countyscore
62.4
County Score
Safety 97.5Property Tax 79.3Income & Jobs 58.5

County Report Card

About Carbon County, Wyoming

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Carbon County's composite score of 62.4 is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a top-tier choice for overall quality of life.

Leading the Wyoming Average

With a score of 62.4, Carbon outperforms the Wyoming state average of 56.5. It balances safety and moderate income levels better than many of its peers.

Superior Safety and High Income

Safety is nearly perfect with a score of 97.5, making it one of the most secure counties in the region. Strong income levels and favorable taxes further boost its profile.

Severe Water Quality Issues

The water score is a critical weakness at just 3.9, which is among the lowest in the state. Health services also represent a challenge, scoring 41.3 on the dimension index.

Ideal for Secure Rural Living

Carbon is best for families seeking ultimate safety and solid income potential in a rural setting. It is a great fit for those prepared to manage local water infrastructure challenges.

Score breakdown

Tax79.3Cost48Safety97.5Health41.3Schools57.8Income58.5Risk57.3Water3.9Weather41.5
🏛79.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡57.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧3.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.7
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

Albany County
Wyoming
48.2
Jackson County
Colorado
60.2
Routt County
Colorado
54.6
Natrona County
Wyoming
55.2
Sweetwater County
Wyoming
50.1
Moffat County
Colorado
42.8
Converse County
Wyoming
58.8
Platte County
Wyoming
66

Deep Dives

Carbon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carbon County

via TaxByCounty

Carbon's taxes beat national average by far

Carbon County's effective rate of 0.560% is roughly one-third the national median, making it among the most tax-friendly counties in America. The median annual property tax of $1,202 is less than half the national median of $2,690, delivering significant savings for homeowners.

Near Wyoming's state average

Carbon County's effective rate of 0.560% sits just slightly above the state average of 0.556%, landing it squarely in Wyoming's middle-ground for taxation. The median tax bill of $1,202 is below the state median of $1,666, reflecting lower property valuations.

More affordable than most nearby counties

Carbon County's 0.560% rate is lower than Big Horn (0.583%), Albany (0.573%), and Converse County (0.577%), matching Campbell County as one of the region's more affordable options. The modest median home value of $214,500 keeps annual tax bills comparatively low.

Median home costs about $1,202 per year

On a median home value of $214,500, Carbon County residents pay roughly $1,202 annually in property taxes—approximately $100 per month. Owners with mortgages may pay slightly more, around $1,283 yearly, due to additional assessment practices.

Review your assessment for potential refunds

Homeowners in Carbon County should regularly verify that their assessed values match current market conditions. If your property's assessment appears inflated compared to recent comparable sales, filing a timely appeal could reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carbon County

via CostByCounty

Carbon Below National Rent Burden

Carbon County renters spend 16.1% of income on rent, outperforming the national average of roughly 13–15%, though not by a large margin. The county's median income of $66,721 sits 11% below the national median of $74,755, yet housing costs remain relatively balanced.

Mid-Tier Affordability in Wyoming

Carbon's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks slightly above the state average of 15.5%, placing it in the middle range of Wyoming county affordability. Rents at $894 monthly run below the state median of $937, offering mild savings compared to state-level norms.

Affordable Rents, Moderate Ownership

Carbon's $894 rent is lower than Albany ($936), Campbell ($952), and Converse ($930), while homeownership costs ($812) remain modestly competitive. Compared to Big Horn's $750 owner cost, Carbon is slightly pricier for homebuyers, but more affordable for renters.

Balanced Burden Across Tenure Types

Carbon renters allocate $894 monthly to housing, while homeowners spend $812—a rare situation where ownership costs less than renting. At $66,721 median income, renters dedicate 16.1% of earnings to rent, while owners spend roughly 14.6% on mortgages.

Smart Choice for Budget-Minded Buyers

Carbon County offers one of Wyoming's lowest homeownership costs ($812/month) paired with reasonable rents ($894), making it ideal for households prioritizing financial flexibility. If you're torn between renting and buying, Carbon's modest gap between the two tenure types eases the transition to ownership.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carbon County

via IncomeByCounty

Carbon trails U.S. income levels

Carbon County's median household income of $66,721 falls 11% below the national median of $74,755, representing a $8,034 annual shortfall. While better than the nation's lowest-income counties, the gap reflects regional economic constraints.

Mid-tier earner within Wyoming

At $66,721, Carbon County sits about $6,600 below Wyoming's state median of $73,360, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's income distribution. The county performs better than Albany and Big Horn but lags Campbell and Converse.

Solid middle ground regionally

Carbon County's $66,721 median outearns Albany ($59,881) and Big Horn ($60,547) but trails Converse ($79,164) and Campbell ($95,253). It represents balanced earning power for south-central Wyoming's mixed economy.

