of 0.556%. Still, the median tax bill of $1,846 is only $180 more than the state median, reflecting Wyoming's reputation as a low-tax state.

Higher than most northern Wyoming counties

Albany's 0.573% rate edges above Campbell County (0.550%) and Carbon County (0.560%), but trails Big Horn County (0.583%) and Converse County (0.577%). Among comparable counties in the region, Albany sits in the middle—not the cheapest, but still well below national norms.

Own a median-valued home? Pay $1,846 yearly

A $322,100 median-valued home in Albany County generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,846—or about $154 monthly. With mortgage-related taxes included, owners pay roughly $1,922 per year.

You may be overassessed—consider an appeal

Many homeowners across Wyoming don't realize their properties are assessed above market value, leaving money on the table. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, filing a property tax appeal could lower your bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Albany County

via CostByCounty

Albany's Housing Costs Outpace Income

Albany County renters spend 18.8% of their income on rent, well above the national norm of roughly 13–15%. While the county's median household income of $59,881 trails the national median of $74,755, housing expenses consume a larger share of household budgets here than they do across America.

Least Affordable in Wyoming

Among Wyoming counties, Albany ranks as one of the least affordable for renters, with a 18.8% rent-to-income ratio versus the state average of 15.5%. This gap reflects both lower median incomes and rental costs that stay relatively high despite the county's smaller population.

Carbon and Fremont Offer Relief

Albany's $936 monthly rent exceeds nearby Carbon County ($894) and Fremont County ($858), making those neighbors more forgiving for renters on a budget. By contrast, homeownership costs in Albany ($1,279/month) are steeper than in Carbon ($812) and Fremont ($827), suggesting Albany appeals more to renters than buyers.

Nearly One-Fifth Goes to Rent

Renters in Albany County allocate $936 monthly to housing, while homeowners pay $1,279—together demonstrating why housing consumes 18.8% of the typical household budget. Median incomes of $59,881 annually leave limited room for other expenses when housing claims nearly one-fifth of earnings.

Consider Your Housing Style Here

If you're relocating to Albany, weigh renting versus buying carefully: renters face tighter margins, but homebuyers should budget for above-average owner costs. Comparing Albany's affordability to nearby Carbon and Fremont counties could reveal savings opportunities just a short drive away.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Albany County

via IncomeByCounty

Albany trails national income average

Albany County's median household income of $59,881 sits about 20% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap means families here earn roughly $15,000 less per year than the typical American household, a meaningful difference in purchasing power.

Below-average earner statewide

At $59,881, Albany County ranks near the bottom of Wyoming's income ladder, falling $13,479 short of the state's $73,360 median. Among Wyoming's 23 counties, Albany is among the lower performers in household earning power.

Laramie's income challenge

Albany County neighbors like Carbon ($66,721) and Fremont ($64,646) earn noticeably more per household. Big Horn County to the north reports similar struggles at $60,547, suggesting lower-income clusters in central and northern Wyoming.

Rent is affordable, but tight

At 18.8%, Albany's rent-to-income ratio is manageable and well below the 30% affordability threshold, yet remains the highest among our peer counties. Renters here spend roughly $932 monthly on rent against median household income, leaving adequate room for other expenses.

Build savings despite modest income

With manageable housing costs, Albany County households have genuine opportunity to prioritize savings and retirement planning. Even modest monthly investments in 401(k)s or IRAs compound significantly over time—starting early matters more than starting big.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Albany County

via CrimeByCounty

Albany County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Albany County reports a total crime rate of 1,479.0 per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national figure of 2,385.5. These statistics earn the county a robust safety score of 97.7 out of 100. Residents here experience a much safer environment than the average American community.

Comparing Albany to the Wyoming Average

While Albany County is safe by national standards, its safety score of 97.7 falls slightly below the Wyoming state average of 98.5. The county's total crime rate of 1,479.0 per 100,000 also sits above the state average of 978.0. Local officials manage these figures across three active reporting agencies.

Albany Safety vs. Regional Peers

Albany County is notably safer than its neighbor to the east, Goshen County, which reports 1,628.1 crimes per 100,000 residents. However, it sees more activity than Converse County to the north, where the rate is just 997.9. This puts Albany in the middle of the pack for Southeastern Wyoming safety.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents, at 1,351.1 per 100,000 people. Violent crime remains rare, occurring at a rate of 127.9, which is nearly identical to the state average of 126.9. These numbers suggest that while theft occurs, personal safety remains high.

