countyscore
57.8
County Score
Property Tax 78.6Schools 75.3Income & Jobs 67.7

County Report Card

About Park County, Wyoming

A High Standard of Living

Park County’s composite score of 57.8 sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the county's success in blending natural amenities with strong public services. It is a attractive destination for those looking to relocate to the Mountain West.

Surpassing Wyoming State Averages

Park County outperforms the state average of 56.5, marking it as a premier Wyoming location. It excels in education and health, areas where other rural counties often struggle. It maintains a reputation as one of the state's most desirable regions.

Excellence in Schools and Health

The county’s school score of 75.3 is among the highest in the region. Residents also benefit from a strong health score of 64.1 and a tax score of 78.6. These factors make it a well-rounded choice for both families and seniors.

Rising Costs in a Popular Market

Popularity has driven home values to a median of $374,200, resulting in a low cost score of 31.1. Environmental and economic risk also moderate the overall score with a 42.3 ranking. Prospective residents must weigh these costs against the high quality of services.

A Top Pick for Families

Park County is ideal for families who prioritize education and outdoor health. The $70,533 median income supports a quality lifestyle, though the $374,200 home price requires careful planning. It remains a gold standard for Wyoming living near the gateway of the wilderness.

Score breakdown

Tax78.6Cost31.1Safety53.7Health64.1Schools75.3Income67.7Risk42.3Water59Weather42.6
🏛78.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠31.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡53.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤64.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓75.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧59
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28.1
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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Counties with similar scores

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Park County
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Nearby counties

Teton County
Wyoming
62.4
Carbon County
Montana
64.8
Hot Springs County
Wyoming
56.5
Park County
Montana
48.9
Teton County
Idaho
61.4
Stillwater County
Montana
58.8
Fremont County
Idaho
63.6
Fremont County
Wyoming
49.2

Deep Dives

Park County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Park County

via TaxByCounty

Park County taxes below national average

Park County's effective tax rate of 0.565% sits in the middle-to-lower range nationally, with median taxes of $2,115 versus the national median of $2,690. The county ranks around the 40th percentile—modestly cheaper than typical U.S. property taxes.

Midrange rate across Wyoming

Park County's 0.565% effective rate sits slightly above Wyoming's state average of 0.556%, placing it in the middle tier of the state's counties. Its median tax of $2,115 is notably higher than the state median of $1,666, reflecting stronger property values.

Steeper than most regional peers

Park County's 0.565% rate exceeds Hot Springs (0.561%) and Johnson (0.552%), but trails Laramie (0.583%) and Platte (0.588%). Among northern Wyoming options, it ranks as one of the pricier tax environments.

Median home tax reaches $2,115

Park County homeowners with a median-valued property of $374,200 pay approximately $2,115 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes are $2,018; without one, they rise to $2,200.

Appeal if assessed above market

Park County's higher home values increase the stakes for accurate assessment—even small overvaluation errors translate to significant annual tax bills. Request a reassessment if you believe your property's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Park County

via CostByCounty

Park County: Just Below National Comfort

Park County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% sits well within national affordability norms, with median household income of $70,533 hovering just below the national average of $74,755. Renters here experience moderate housing cost pressure aligned with typical American household experiences.

Slightly Better Than Wyoming Average

Park County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks just below Wyoming's state average of 15.5%, making it one of the state's better housing markets. Among the eight surveyed counties, Park offers solid middle-tier affordability with reasonable wage support.

Premium Homes, Reasonable Rents

Park County's median rent of $933/month runs nearly in line with the state average, yet median home values of $374,200 rank highest in the entire survey—reflecting its appeal as a recreation and tourism hub anchored by Cody. This home-value premium reflects amenity demand that doesn't fully extend to rental markets.

Park County's Ownership Price Tag

Renters dedicate $933 monthly while homeowners pay $1,078—a manageable $145 monthly premium for ownership in a county where median household income reaches $70,533. The 15.9% rent-to-income ratio reveals a market where renting offers surprising affordability, yet home values suggest strong investment appreciation.

Park County: Recreation and Reasonable Rents

Park County pairs reasonable rental affordability (15.9% rent-to-income ratio) with Wyoming's highest home values, attracting buyers seeking amenity-rich living and appreciation potential. If you're considering Park for lifestyle and long-term wealth building, the numbers support both renting initially and ownership investment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Park County

via IncomeByCounty

Park slightly below national median

Park County's median household income of $70,533 runs roughly $4,200 behind the U.S. median of $74,755. The county sits just below the national midpoint, typical of many rural recreation and agriculture regions.

Below Wyoming state average

Park County's $70,533 falls $2,827 short of Wyoming's state average of $73,360, placing it in the lower-middle tier among state counties. The gap reflects competition from energy-dominant neighboring regions.

