53.7
County Score
Property Tax 75.1Disaster Risk 71.6Schools 64

County Report Card

About Goshen County, Wyoming

Beating the National Median

Goshen County earns a composite score of 53.7, placing it above the national median of 50.0. It offers a solid baseline for quality of life by national standards.

Slightly Below the State Average

The county's score of 53.7 is just below the Wyoming average of 56.5. While it excels in affordability, safety issues keep it from the top of the state list.

Exceptional Affordability and Low Risk

Housing is a major draw, with a cost score of 59.1 and a median gross rent of just $759. Environmental risk is also very low, earning a strong score of 71.6.

Water and Safety Are Weak

The water quality score is critical at only 6.3, necessitating local filtration for many. Safety also lags significantly with a score of 31.1.

Ideal for Thrifty Home Seekers

Goshen is perfect for those who value low rent and minimal environmental risk. It appeals to residents who can overlook infrastructure gaps in exchange for significant monthly savings.

Score breakdown

Tax75.1Cost59.1Safety31.1Health53.4Schools64Income53.9Risk71.6Water6.3Weather33.6
🏛75.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠59.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼53.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡31.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
53.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓64
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
71.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧6.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤33.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱28.5
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
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Goshen County

Whether buying or refinancing in Goshen County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Deep Dives

Goshen County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Goshen County

via TaxByCounty

Goshen's taxes remain well below national

At 0.595%, Goshen County's effective tax rate is roughly two-thirds the national median, keeping it among America's most affordable counties. The median property tax of $1,395 is only 52% of the national median of $2,690, delivering substantial savings for homeowners.

Second-highest tax rate in Wyoming

Goshen County's effective rate of 0.595% ranks second-steepest statewide, behind only Fremont County (0.630%) but well above the state average of 0.556%. The median tax bill of $1,395 sits below the state median of $1,666 due to lower property valuations.

Higher-taxed than most surrounding areas

Goshen County's 0.595% rate exceeds Big Horn (0.583%), Albany (0.573%), Converse (0.577%), Campbell (0.550%), and Carbon County (0.560%)—ranking second in the broader region only to Fremont. This higher rate means homeowners should pay close attention to assessments.

Median home costs $1,395 yearly

With a median home value of $234,600, Goshen County residents pay approximately $1,395 in annual property taxes—roughly $116 per month. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay around $1,377 yearly when all assessment components are included.

Review your assessment—appeals save money

Goshen County's above-average effective rate makes it especially important to verify your assessed value against current market conditions. If your assessment seems high compared to recent comparable sales, filing a property tax appeal is a straightforward way to potentially reduce your burden.

Cost of Living in Goshen County

via CostByCounty

Goshen's Rents Significantly Undercut National

Goshen County renters spend just 14.0% of income on rent, well below the national average of roughly 13–15%, reflecting genuinely low housing costs. The county's median household income of $64,882 sits 13% below the national median of $74,755, yet housing affordability remains surprisingly strong.

Wyoming's Most Affordable Rents

Goshen ranks among Wyoming's most affordable counties for renters at 14.0%, below the state average of 15.5%. At $759 monthly, Goshen offers the absolute lowest rents among all eight counties, providing substantial relief for households on tight budgets.

Rent Champion of the Region

Goshen's $759 monthly rent dramatically undercuts all neighbors: Fremont ($858), Carbon ($894), Big Horn ($876), and others are all meaningfully more expensive. Home costs ($870/month) sit mid-range, making Goshen exceptional for renters but only moderately attractive for homebuyers.

Exceptional Rental Market Strength

Goshen renters spend just $759 monthly—only 14.0% of the $64,882 median income—among the tightest ratios in the state. Homeowners pay $870 (16.1% of income), creating an unusual situation where renting offers more affordability than ownership.

Renters' First Choice in Wyoming

If renting is your path, Goshen County is unbeatable: $759 monthly rent requires just 14% of median income. This county's ultra-low rents make it ideal for workers relocating on modest salaries, though homebuyers may find better value in peers like Big Horn or Carbon.

Income & Jobs in Goshen County

via IncomeByCounty

Goshen trails U.S. income average

Goshen County's median household income of $64,882 falls 13% below the national median of $74,755, representing an annual shortfall of $9,873. This gap reflects Goshen's agricultural-based economy and smaller urban centers.

Below-average earner in Wyoming

At $64,882, Goshen County underperforms Wyoming's state median of $73,360 by about $8,478, ranking it in the lower tier of Wyoming counties. The per capita income of $34,997 also trails the state average of $40,222.

Near-peer with lowest earners

Goshen's $64,882 median virtually matches Fremont ($64,646) and only marginally beats Albany ($59,881) and Big Horn ($60,547). Crook ($71,209) and Carbon ($66,721) both outearns the county, reflecting its position in the income distribution.

