CountyScore

Laramie County

Wyoming · WY

#22 in Wyoming
66.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Laramie County, Wyoming

Laramie surpasses national baseline

Laramie County scores 66.1, well above the national median of 50.0, though it represents the lower end of this eight-county comparison. The county still ranks in the top 40% nationally, indicating solid overall livability.

Below average for Wyoming

Laramie County scores 66.1, falling below Wyoming's 71.8 state average—the only county among these eight underperforming the state benchmark. The gap reflects specific challenges pulling down the composite score.

Highest incomes and low taxes

Laramie leads these eight counties with a 34.2 income score and $77,884 median household income. An 85.9 tax score with 0.583% effective rate provides additional financial advantage.

Risk and housing costs diverge sharply

Laramie's risk score plummets to 23.3—the lowest among all eight counties—indicating significant economic vulnerability or volatility. Housing costs also rise here with $324,900 median home values and a 66.5 cost score, while health outcomes lag at 70.6.

Best for income earners willing to risk

Laramie County suits higher-income professionals who can absorb housing costs and accept above-average economic risk for career opportunities. It's Wyoming's growth center but requires financial cushion and risk tolerance.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax85.9Cost66.5SafetyComing SoonHealth70.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.2Risk23.3WaterComing Soon
🏛85.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡23.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Laramie County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Terrell County
Georgia
66.1
Median income: $43,812
Ada County
Idaho
66.1
Median income: $88,907
Edwards County
Kansas
66.1
Median income: $53,792
Harvey County
Kansas
66.1
Median income: $73,269
Ascension Parish
Louisiana
66.1
Median income: $92,266

Deep Dives

Laramie County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Laramie County

via TaxByCounty

Laramie's rate tops many U.S. peers

Laramie County's effective tax rate of 0.583% sits roughly in the middle nationally, with median taxes of $1,893 versus the national median of $2,690. The county ranks in the 45th percentile—a balanced position that favors neither high nor low tax filers.

Highest rate in Wyoming

Laramie County leads all Wyoming counties with an effective tax rate of 0.583%, exceeding the state average of 0.556% by roughly 5%. This makes it the priciest county in the state for property tax burden, though still cheaper than many national peers.

Notably steeper than neighbors

Laramie County's 0.583% rate significantly exceeds Lincoln County (0.436%) and Natrona County (0.618%) is close behind. Among regional peers, Laramie stands as one of the higher-tax options in southeastern Wyoming.

Median home tax reaches $1,893

Homeowners with a median-valued Laramie County property of $324,900 pay approximately $1,893 annually in taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,916; without one, it's $1,836.

Assessment appeal could reduce burden

As Wyoming's highest-tax county, Laramie residents benefit even more from ensuring accurate assessments. Request a reassessment or appeal if your property's assessed value exceeds comparable recent sales—savings here add up quickly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Laramie County

via CostByCounty

Laramie County: Close to National Norms

Laramie County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% sits just above the national benchmark, suggesting relatively balanced housing costs despite a median income of $77,884 exceeding the national average of $74,755. This county represents one of the few Wyoming markets where renter affordability aligns reasonably well with national patterns.

Better-Than-Average Wyoming Affordability

Laramie County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks below Wyoming's state average of 15.5% by just 1.1 percentage points, placing it near the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. Higher median income than most Wyoming counties ($77,884) provides cushion that softens housing cost pressure.

Premium Pricing, Premium Wages

Laramie's median rent of $1,080/month runs 15% above the state average and reflects its status as Wyoming's largest metro area, anchored by Cheyenne. Home values hit $324,900—third-highest among surveyed counties—yet higher local wages ($77,884 median) make the math work better than in rural peers.

Laramie's Income Absorbs Housing Costs

Renters dedicate $1,080 monthly while homeowners carry $1,463, yet median household income of $77,884 means families still devote only 16.6% to rent—manageable by modern standards. The wage advantage makes Laramie's higher housing costs feel less punishing than they appear on paper.

