countyscore
65.1
County Score
Property Tax 91.7Income & Jobs 89.3Safety 77.5

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Wyoming

An Elite National Performer

Lincoln County’s composite score of 65.1 places it well above the national median of 50.0. It is among the higher-performing counties in the Western United States for overall livability. Its mix of high income and low tax burden creates a powerful draw for residents.

Leading the Wyoming Rankings

Surpassing the state average of 56.5, Lincoln County is a top-tier Wyoming destination. It offers a rare combination of high income potential and high safety that few other counties can match. It represents a premium tier of the state's residential options.

Exceptional Taxes and High Incomes

The county shines with a tax score of 91.7, backed by a very low effective rate of 0.436%. Incomes are equally impressive with a score of 89.3 and a median of $86,092. Safety remains a pillar of the community, scoring a high 77.5.

Water Infrastructure and Market Entry

Water quality is the county’s weakest link, scoring only 10.0. While rents are affordable at $868, home values of $334,500 can be a barrier, leading to a cost score of 40.5. These hurdles are the primary trade-offs for the area's high quality of life.

A Prime Choice for Families

Lincoln County is an ideal fit for upwardly mobile families and high earners seeking security. With great schools and high safety, the investment in a $334,500 home yields significant lifestyle returns. It is one of the most balanced and attractive options in the Rocky Mountain region.

Score breakdown

Tax91.7Cost40.5Safety77.5Health62.6Schools68.5Income89.3Risk48.1Water10Weather46.3
🏛91.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼89.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡77.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧10
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28.6
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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65

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Rich County
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Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln offers lowest rates nationwide

Lincoln County's effective tax rate of 0.436% ranks in the bottom 10% nationally, with median taxes of $1,458 against the national median of $2,690. Homeowners here enjoy one of America's most tax-friendly property tax environments.

Third-lowest in Wyoming

Lincoln County's 0.436% rate ranks third-lowest among Wyoming's 23 counties, trailing only Niobrara (0.376%) and Johnson (0.552%). It sits well below the state average of 0.556%, delivering substantial savings to property owners.

Most favorable in the region

Lincoln County's 0.436% rate significantly undercuts Laramie County (0.583%) and Park County (0.565%) to the north and east. Among southwestern Wyoming options, it offers the lightest tax load by a considerable margin.

Median home pays just $1,458

Despite having the highest median home value in this dataset at $334,500, Lincoln County residents pay only $1,458 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes reach $1,695; without one, they drop to $1,252.

Verify your assessment value

Even in low-tax counties, assessment errors occur and compound over time. Review your property's assessed value against recent sales in your neighborhood—an appeal to correct any overvaluation could produce meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln County: America's Affordable Outlier

Lincoln County boasts the nation's standout rent-to-income ratio of just 12.1%, with median household income of $86,092 soaring 15% above the national average of $74,755. This combination creates one of the most economically favorable housing markets visible in recent data.

Most Affordable County in Wyoming

Lincoln County's 12.1% rent-to-income ratio easily beats Wyoming's state average of 15.5%, ranking as the state's most housing-affordable county among those surveyed. High incomes ($86,092 median) paired with reasonable rents ($868/month) create a rare surplus of household financial breathing room.

Modest Rents, Exceptional Wages

Lincoln County's median rent of $868/month runs 7% below the state average despite the highest median income in Wyoming, a powerful affordability advantage. Median home values of $334,500 are the second-highest in the survey, yet incomes support ownership more comfortably than anywhere else in the state.

Lincoln's Exceptional Financial Cushion

Renters pay just $868 monthly while homeowners invest $966—both remarkably low relative to a median household income of $86,092. This means Lincoln County households direct only 12.1% of income to housing, freeing up over 88% for savings, investment, and quality of life—a luxury most American counties cannot claim.

Lincoln County: Wyoming's Best-Kept Secret

If you prioritize affordability paired with strong household income, Lincoln County is Wyoming's standout opportunity—the lowest rent-to-income ratio and highest median wages in the survey. Relocating here could instantly improve your financial flexibility; compare Lincoln's numbers against your current housing burden before passing it by.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln leads Wyoming earnings

Lincoln County's median household income of $86,092 beats the U.S. median of $74,755 by more than $11,300, placing it well above the national 50th percentile. The county ranks among the top 30% of American counties by income.

Wyoming's top income earner

Lincoln County's $86,092 substantially exceeds Wyoming's state average of $73,360 by nearly $13,000, making it the state's strongest income performer. The county's energy sector and agricultural base drive superior earning power.