Securing Your Albany County Home

Because property crimes represent 91% of local offenses, home security should be a priority for residents. Simple steps like installing motion-sensor lighting and smart cameras can deter opportunistic theft. Staying vigilant helps maintain Albany's reputation as a secure place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Albany County

via HealthByCounty

Albany County lives longer than most

At 78.5 years, Albany County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years by more than two years. Just 15.2% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly below the national rate of 17.3%, suggesting a relatively healthy population by national standards.

Top health outcomes in Wyoming

Albany County ranks among Wyoming's healthiest counties, with life expectancy 1.5 years above the state average of 77.0 years. The county's 15.2% poor/fair health rate is better than most Wyoming counties, placing it in the top tier for overall health outcomes.

Strong advantage over neighboring counties

Albany County outpaces nearby Carbon County (75.8 years) and Big Horn County (76.1 years) in life expectancy. With 80 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Albany also exceeds Campbell County's 56 per 100K and Big Horn's 34 per 100K.

Accessible care meets lower uninsured rates

Albany County's 13.7% uninsured rate sits below the state average of 14.8%, and the county's 80 primary care providers per 100,000 residents ensure most residents can access routine care. With 617 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—more than triple the state median—Albany County residents have robust access to behavioral health services.

Check your health insurance options

Even in Albany County, nearly 1 in 8 residents lack health coverage. Visit healthcare.gov to explore federal marketplace plans, Medicaid eligibility, or employer options available to you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Albany County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Balanced Education Infrastructure in Albany County

Albany County supports 3,914 students across 18 public schools, including 12 elementary and three high schools. Two distinct school districts manage this network, ensuring educational coverage for the entire region. The system offers a mix of traditional and alternative options, featuring two charter schools and two alternative learning centers.

Investing in Growth Despite Lower Spending

The county reports an 80.0% graduation rate, which sits just below the state average of 82.0% and the national 87.0% benchmark. While per-pupil expenditure of $10,421 is lower than the state average of $10,912, the county maintains a respectable school score of 55.7. This composite score remains slightly above the national median of 50.0.

Albany County District #1 Leads the Region

Albany County School District #1 serves as the primary provider, educating 3,902 students across 17 different schools. Charter schools play a visible role here, representing 11.1% of the total school landscape. The much smaller Cathedral Home for Children operates as a specialized single-school district serving 12 students.

Where Town and Rural Classrooms Meet

The county offers an even split between rural and town locales, with nine schools in each setting. Laramie High School is the largest institution with 1,095 students, while many rural campuses contribute to a modest average school size of 217 students. Students experience everything from large-scale high school life to intimate primary settings like Slade Elementary.

Education-Focused Living in Laramie

Families prioritizing school access often find Laramie an ideal place to search for a new home. With schools like Indian Paintbrush and Velma Linford Elementary nearby, the area offers established neighborhoods centered around learning. Consider how these diverse school options fit into your long-term real estate strategy.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Albany County

via RiskByCounty

Albany's risk scores above the national baseline

Albany County has a composite risk score of 48.47, placing it in the relatively low category but well above Wyoming's state average of 37.86. The county faces meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and seismic activity, that merit serious planning.

Mid-range vulnerability within Wyoming

Among Wyoming's 23 counties, Albany ranks in the middle tier for overall disaster risk. The county's composite score of 48.47 reflects elevated wildfire exposure (84.67) and moderate earthquake risk (61.55) compared to most of its peers.

Riskier than Big Horn, less exposed than Campbell

Albany faces notably higher overall risk than neighboring Big Horn County (31.14) but less severe exposure than Campbell County to the north (56.14). Wildfire risk particularly stands out as Albany's chief hazard—more dangerous here than in adjacent counties.

Wildfires and earthquakes dominate Albany's threats

Wildfire risk scores 84.67 in Albany—among the state's highest—reflecting the county's forest and grassland exposure. Earthquake risk (61.55) and flood risk (44.08) round out the county's hazard profile, each requiring distinct preparation strategies.