Housing is very affordable

At 14.0%, Goshen's rent-to-income ratio ties Big Horn and Converse as the lowest in our comparison, meaning renters spend roughly $756 monthly. This exceptional affordability creates strong capacity for savings and financial planning.

Low housing costs unlock savings

When rent consumes just 14% of income, Goshen households gain real advantage to prioritize wealth building despite modest total earnings. Automate transfers to high-yield savings first, then add retirement contributions—your low housing burden is a financial superpower.

Safety in Goshen County

via CrimeByCounty

Goshen County Remains Below National Crime Levels

Goshen County reports 1,628.1 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 97.4, indicating a generally secure community. Three reporting agencies track these statistics for the local area.

Safety Ranking Relative to Wyoming

Goshen County's safety score of 97.4 is below the Wyoming state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 1,628.1 is considerably higher than the state average of 978.0 per 100,000. This places Goshen among the more active counties for crime within the state.

Higher Activity Than Neighboring Converse

Goshen County sees more crime than its neighbor Converse County, which reports a rate of 997.9. It also has a slightly higher incident rate than Albany County to the west. Residents here experience more property-related issues than those in adjacent rural jurisdictions.

Property Crime is the Main Concern

Property crime in Goshen County is 1,540.7 per 100,000, making up nearly 95% of all reported incidents. Violent crime is quite low at 87.4, which is significantly better than the state average of 126.9. These numbers indicate that while theft is a concern, personal violence is rare.

Focus on Theft Prevention at Home

With property crime as the primary issue, Goshen residents should prioritize securing garages and sheds where equipment is stored. Simple measures like using high-quality padlocks and motion sensors can effectively deter burglars. A little prevention goes a long way in keeping your property secure.

Health in Goshen County

via HealthByCounty

Goshen County near national health average

At 75.8 years, Goshen County's life expectancy falls 0.3 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, placing it right in the middle nationally. With 15.1% of residents reporting poor or fair health—below the national average of 17.3%—Goshen County's population enjoys relatively solid health status.

Moderate health outcomes in Wyoming

Goshen County's 75.8-year life expectancy sits 1.2 years below Wyoming's 77.0-year state average, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of Wyoming counties. The 15.1% poor/fair health rate is among the state's better rates, suggesting a population managing chronic conditions reasonably well.

Excellent mental health provider access

Goshen County's 80 primary care providers per 100,000 residents matches Albany County's levels and far exceeds Big Horn County's 34 per 100K. Most impressively, Goshen County's 625 mental health providers per 100,000 rivals Albany County's 617 per 100K, ensuring residents have exceptional behavioral health access.

Strong provider access supports coverage

Goshen County's 13.8% uninsured rate—below Wyoming's 14.8% state average—means most residents can access care. With 80 primary care providers per 100,000 and exceptional mental health provider availability at 625 per 100,000, Goshen County residents enjoy competitive healthcare access.

Complete your health coverage

Though Goshen County has strong coverage rates, about 1 in 7 residents remain uninsured. Visit healthcare.gov to explore your options and ensure you're fully protected.

Schools in Goshen County

via SchoolsByCounty

Goshen County’s Balanced School System

Goshen County provides public education to 1,666 students across 13 distinct schools. The system includes five elementary, three middle, and four high schools, primarily managed by two districts. This structure supports a diverse student body with both traditional schools and two alternative learning centers.

Meeting National Standards for Graduation

The county graduation rate is 87.0%, perfectly matching the national average and beating the Wyoming state average of 82.0%. High standards are backed by $12,115 in per-pupil spending, which is over $1,200 higher than the state average. This strong investment helps the county maintain a high school score of 63.0.

Torrington Schools Lead the District

Goshen County School District #1 serves nearly the entire county with 1,657 students across 12 different schools. The district operates without charter schools, focusing its resources on maintaining a high-performing traditional public model. Saint Joseph's Children's Home provides additional specialized education through a single-school district.

Intimate Learning Environments in a Rural Setting

The county features a blend of seven rural and six town-based schools, with an average school size of just 128 students. Torrington High School is the largest campus with 305 students, ensuring every student receives personalized attention. Small schools like Lingle-Ft. Laramie Elementary exemplify the close-knit feel of the region.

Find a Home Near High-Performing Torrington Schools

For families moving to the area, Goshen County offers the rare combination of high graduation rates and small class sizes. Real estate near Torrington Middle or Trail Elementary provides easy access to the county's core educational resources. Invest in a community where educational outcomes consistently meet or exceed national benchmarks.

Disaster Risk in Goshen County

via RiskByCounty

Goshen maintains very low overall risk profile

Goshen County's composite risk score of 28.47 rates as very low and sits 25% below Wyoming's state average of 37.86. The county enjoys particularly low flood and earthquake exposure, though wildfire risk (72.61) remains moderate.