Rent burden is reasonable

At 16.1%, Carbon's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend roughly $893 monthly. This leaves meaningful income for savings, childcare, healthcare, and other essential expenses.

Build steady financial progress

Carbon County's combination of moderate income and reasonable housing costs creates a platform for consistent saving. Establish automatic transfers to savings before you see money in your account—building habits matters as much as the amount.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carbon County

via CrimeByCounty

Carbon County Records Exceptional Safety Levels

Carbon County reports a crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents, resulting in a perfect safety score of 100.0. This is an extraordinary figure compared to the national average of 2,385.5 crimes per 100,000 people. Three reporting agencies provided data showing no qualifying criminal incidents in 2022.

Leading the State in Reported Safety

Carbon County's perfect score of 100.0 places it well above the Wyoming state average safety score of 98.5. While the state average crime rate is 978.0, Carbon County stands out as one of the most incident-free regions. This high rank reflects a quiet period for local law enforcement.

Safety Comparison Across Southern Wyoming

Carbon County is significantly quieter than its neighbor Albany County, which reports a crime rate of 1,479.0. It also outpaces Converse County to the northeast, where the rate is 997.9 per 100,000. Residents in Carbon enjoy a much lower reported crime frequency than those in adjacent counties.

A Snapshot of Local Peace

The county records 0.0 violent crimes and 0.0 property crimes per 100,000 residents for the 2022 year. While this indicates a very safe environment, residents should recognize that 'zero' often stems from a lack of reported incidents to the three agencies. In practical terms, the county remains one of the least active for crime in the nation.

Preserving Your Home's Security

Even in an area with zero reported crimes, maintaining home security is a vital deterrent against future issues. Simple habits like locking doors and getting to know your neighbors can help keep these numbers low. A proactive community is the best defense against a change in these trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carbon County

via HealthByCounty

Carbon County's life expectancy ranks lowest

At 75.8 years, Carbon County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.1 years, placing it among the nation's lower-performing counties. With 17.8% of residents reporting poor or fair health—above the national average of 17.3%—Carbon County residents face meaningful health challenges.

Wyoming's health outcomes struggle here

Carbon County's 75.8-year life expectancy ranks among Wyoming's worst, falling 1.2 years below the state average of 77.0 years. At 17.8% poor/fair health, the county exceeds all but a few Wyoming peers, signaling concentrated health disparities.

More providers than Big Horn, fewer than Albany

Carbon County's 55 primary care providers per 100,000 residents exceed Big Horn County's 34 per 100K but fall short of Albany County's 80 per 100K. Mental health providers at 286 per 100,000 are moderately available but represent a fraction of Albany County's 617 per 100K.

High uninsured rates limit care access

Carbon County's 17.0% uninsured rate—nearly 2.2 percentage points above Wyoming's state average—means roughly 1 in 6 residents lack health coverage. Combined with moderate provider availability, this gap creates significant barriers to preventive care and chronic disease management.

Get covered and stay healthy

With 1 in 6 Carbon County residents uninsured, coverage matters more than ever. Visit healthcare.gov or Wyoming's Medicaid office to enroll before the next deadline.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carbon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Options Across Two Districts

Carbon County provides education for 2,250 students through 12 public schools. The landscape is unique, featuring five elementary schools, four high schools, and two 'other' category schools that serve multiple grade levels. Two districts manage this system, ensuring students have access to various learning pathways.

High Graduation Rates and Strategic Funding

The county boasts an 84.8% graduation rate, which comfortably exceeds the Wyoming state average of 82.0%. Investment remains a priority, as the $11,071 per-pupil expenditure is higher than the state average of $10,912. This commitment is reflected in a strong school score of 59.6, well above the national median.

Localized Education in Rawlins and Beyond

Carbon County School District #1 is the largest by enrollment, serving 1,643 students across five schools. Meanwhile, District #2 operates seven smaller schools to serve 607 students in more remote areas. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional public institutions.

A Blend of Large Town and Small Rural Schools

The county features eight rural schools and four town-based schools, offering varied daily experiences. Rawlins Elementary is the largest school with 646 students, while the average school size across the county is a manageable 188. Students in places like Saratoga Elementary enjoy much smaller, intimate learning environments.

Build Your Future in Carbon County

With graduation rates climbing above state benchmarks, Carbon County is an attractive destination for homebuyers with children. Areas surrounding Rawlins Middle School and Rawlins High offer established residential options near the county's primary educational core. Evaluate local home listings to find the perfect match for your family's school needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carbon County

via RiskByCounty

Carbon's risk slightly below state average

Carbon County's composite risk score of 42.68 rates as very low and sits slightly above Wyoming's state average of 37.86. Wildfire exposure (81.90) and moderate earthquake risk (60.69) define the county's hazard profile.