Significant regional advantage

Lincoln's $86,092 vastly outpaces nearby counties: Natrona ($71,247), Park ($70,533), and Platte ($66,299). This income leadership reflects specialized industry employment and economic concentration.

Housing highly affordable here

Lincoln County boasts the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 12.1%, well below the 30% threshold and indicating exceptional housing affordability. Median home values of $334,500 are easily manageable for median-income households.

Accelerate long-term wealth building

With strong income and minimal housing burden, Lincoln households should maximize retirement contributions, establish diversified investment accounts, and consider real estate as a wealth multiplier. The combination of cash flow and local home values creates unique equity-building opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County Ranks Among the Safest

Lincoln County earns an impressive safety score of 99.2, making it one of the most secure counties nationwide. Its total crime rate of 535.5 per 100,000 is about 22% of the national average.

Leading the State in Public Safety

Lincoln outperforms the Wyoming average safety score of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 535.5 is roughly half of the statewide average of 978.0 per 100,000 residents.

Safer Than Many Regional Neighbors

With 535.5 crimes per 100,000, Lincoln County is significantly safer than neighboring Park County at 1,047.6. Six different reporting agencies cooperate to maintain this high level of community security.

Low Rates for All Crime Types

Property crime is minimal at 439.5 per 100,000 compared to the national average of 2,015.7. The violent crime rate is also exceptionally low at 96.0 per 100,000.

Keeping Your Neighborhood Secure

Residents in this safe county can maintain low crime levels by participating in neighborhood watch programs. Simple habits like locking vehicles and garages help preserve Lincoln County's safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy exceeds U.S. national average

Lincoln County residents reach an average life expectancy of 79.0 years, matching or slightly exceeding the U.S. average of 79 years. The 13.8% poor/fair health rate sits comfortably below the national average, reflecting a relatively healthy population.

Above average health by state measures

Lincoln County's 79.0-year life expectancy exceeds Wyoming's state average of 77.0 years by 2 years, positioning it among the state's healthier communities. The 13.8% poor/fair health rate ranks favorably within Wyoming's county landscape.

Top longevity, but uninsured rate stands out

Lincoln County ties Johnson County for the highest life expectancy at 79.0 years, outpacing most peer counties significantly. However, its 16.8% uninsured rate is the highest among neighbors, despite solid primary care access of 65 per 100K.

High uninsured rate despite good health

16.8% of Lincoln County residents lack health insurance, the highest rate among Wyoming's sampled counties and 2 points above the state average. With only 139 mental health providers per 100K and 65 primary care providers, access to care remains limited despite strong life expectancy outcomes.

Affordable coverage is available now

If you're uninsured in Lincoln County, securing health coverage should be a priority—nearly 1 in 6 residents currently lack it. Visit healthcare.gov or your county health office to enroll in Medicaid or a marketplace plan before the next enrollment period closes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

High Performance in a Rural Setting

Lincoln County supports 13 public schools across two districts, serving a total of 3,683 students. The infrastructure includes five elementary, three middle, and five high schools. All schools in the county are classified as rural, reflecting the area's vast and open geography.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Lincoln County excels with a stellar 89.9% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 82.0% and the national mark of 87.0%. This success is achieved with a per-pupil spend of $10,256. The county's composite school score is a strong 60.5, indicating high-quality outcomes.

Star Valley and Kemmerer Districts

Lincoln County School District #2 is the largest, educating 3,043 students across 9 schools in the Star Valley area. LCSD #1 serves the Kemmerer region with 598 students. There are no charter schools in the county, with the two districts providing all public educational services.

Large Rural Campuses and Community Ties

Attending school here means joining a large community, with an average school size of 283 students. Star Valley High School is the largest campus, hosting 891 students. Even the smaller schools, like Afton Elementary with 416 students, maintain a robust student body for a rural area.

Discover Top-Tier Rural Education

For families seeking the best graduation rates in the state, Star Valley is a premier destination. Homebuyers frequently target the LCSD #2 area for its proven academic track record. Find your home in Lincoln County to benefit from a high-performing rural school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln faces moderate national disaster risk

Lincoln County scores 51.91 on the composite risk scale, placing it above the national average and earning a Relatively Low rating. The county's risk level is notably higher than the safest U.S. counties but remains manageable with appropriate preparation.

Mid-range risk for Wyoming

Lincoln County's 51.91 score places it above Wyoming's state average of 37.86, ranking it among the state's moderate-risk counties. Earthquake exposure particularly elevates the county's profile compared to many Wyoming peers.