Laramie County Rewards Wage-Earners

If you're relocating with a professional salary or remote income, Laramie County offers metro amenities without the coastal cost crisis—and local wages actually exceed the national median. Higher rents reflect real job opportunities; compare your offer against that $77,884 county median before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Laramie County

via IncomeByCounty

Laramie exceeds national average

Laramie County's median household income of $77,884 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by over $3,100. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier nationally, outperforming roughly two-thirds of American counties.

Wyoming's second-tier earner

Laramie County's $77,884 tops Wyoming's state average of $73,360 and ranks among the state's stronger performers. Only Lincoln County ($86,092) significantly outpaces Laramie, making it a relative income powerhouse.

Regional economic engine

Laramie's $77,884 substantially exceeds Hot Springs ($64,375), Johnson ($63,905), and Niobrara ($48,987) counties, reflecting Cheyenne's economic scale. The county's larger population and diverse job market support higher average wages.

Housing remains well-priced

Laramie County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% threshold, indicating solid housing affordability. At $324,900, the median home value is reasonable given the income level, supporting equity-building homeownership.

Invest above baseline retirement

With income exceeding national averages and housing costs controlled, Laramie households can comfortably fund retirement accounts beyond minimums and explore diversified investment portfolios. Consider working with a financial advisor to optimize tax-deferred growth strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Laramie County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy near U.S. national average

Laramie County's 76.0-year life expectancy sits slightly below the U.S. average of 79 years, placing the county in the middle range of American health outcomes. The 14.5% poor/fair health rate aligns closely with national patterns, indicating moderate population health challenges.

Slightly below Wyoming's health baseline

At 76.0 years, Laramie County trails Wyoming's state average of 77.0 years by a single year. The 14.5% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state's typical profile, suggesting localized health disparities that warrant attention.

Mid-tier outcomes in Wyoming context

Laramie County's 76.0-year life expectancy places it between the lowest (Hot Springs at 73.0) and highest (Johnson at 79.3) peers in the state. However, primary care access at 64 providers per 100K ranks among the weakest—a significant gap compared to Johnson County's 151.

Uninsured rate below state average

12.0% of Laramie County residents lack health insurance, a positive 2.8 points below Wyoming's average of 14.8%. Yet primary care access is constrained at 64 per 100K, while mental health providers are plentiful at 486 per 100K—creating uneven access to routine care.

Check your coverage in Laramie County

If you're among Laramie County's 12% uninsured, now is the time to explore coverage options through Wyoming's health marketplace or Medicaid. Visit healthcare.gov or call your local health department to find affordable plans and primary care providers nearby.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Laramie County

via RiskByCounty

Laramie faces elevated national disaster risk

Laramie County's composite risk score of 76.69 places it well above the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating but indicating notably higher hazard exposure. The county experiences roughly double the disaster risk of the safest U.S. counties.

Laramie ranks as Wyoming's riskiest county

With a score of 76.69, Laramie County faces the highest composite disaster risk in Wyoming—more than double the state average of 37.86. This elevation reflects the county's exposure across multiple hazards, particularly tornadoes and wildfires.

Significantly riskier than neighboring counties

Laramie County's 76.69 score vastly exceeds Hot Springs (16.09), Johnson (19.31), and Platte (25.73) counties. The county's unique risk profile stems from extreme tornado exposure (88.36) combined with wildfire (91.86) and earthquake (69.97) risks that dwarf those of surrounding areas.

Tornadoes and wildfires create double threat

Tornado risk reaches 88.36 in Laramie County—the highest in Wyoming and among the nation's most dangerous areas—while wildfire exposure also peaks at 91.86. Together, these hazards account for the county's elevated overall risk, though floods (66.95) and earthquakes (69.97) also require attention.

Prepare for severe weather and fire

Laramie County residents must prioritize comprehensive coverage including tornado/hail, wildfire, and flood insurance—standard policies often exclude or limit these perils. Consider a storm shelter or reinforced safe room given the county's extreme tornado exposure; this infrastructure investment can save lives during the most dangerous storms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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