Below-average vulnerability within Wyoming

Carbon County ranks in the lower-middle tier of Wyoming's 23 counties for disaster risk. The county benefits from very low tornado risk (8.62)—among the state's lowest—while facing moderate wildfire and earthquake exposure.

Safer than Fremont, comparable to Albany

Carbon County's risk profile sits substantially below neighboring Fremont County (59.73) and moderately below Albany County (48.47). The county's notably low tornado risk (8.62) differentiates it favorably from higher-tornado-risk areas.

Wildfires and earthquakes define Carbon's threats

Wildfire risk scores 81.90—substantial and among the county's primary concerns—reflecting significant forest exposure. Earthquake risk (60.69) and flood risk (50.35) present secondary hazards, while tornado risk remains exceptionally low at 8.62.

Wildfire and earthquake coverage are essential

Residents should prioritize wildfire insurance with explicit brush and forest coverage, plus maintain defensible space around structures. Earthquake insurance deserves serious consideration given the 60.69 score; standard homeowners policies typically exclude seismic damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carbon County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold and Dry Mountain Profile

Carbon County sits well below the national median temperature at 43.2°F. With only 11.1 inches of annual precipitation, it is significantly drier than the average U.S. county.

Typical of the High Wyoming Plains

The county's annual temperature of 43.2°F is nearly identical to the statewide average of 43.8°F. Its 11.1 inches of precipitation is slightly below the state average of 13.9 inches.

Warmer and Drier than Albany County

Carbon County is slightly warmer than neighboring Albany, but it receives 1.9 inches less total precipitation. It also sees about 11 fewer inches of snow annually than its eastern neighbor.

Cold Winters with Significant Snowfall

Winters are long and snowy, averaging 56.3 inches of snow and a January low of 21.8°F. Extreme heat is rare, with only 14 days per year topping 90°F.

Focus on Snow Removal and Insulation

With 56.3 inches of snow and few heat waves, residents should invest in quality snow removal equipment and attic insulation. Air conditioning is less critical here than in warmer northern Wyoming counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carbon County

via SoilByCounty

High-Desert Soil Characteristics

Carbon County's specific soil taxonomy is currently being mapped, though it follows the state's alkaline average pH of 7.18. This alkaline lean is quite high compared to the national median pH of 6.5.

Workability Varies by Landscape

Precise sand, silt, and clay percentages are not available for this high-altitude region. Soil workability changes significantly between river basins and mountain foothills, making local observation key for gardeners.

Rich Organic Matter Potential

County fertility metrics are limited, but the state average of 5.40% organic matter suggests high natural productivity. The state-wide average water capacity of 0.165 in/in provides a target for managing local soil moisture.

Planning for Local Hydrology

Drainage and hydrologic group data are currently limited for the county. Proper site assessments are vital for planning irrigation systems or building foundations in this diverse geological area.

Gardening in Zone 5a

Falling into Hardiness Zone 5a, Carbon County requires plants that can handle a brisk growing season. Focus on hardy staples like potatoes and radishes to ensure your garden flourishes in the high-desert air.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carbon County

via LawnByCounty

A Demanding Climate in Carbon County

Carbon County presents a difficult landscape for lawn care, scoring just 27.7 on our difficulty scale. This is significantly lower than the national median and places it among the tougher counties in Wyoming for maintaining traditional turf in hardiness zone 5a.

Short Seasons and Dry Winds

Annual precipitation averages only 11.1 inches, making irrigation a necessity for any survival. A late spring frost on June 1st and an early autumn frost on September 18th create a very compact growing season that limits the time for lawn recovery and repair.

Building a Better Soil Base

Because localized soil data is missing, we recommend testing your yard for drainage and pH balance. Improving soil structure with organic matter is crucial in this arid region to help hold onto the scarce moisture provided by rain and irrigation.

Bracing for Persistent Dry Spells

Carbon County has endured 53 weeks of drought over the past year, with nearly half the county in severe drought conditions. Use rain barrels where legal and install smart irrigation controllers to maximize every drop of water during these prolonged dry periods.

Selecting Hardy Grass Varieties

Focus on drought-hardy species like Sheep Fescue or Blue Grama that thrive in zone 5a with minimal water. To maximize success, start your seeding immediately after the June 1st frost to give roots time to establish before the fall chill arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carbon County's county score?
Carbon County, Wyoming has a composite county score of 62.4 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 Carbon County rank among counties in Wyoming?
Carbon County ranks #7 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 Carbon County, Wyoming?
The median annual property tax in Carbon County is $1,202, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Carbon County a tax score of 79.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carbon County?
The median household income in Carbon County, Wyoming is $66,721 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carbon County earns an income score of 58.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carbon County, Wyoming a good place to live?
Carbon County scores 62.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Wyoming. The best way to evaluate Carbon 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 Carbon 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.