Wildfire and earthquake insurance deserve priority

Homeowners in Albany should ensure they have comprehensive wildfire coverage, including defensible space maintenance and ember-resistant upgrades. Earthquake insurance, though often overlooked, protects against significant seismic damage—and Albany's 61.55 earthquake score makes it a prudent addition to your policy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Albany County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and Drier than the National Average

Albany County averages 42.4°F annually, falling significantly below the national median of roughly 54°F. This semi-arid climate receives only 13.0 inches of precipitation, making it much drier than most U.S. counties.

Among the Coolest Counties in Wyoming

The county's average temperature of 42.4°F is lower than the Wyoming state average of 43.8°F. This makes it one of the chillier high-altitude regions in the state.

Higher and Snowier than Neighboring Carbon

Albany County experiences 67.9 inches of annual snowfall, which is notably higher than the 56.3 inches seen in neighboring Carbon County. While Albany is cooler, it also receives about 2 inches more annual precipitation than its neighbor.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winter Months

Summer remains temperate with only 6 days of extreme heat above 90°F and a July average of 65.1°F. Winters are demanding, featuring an average December-February temperature of 24.2°F and substantial snow accumulation.

Winter Readiness and Heating Preparation

Residents should prioritize high-efficiency heating systems and heavy winter gear for the 67.9 inches of snow. Given only 6 extreme heat days, focus home investments on insulation rather than advanced cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Albany County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Alkaline High-Altitude Soils

Specific taxonomic data for Albany County is currently limited, but it aligns with the state's alkaline average pH of 7.18. This level sits above the national median pH of 6.5, influencing how nutrients interact with the soil.

Understanding Local Soil Texture

While precise sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded, the region's diverse terrain suggests varying textures. Localized testing helps determine if your soil leans toward rapid-draining sand or heavy, nutrient-rich clay.

Productivity Meets Arid Conditions

County-specific organic matter data is unavailable, though Wyoming's robust state average of 5.40% serves as a promising regional benchmark. Available water capacity generally tracks the state average of 0.165 in/in, vital for mountain gardening.

Managing Water in Rugged Terrain

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently documented for the county. Most high-altitude soils here require careful moisture management due to rapid evaporation and unique mountain runoff patterns.

Growing in Hardiness Zone 5b

Albany County belongs to Hardiness Zone 5b, offering a short but rewarding season for cold-hardy crops. Gardeners find success with kale, peas, and root vegetables by using wind protection and season-extending techniques.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Albany County

via LawnByCounty

Albany County's High-Altitude Lawn Challenge

Albany County earns a lawn difficulty score of 30.2, significantly trailing the national median of 50.0 and falling slightly below the state average of 32.6. Residents in this hardiness zone 5b face a high-elevation climate that demands significant effort to maintain a lush green space.

Sparse Rain and Short Growing Cycles

With only 13.0 inches of annual precipitation, lawns here receive less than half of the 30-50 inches considered ideal for grass. The growing season is constrained by a late spring frost on June 2nd and an early fall frost on September 15th, providing a very narrow window for mowing and maintenance.

The Need for Local Soil Insight

Specific local soil data is currently limited for this area, which means home testing is your most valuable tool. Given the arid climate, you should test for alkalinity and organic matter content to determine the best amendments for your yard.

Persistent Drought Requires Smart Watering

The county has spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought conditions, with 81.4% of the area currently facing severe drought. To keep grass alive, focus on deep, infrequent watering cycles and consider drought-tolerant varieties that can survive on restricted water budgets.

Maximize the Brief Summer Window

Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue are reliable choices for zone 5b, though Buffalo grass offers better water efficiency. Plan to seed after the June 2nd frost to ensure young shoots survive the lingering mountain chill.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Albany County's county score?
Albany County, Wyoming has a composite county score of 48.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Albany County rank among counties in Wyoming?
Albany County ranks #21 among all counties in Wyoming on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Albany County, Wyoming?
The median annual property tax in Albany County is $1,846, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Albany County a tax score of 77.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Albany County?
The median household income in Albany County, Wyoming is $59,881 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Albany County earns an income score of 38.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Albany County, Wyoming a good place to live?
Albany County scores 48.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Wyoming. The best way to evaluate Albany County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Albany County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.