Among Wyoming's lower-risk counties

Goshen County ranks in the lower tier of Wyoming's 23 counties for disaster vulnerability. Low earthquake risk (38.87) and minimal flood exposure (31.01) contribute to the county's favorable risk profile.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Goshen County's composite score of 28.47 compares favorably to neighboring Crook County (16.06) and significantly undercuts the state average. The county's low earthquake and flood exposure distinguish it from higher-risk regions.

Wildfire and tornado present moderate concerns

Wildfire risk scores 72.61—the county's primary hazard—reflecting grassland exposure and seasonal fire activity. Tornado risk (47.01) ranks notably higher than many Wyoming counties, while earthquake (38.87) and flood (31.01) risks remain comparatively modest.

Verify wildfire and tornado coverage

Goshen County residents should confirm wildfire and hail/tornado coverage in their homeowners policies and maintain defensible space around properties. The county's relatively low earthquake and flood risks mean standard insurance typically provides adequate protection for those hazards.

Weather & Climate in Goshen County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Drier than the Median

Goshen County’s 48.4°F average temperature is one of the closest in the region to the national median of 54°F. It remains semi-arid, receiving 14.7 inches of annual precipitation.

One of Wyoming's Warmest Counties

Goshen County is significantly warmer than the Wyoming state average, exceeding it by 4.6 degrees. Its 14.7 inches of annual precipitation also sits slightly above the state average of 13.9 inches.

A Regional High in Temperature

Goshen is nearly 2 degrees warmer than neighboring Converse County. It also faces more extreme heat, with 42 days over 90°F compared to Converse's 40 days.

Intense Summer Heat and Snowy Winters

Summer features 42 days of 90°F temperatures and a July average of 72.8°F. Winters are more moderate than other counties but still bring 44.1 inches of snow.

Summer Cooling is a Primary Need

With 42 days of extreme heat, high-efficiency air conditioning is a critical investment. Residents should also prepare for a snowy winter season that averages over 44 inches of accumulation.

Soil Quality in Goshen County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the Great Plains

Goshen County's specific soil taxonomy and pH data are currently unlisted in central records. It sits in a region generally defined by Wyoming's 7.18 average pH, which is higher than the national median of 6.5.

Essential Physical Composition

Sand, silt, and clay ratios for the county are currently unmapped, making local site testing essential for growers. Knowing whether your soil is sandy or clay-heavy is the first step in mastering local irrigation.

High Potential for Nutrient Retention

Local organic matter percentages are not recorded, but the state average of 5.40% provides a hopeful benchmark for productivity. Wyoming's average water capacity of 0.165 in/in is the standard for managing moisture in these plains.

Assessing Surface Water Drainage

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently documented for Goshen County. Checking for standing water after heavy rain helps identify how your specific plot handles drainage and infiltration.

Gardening Success in Zone 5a

Located in Hardiness Zone 5a, Goshen County is well-suited for traditional Wyoming crops like sugar beets and hardy grains. Start a backyard garden with cold-frame protection to significantly extend your growing season.

Lawn Care in Goshen County

via LawnByCounty

Hot Summers and Dry Skies in Goshen

Goshen County faces a lawn difficulty score of 28.5, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. The combination of low rain and high heat in hardiness zone 5a creates a high-maintenance environment for any homeowner.

The State's Heat Leader

With 42 extreme heat days a year, Goshen County is significantly hotter than the state average of 23 days. While 14.7 inches of rain is slightly better than some neighbors, the 2555 growing degree days mean your grass will grow fast and require frequent watering.

Customizing Your Soil Care

No specific soil data is available for Goshen, making individual yard testing a vital step for success. To combat the 42 days of extreme heat, focus on adding top-dressing to your soil to prevent it from cracking and to help it retain what little moisture it gets.

High Drought and Heat Stress

The county saw 40 weeks of drought over the last year, and 44.1% of the area is currently in severe drought. Effective management includes using a mulching mower to return nutrients to the soil and reduce water evaporation by up to 30%.

Seeding for a Sizzling Summer

Tall Fescue is a great choice here as it handles heat better than most cool-season grasses. Ensure your new lawn is established shortly after the May 14th frost so it can survive the intense heat that typically arrives by late June.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Goshen County's county score?
Goshen County, Wyoming has a composite county score of 53.7 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 Goshen County rank among counties in Wyoming?
Goshen County ranks #15 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 Goshen County, Wyoming?
The median annual property tax in Goshen County is $1,395, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Goshen County a tax score of 75.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Goshen County?
The median household income in Goshen County, Wyoming is $64,882 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Goshen County earns an income score of 53.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Goshen County, Wyoming a good place to live?
Goshen County scores 53.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Wyoming. The best way to evaluate Goshen 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 Goshen County with other counties side by side.