Hot Springs County scores 73.9 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, substantially above the national median of 50.0. This ranks the county in the top half nationally, indicating above-average livability across measured dimensions.
2 / 5
Ranking near middle of Wyoming
Hot Springs County scores 73.9, slightly above Wyoming's state average of 71.8, placing it in the upper-middle tier among the state's 23 counties. The county performs solidly within its regional peer group.
3 / 5
Tax-friendly with stable housing costs
Hot Springs shines with an 86.5 tax score reflecting a low 0.561% effective tax rate, and an 81.8 cost score with median home values at $214,400. The county also scores 83.9 on risk, signaling relative economic stability.
4 / 5
Income growth lags state average
The county's income score of 25.4 is notably low, with median household income of just $64,375—well below Wyoming's stronger earners. Health outcomes also rate moderately at 63.6, suggesting room for wellness improvements.
5 / 5
Ideal for cost-conscious families
Hot Springs County appeals to families and retirees seeking affordable housing and favorable tax treatment in a stable small-town setting. Those prioritizing lower living costs and tax burden over high wages will find a welcoming community here.
Hot Springs County scores 73.9 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, substantially above the national median of 50.0. This ranks the county in the top half nationally, indicating above-average livability across measured dimensions.
Ranking near middle of Wyoming
Hot Springs County scores 73.9, slightly above Wyoming's state average of 71.8, placing it in the upper-middle tier among the state's 23 counties. The county performs solidly within its regional peer group.
Tax-friendly with stable housing costs
Hot Springs shines with an 86.5 tax score reflecting a low 0.561% effective tax rate, and an 81.8 cost score with median home values at $214,400. The county also scores 83.9 on risk, signaling relative economic stability.
Income growth lags state average
The county's income score of 25.4 is notably low, with median household income of just $64,375—well below Wyoming's stronger earners. Health outcomes also rate moderately at 63.6, suggesting room for wellness improvements.
Ideal for cost-conscious families
Hot Springs County appeals to families and retirees seeking affordable housing and favorable tax treatment in a stable small-town setting. Those prioritizing lower living costs and tax burden over high wages will find a welcoming community here.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Hot Springs County's effective tax rate of 0.561% sits well below the national median property tax of $2,690 on a $281,900 home. At this rate, the county falls in roughly the bottom third nationally, meaning homeowners here pay significantly less in property taxes than most Americans.
Slightly above Wyoming average
Hot Springs County's 0.561% effective rate marginally exceeds Wyoming's state average of 0.556%, placing it in the middle tier among the state's 23 counties. The median property tax of $1,202 here runs below the state median of $1,666, reflecting the county's lower home values.
Middle of the pack regionally
Hot Springs sits between Johnson County (0.552%) and Natrona County (0.618%) in effective rates. Among its peers, it offers a moderate tax burden—cheaper than Park County but steeper than Niobrara County's notably low 0.376% rate.
Median home costs $1,202 yearly
A homeowner with a median-valued property of $214,400 in Hot Springs County pays approximately $1,202 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,396; without one, it drops to $1,110.
Check if your assessment is fair
Many Wyoming homeowners pay more in property taxes than they should due to overassessment. If your property tax bill seems high relative to recent sales in your area, consider requesting a formal assessment review or appeal to potentially lower your tax burden.
Hot Springs County renters spend 18.2% of their income on housing, above the national benchmark of roughly 14% but closer than many rural counties nationwide. The median household income of $64,375 falls short of the national average of $74,755, putting residents in a tighter squeeze than typical American households.
Middle of the Pack in Wyoming
Hot Springs' 18.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Wyoming's state average of 15.5%, reflecting higher-than-average housing cost pressure. Among Wyoming's eight surveyed counties, Hot Springs falls in the moderate affordability band, neither the most nor least strained.
Competing with Regional Housing Markets
At $976/month for median rent, Hot Springs tracks slightly above the state average of $937 and sits between similar-sized Wyoming counties. Median home values of $214,400 are relatively modest regionally, offering more accessible ownership pathways than neighbors like Laramie County ($324,900).