Riskier than Hot Springs, safer than Laramie

Lincoln County's 51.91 score falls between the very safe Hot Springs County (16.09) and the high-risk Laramie County (76.69). Its elevation is driven primarily by earthquake risk (87.82), the highest among neighboring counties, while wildfire (83.62) also poses significant hazards.

Earthquakes and wildfires lead threats

Earthquake risk dominates Lincoln County at 87.82, the highest hazard exposure in the county and reflecting proximity to major fault zones. Wildfire risk reaches 83.62, making these two geological and fire-based hazards the county's primary concerns.

Earthquake and wildfire coverage essential

Lincoln County residents should secure dedicated earthquake insurance immediately—standard policies exclude seismic damage, and the county's 87.82 earthquake score demands protection. Add wildfire coverage and ensure your home meets current building codes for earthquake resilience.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep Cold in the High Country

Lincoln County is one of the coldest regions in the nation, with an average annual temperature of just 38.6°F. This is nearly 15 degrees below the national median, reflecting its high-altitude mountain environment.

Below the State Average

While Wyoming is generally cold, Lincoln County’s 38.6°F average is significantly lower than the state average of 43.8°F. It represents the harsher side of the state's climate spectrum.

Colder Than Its Peers

Lincoln County is much colder than neighboring Park County, which averages 42.4°F. It shares the high-elevation characteristics of the western border but stays consistently chilled throughout the year.

Short Summers and Long Winters

Extreme heat is rare here, with only 5 days per year reaching 90°F. Conversely, winter is long and brutal, featuring a January average of just 15.0°F and 49.5 inches of annual snowfall.

Focus on Winter Survival

Heating costs are a primary consideration given the 16.4°F winter average. Residents need high-performance winter gear and vehicles equipped for significant ice and snow for much of the year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Mountainous Soils of Lincoln County

Soil pH and taxonomic data are limited in this mountainous region, though most local soils are moderately alkaline. This aligns with the Wyoming average of 7.18, which is higher than the 6.5 national median.

Managing Mountain Textures

Specific sand and clay ratios are not currently recorded for the county. Most mountain soils feature a rocky composition that offers high drainage but requires extra care to retain nutrients.

Organic Potential in the West

While local organic matter data is missing, the state average of 5.40% serves as a useful benchmark for local farmers. Improving your soil's water capacity helps plants survive the dry summer stretches.

Drainage in a High-Elevation Landscape

Official drainage classes are not available, making the observation of local runoff patterns essential. High-elevation slopes generally drain quickly, which can lead to erosion if the soil is left bare.

Planting in Zone 5b

Lincoln County’s Zone 5b status means a fair variety of vegetables can thrive during the summer months. Focus on short-season crops and protective covers to make the most of your garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Wyoming's Most Difficult Lawn Environment

Lincoln County holds a lawn difficulty score of 28.6, making it the most challenging county in this group for turf maintenance. This score is well below both the state average of 32.6 and the national median of 50.0. Even in hardiness zone 5b, the unique mountain climate demands specialized care.

Short Seasons and Sparse Rain

With only 1,141 growing degree days, your grass has a very limited window to grow and recover from damage. The county receives 13.4 inches of annual precipitation, requiring constant vigilance with the garden hose. However, with only 5 extreme heat days, your lawn is less likely to scorch than in other Wyoming counties.

Customizing Your Soil Prep

Specific soil metrics like pH and drainage class are not currently available for Lincoln County. Given the low difficulty score, you should expect your soil to require significant organic amendments to thrive. A local soil test is your best tool for identifying what nutrients your specific yard is missing.

Persistent Drought Constraints

The county has faced drought conditions for 50 weeks out of the last year, an incredibly high duration. While only 22.6% of the area is in severe drought, the entire county is classified as abnormally dry. Focus on water-saving techniques like aerating and avoiding mowing during the hottest parts of the day.

Choosing Cold-Hardy Varieties

Because the growing degree days are so low, focus on cold-hardy, fast-establishing grasses like Fine Fescue. Since specific frost dates vary wildly in this mountainous terrain, monitor local soil temperatures carefully before seeding. Start your lawn as early in the spring as possible to take advantage of every growing day.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Wyoming has a composite county score of 65.1 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Wyoming?
Lincoln County ranks #3 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 Lincoln County, Wyoming?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $1,458, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 91.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Wyoming is $86,092 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 89.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Wyoming a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 65.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Wyoming. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.