Mid-range in northwest Wyoming

Park's $70,533 trails Lincoln County ($86,092) significantly but outperforms Hot Springs ($64,375) and Johnson ($63,905). The county's tourism and outdoor recreation economy supports moderate incomes relative to resource-dependent neighbors.

Good housing value for the region

Park County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio is healthy and well below the 30% affordability threshold. Despite having the state's highest median home value at $374,200, the strong income-to-housing ratio reflects the county's relative wealth.

Capitalize on property appreciation

Park County's premium home values and strong rent-to-income ratio create an ideal environment for building home equity while maintaining financial flexibility. With housing costs controlled, households can fund retirement accounts and diversified investments simultaneously.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Park County

via CrimeByCounty

Park County Maintains a Secure Profile

Park County earns a 98.3 safety score, reflecting its status as a secure community in northern Wyoming. Its total crime rate of 1,047.6 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Slightly Below the Wyoming Average

The county falls just below the state average safety score of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 1,047.6 per 100,000 is slightly higher than the Wyoming average of 978.0.

Local Comparisons in Northern Wyoming

Park County reports more incidents than nearby Hot Springs County, which has a lower rate of 888.3. Three local reporting agencies provide consistent data on the area's safety trends.

A Higher Percentage of Violent Reports

The violent crime rate of 210.9 is higher than the state average of 126.9. Property crime stands at 836.7, which remains less than half the national average of 2,015.7.

Securing Your Property and Valuables

Since property crime accounts for the majority of local reports, securing your home remains important. Using modern alarm systems and smart doorbells helps deter opportunistic crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Park County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy exceeds U.S. national average

Park County residents live to 78.1 years on average, just below the U.S. average of 79 years but within healthy range. At 13.5%, the poor/fair health rate ranks better than the national average, reflecting a generally healthy population.

Above Wyoming's health baseline

Park County's 78.1-year life expectancy exceeds Wyoming's state average of 77.0 years, placing it among the state's healthier communities. The 13.5% poor/fair health rate also ranks favorably within Wyoming's county landscape.

Strong longevity, robust provider access

Park County's 78.1-year life expectancy ranks third among peers, trailing only Johnson and Lincoln counties. Primary care access at 130 per 100K is solid and second-best in the group, with mental health providers at 403 per 100K offering strong behavioral health support.

Moderate uninsured rate, strong healthcare access

14.1% of Park County residents lack health insurance, just below Wyoming's average of 14.8%, while primary care access at 130 per 100K and mental health support at 403 per 100K provide good care options. This combination of moderate insurance gaps and solid provider availability puts Park County in a favorable position relative to other Wyoming communities.

Ensure coverage for your household

With strong healthcare infrastructure in place, Park County residents should prioritize securing insurance coverage to maximize these available resources. Visit healthcare.gov or your local health office to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and local providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Park County

via SchoolsByCounty

Academic Excellence in Northwest Wyoming

Park County features 17 public schools, including 9 elementary schools and 4 high schools. The county’s 4,027 students are split across three districts that serve the Cody, Powell, and Meeteetse communities. The infrastructure includes alternative and special education facilities to support all learners.

Top-Tier Results and Investment

Park County boasts an impressive 91.2% graduation rate, which is among the highest in the nation and well above Wyoming’s 82.0% average. Per-pupil spending stands at $10,732, closely aligned with the state average. These factors drive an excellent composite school score of 62.2.

Cody and Powell District Leaders

Park County School District #6 (Cody) is the largest with 2,049 students, followed by District #1 (Powell) with 1,876 students. District #16 serves the Meeteetse area with 102 students. There are no charter schools, as the traditional public districts deliver high performance across the board.

Town-Centered Schools and Scenic Locales

The majority of schools—12 out of 17—are located in town settings, with an average enrollment of 252 students. Cody High School is the largest campus with 629 students, while Powell High serves 592. The atmosphere is academic and community-oriented, set against a stunning mountain backdrop.

Find Your Home in a Top School District

With some of the best graduation rates in Wyoming, Park County is a premier choice for families. Homes in Cody and Powell are highly sought after due to the reputation of their local schools. Start your home search here to invest in a high-quality future for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Park County

via RiskByCounty

Park County above national disaster risk

Park County's composite risk score of 57.73 exceeds the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating but indicating elevated hazard exposure. The county faces roughly 70% more disaster risk than the safest U.S. counties.

Mid-to-high risk for Wyoming

Park County ranks third in Wyoming's composite risk with a score of 57.73, significantly above the state average of 37.86. The county's elevation reflects dangerous earthquake (78.18) and wildfire (82.73) exposure.