Where Hot Springs Income Goes
Renters dedicate $976 monthly to housing while homeowners pay $586 in monthly ownership costs—a 16-point gap that rewards building equity early. With median household income of $64,375 annually, a typical renter household spends 18.2% of gross income on housing, leaving limited budget cushion for other essentials.
Consider Hot Springs If You Value Balance
Hot Springs offers modest rent and home prices compared to wealthier Wyoming counties, making it worth exploring if you're relocating from the coasts or high-growth metros. Run the numbers: at $976/month rent versus ownership costs of $586, first-time homebuyers may find unexpected affordability in this quiet corner of Wyoming.
Hot Springs County's median household income of $64,375 falls about $10,400 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This puts the county in the lower half nationally, though many rural counties face similar gaps.
Below average for Wyoming
Hot Springs ranks below Wyoming's state average of $73,360, placing it in the lower tier among the state's 23 counties. The $9,000 gap reflects the county's reliance on smaller-scale industries.
Competing with basin neighbors
Hot Springs' $64,375 income compares unfavorably to nearby Natrona County ($71,247) but outpaces Niobrara County ($48,987). Regional economic variation suggests targeted industry development could shift the trajectory.
Housing remains affordable here
At 18.2%, Hot Springs' rent-to-income ratio is healthy and below the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting residents are well-positioned on housing costs. With a median home value of $214,400, homeownership remains accessible compared to state and national trends.
Build savings with stable housing
Because housing costs consume less than one-fifth of median income, households have room to direct dollars toward emergency funds and retirement accounts. Even modest regular investments can compound significantly over time—start with automatic transfers, even small ones.
Hot Springs County residents live to an average of 73.0 years, about 6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 79 years. With 16.2% of the population reporting poor or fair health, the county faces steeper health challenges than the national average of roughly 12%.
Among Wyoming's lower life expectancy counties
At 73.0 years, Hot Springs County's life expectancy falls 4 years below Wyoming's state average of 77.0 years, placing it in the lower tier of the state's health rankings. The poor/fair health rate of 16.2% exceeds the typical state pattern, signaling concentrated health vulnerabilities.
Comparison with nearby Wyoming counties
Hot Springs County's 73.0-year life expectancy trails Johnson County's 79.3 years by over 6 years, though it tracks closer to Natrona County's 74.9 years. Primary care is moderately accessible at 109 providers per 100K, but mental health support at 322 per 100K is below the strongest neighbors.
Uninsured rate slightly above state average
15.3% of Hot Springs County residents lack health insurance, a half-point above Wyoming's state average of 14.8%. With 109 primary care providers per 100K and 322 mental health providers, healthcare access is uneven—some services are available, but gaps remain in daily care availability.
Find your health insurance option today
If you're among the 15.3% uninsured in Hot Springs County, healthcare coverage is within reach. Visit your county health department or healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and local clinic options that fit your needs.
Hot Springs County's composite risk score of 16.09 places it in the Very Low category, substantially safer than the national average. This county faces roughly 57% less overall disaster risk than typical U.S. counties, making it one of Wyoming's more resilient communities.
Among Wyoming's safest counties
Hot Springs ranks in the lower half of Wyoming's natural disaster risk, with a score of 16.09 compared to the state average of 37.86. The county benefits from lower flood and tornado exposure than most Wyoming communities, though wildfire and earthquake risks remain present.
Safer than nearby Washakie and Fremont
Hot Springs County's risk profile is notably lower than Johnson County (19.31) and Park County (57.73) to the north and east. Its combination of low flood (39.38) and tornado (11.39) risks gives it a distinct advantage in the region, though wildfire exposure (66.44) mirrors broader Rocky Mountain trends.
Wildfire and earthquake top the list
Wildfire risk scores 66.44 in Hot Springs, making it the county's most significant hazard despite overall low risk. Earthquakes rank second at 60.78, reflecting the county's location near the Wasatch fault zone, though both risks remain below national averages.
Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage
While Hot Springs County's overall risk is low, homeowners should ensure their policies cover wildfire damage, which standard homeowners insurance often excludes or limits. Consider earthquake insurance given the county's proximity to seismic zones—it's affordable in lower-risk areas and protects against a significant, if infrequent, threat.