Riskier than Hot Springs and Johnson

Park County's 57.73 score exceeds nearby Hot Springs (16.09) and Johnson (19.31) counties but remains safer than Natrona (68.86) and Laramie (76.69). Its earthquake exposure (78.18) is notably higher than most neighboring counties.

Earthquakes and wildfires drive risk

Earthquake risk reaches 78.18 in Park County, reflecting the county's location in seismically active northwest Wyoming, while wildfire exposure climbs to 82.73. Flood risk (60.78) also warrants attention, particularly in drainage areas near rivers and streams.

Earthquake and wildfire insurance essential

Park County residents should immediately secure earthquake insurance—standard policies exclude seismic damage, and the county's 78.18 score demands protection. Add wildfire and flood coverage to create a comprehensive safety net against the county's overlapping hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Park County

via WeatherByCounty

Chilly Gateway to the Mountains

Park County averages a cool 42.4°F annually, falling more than 10 degrees below the national median temperature. It is a classic semi-arid mountain climate with only 13.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Cooler than the Wyoming Median

Park County’s 42.4°F average is 1.4 degrees lower than the statewide average of 43.8°F. The high elevation of the Absaroka and Beartooth ranges keeps the regional climate consistently brisk.

A Cold Spot in the North

Park County is significantly colder than neighboring Hot Springs County, which averages 45.6°F. It maintains a climate profile more similar to the high mountain counties of the western border.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

The area enjoys mild summers with only 11 days of extreme heat and a July average of 65.7°F. Winters are the main event, featuring 54.3 inches of snow and average December-February temperatures of 23.3°F.

Winterize for the Long Haul

With over 50 inches of snow and very few hot days, residents should prioritize home insulation and high-quality winter tires. Summer cooling is less of a concern, as temperatures rarely exceed 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Park County

via SoilByCounty

Park County's Uncharted Soils

Park County lacks specific mapped data for its taxonomic orders and pH levels. However, its soils are expected to align with the state’s alkaline average of 7.18, staying well above the national 6.5 median.

Sizing Up the Soil Texture

Specific sand and clay percentages are not recorded, though the diverse landscape ranges from rocky slopes to silty valley floors. Testing your own soil's texture is the first step toward effective garden management.

Boosting Local Growing Potential

No local fertility score is available, so gardeners should use the state average water capacity of 0.165 in/in as a comparison point. Adding organic material is the best way to improve fertility beyond the 2.0% national average.

Hydrology in the Big Horn Basin

Drainage classifications are not currently provided for Park County. Landowners should monitor their fields during the spring melt to understand how water moves across their specific property.

Garden Potential in Zone 5a

As a Zone 5a region, Park County supports a wide variety of cold-hardy vegetables and flowers. With a little bit of planning and soil prep, you can grow a stunning high-desert garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Park County

via LawnByCounty

Park County's Arid Mountain Environment

Park County is one of the toughest places for a lawn, with a difficulty score of 28.1. This is well below the Wyoming average of 32.6 and represents a major challenge for hardiness zone 5a. Low scores here reflect a climate that is naturally resistant to traditional turfgrass.

Cool Summers but Very Little Rain

Park County receives 13.8 inches of rain annually, which is less than half of what a healthy lawn typically requires. While you only face 11 extreme heat days, the 1,555 growing degree days indicate a relatively slow growth rate for turf. This means your lawn will be slow to recover from traffic or pet damage.

Essential Soil Testing for Park County

Current data for soil pH and texture is unavailable for the county, making a DIY soil test kit an essential first step. Many mountain soils are rocky or lack the organic material needed to sustain thirsty grasses. Focus on building soil health through top-dressing with quality compost to improve the foundation.

A Year of Constant Drought

Park County has been in drought for all 53 weeks of the past year, representing a chronic moisture deficit. Currently, 34.6% of the county remains abnormally dry, though severe drought levels are currently at zero. To survive these conditions, choose grass varieties that can enter dormancy during the driest months without dying.

Short Growing Windows in Zone 5a

Hardy cool-season grasses like Blue Grama or Fine Fescue are best suited for Park County's arid conditions. With the last spring frost occurring as late as May 27, your planting window is compressed. Aim to have your lawn well-established before the first fall frost arrives on September 25.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Park County's county score?
Park County, Wyoming has a composite county score of 57.8 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 Park County rank among counties in Wyoming?
Park County ranks #11 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 Park County, Wyoming?
The median annual property tax in Park County is $2,115, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Park County a tax score of 78.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Park County?
The median household income in Park County, Wyoming is $70,533 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Park County earns an income score of 67.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Park County, Wyoming a good place to live?
Park County scores 57.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Wyoming. The best way to evaluate Park 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 Park County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.