50.1
County Score
Property Tax 80Income & Jobs 68.5Health 66.3

County Report Card

About Sheridan County, Wyoming

A Mirror to the National Average

Sheridan County posts a composite score of 50.1, placing it exactly at the national median for livability. While it keeps pace with the rest of the country, it sits in the middle of the pack for overall quality of life.

Trailing the Wyoming State Average

Sheridan's composite score of 50.1 lags behind the Wyoming state average of 56.5. Despite its charm, the county struggles to match the exceptionally high livability benchmarks set by its high-performing neighbors.

Low Taxes and Strong Health Outcomes

The county shines with a tax score of 80.0, supported by a low effective property tax rate of 0.554%. Residents also enjoy a solid health score of 66.3, indicating better access to care than many rural peers.

Housing Costs and Environmental Risks

A low cost score of 26.9 reflects high housing prices, with median home values reaching $352,200. Additionally, a risk score of 34.8 suggests the area faces significant natural hazards compared to the rest of the state.

Best for Health-Conscious Professionals

Sheridan is an ideal fit for families and professionals with stable incomes who value wellness and low taxes. It suits those willing to pay a premium for a high-quality community in exchange for housing affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax80Cost26.9Safety39.4Health66.3Schools48.3Income68.5Risk34.8Water58.4Weather34.4
🏛80
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠26.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼68.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡39.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
66.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓48.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
34.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧58.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤34.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱38
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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Deep Dives

Sheridan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sheridan County

via TaxByCounty

Sheridan's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.554%, Sheridan's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.715%, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax bill of $1,951 is 27% lower than the national median of $2,690, despite homes here valued above the national average.

Nearly tied with Wyoming's average

Sheridan ranks almost exactly at Wyoming's state average effective rate of 0.556%, placing it in the middle of the state's 23 counties. Its median tax of $1,951 runs 17% higher than the state average of $1,666, reflecting the county's stronger home values.

Moderate taxes in the north

Sheridan's 0.554% rate falls between its neighbors Sublette County (0.410%) and Washakie County (0.700%). Among comparable northern Wyoming counties, Sheridan offers a balanced tax environment with median home values of $352,200.

What your home costs annually

On a median home valued at $352,200, Sheridan County homeowners pay roughly $1,951 in annual property taxes. Owners with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,962, while those without mortgages pay $1,933.

You may be overassessed

Research shows many homeowners across Wyoming are paying taxes on inflated assessments. If you believe your home's assessed value is too high, filing an appeal with Sheridan County's assessor's office could reduce your annual bill.

Cost of Living in Sheridan County

via CostByCounty

Sheridan's rent burden tops national norms

Renters in Sheridan County spend 16.1% of their income on housing, edging above the national baseline. That's on par with the nation's affordability squeeze, where housing typically consumes more of a household's paycheck in rural and mountain communities.

A touch above Wyoming's affordability line

Sheridan's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio sits 0.6 percentage points higher than Wyoming's state average of 15.5%. Among Wyoming counties, this places Sheridan in the middle tier—more affordable than mountain resort areas but carrying slightly more housing pressure than the state norm.

Sheridan's rents align with regional peers

At $950 per month, Sheridan's median rent sits between Sublette County ($1,116) and Sweetwater County ($913). The county offers a moderate middle ground for renters seeking stability without the premium prices of nearby mountain counties.

How Sheridan households allocate income

On a median household income of $70,855, Sheridan renters pay $950 monthly while homeowners carry a $1,181 monthly mortgage. Renters dedicate 16.1% of income to housing, while homeowners spend roughly 20% on their monthly costs—a significant gap that reflects Wyoming's homeownership premium.

Consider Sheridan for balanced living costs

If you're relocating to Wyoming, Sheridan offers moderate housing costs alongside regional job opportunities in healthcare and tourism. Compare its 16.1% rent ratio against mountain competitors like Teton (18.7%) and you'll see genuine affordability gains.

Income & Jobs in Sheridan County

via IncomeByCounty

Sheridan Trails National Average

Sheridan County's median household income of $70,855 falls below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower half nationally. This $3,900 gap means typical Sheridan households earn about 5% less than American households overall.

Middle Ground in Wyoming

Sheridan ranks fourth among Wyoming's 23 counties, with a median income slightly below the state average of $73,360. The county's per capita income of $40,533 mirrors the state average of $40,222, showing balanced individual earnings.

Outpaced by Mountain Neighbors

Sheridan's $70,855 median income lags nearby Teton County by $41,826, though it exceeds Washakie County by $8,207. Among northern Wyoming peers, Sheridan ranks solidly middle, closer to regional industrial averages than mountain resort wealth.

Housing Costs Remain Manageable

At 16.1%, Sheridan's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating renters spend a healthy share of earnings on housing. With a median home value of $352,200, homeownership remains accessible for moderate-income households.

Building Tomorrow in Sheridan

Sheridan households earning $70,855 have room to invest after covering basic costs—consider automating savings to retirement accounts and exploring Wyoming's tax-friendly environment for long-term wealth building. Even modest monthly investments compound significantly over time.

Safety in Sheridan County

via CrimeByCounty

Sheridan County Outperforms National Safety Standards

Sheridan County maintains an impressive safety score of 97.8, reflecting a community far safer than the national average. Its total crime rate of 1,379.3 per 100,000 residents is roughly 42% lower than the U.S. mark of 2,385.5.

Comparing Sheridan to the Wyoming Average

The county's safety score sits slightly below the Wyoming state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 1,379.3 per 100,000 exceeds the state-wide average of 978.0, though it remains low by national standards.

How Sheridan Compares to Regional Neighbors

Sheridan shows a slightly higher crime rate than neighboring Sweetwater County, which sits at 1,299.9. However, it remains significantly safer than more urbanized regions across the country.

Property Crime vs. Violent Crime Trends

Property crimes make up the bulk of local incidents at a rate of 1,263.8 per 100,000. Violent crime is relatively rare at 115.5, which is lower than the Wyoming state average of 126.9.

Protecting Your Home in Sheridan

While local crime rates are low, motion-sensor lighting and deadbolts are effective deterrents for property theft. Consistent home monitoring ensures the county continues to enjoy its high safety standing.

Health in Sheridan County

via HealthByCounty

Sheridan outpaces nation on longevity

At 78.2 years, Sheridan County residents live nearly a year longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Just 13.4% report poor or fair health—below the national rate of 17%—signaling stronger overall wellness despite Wyoming's rural setting.

Above-average health in statewide ranking

Sheridan's 78.2-year life expectancy ranks it above Wyoming's state average of 77.0 years, placing it in the healthier half of the state's counties. The county's 13.4% poor/fair health rate also beats the state median, reflecting better chronic disease management.

Healthier than Washakie, younger than Sublette

Sheridan's life expectancy falls between neighboring Washakie County (76.1 years) and Sublette County (80.2 years), while its 13.4% poor/fair health rate outperforms Washakie's 17.1%. The county offers competitive mental health provider density at 529 per 100,000—far ahead of rural peers.

Healthcare access solid, uninsured affordable

With 13.1% uninsured—below the state average of 14.8%—Sheridan sees better insurance coverage. The county provides 66 primary care providers per 100,000 and exceptional mental health support, making routine and behavioral care relatively accessible for a mountain region.

Check your coverage status today

If you're among Sheridan County's uninsured, enrollment periods and subsidies may lower costs. Visit healthcare.gov or your state's marketplace to explore plans that fit your family's needs and budget.

Schools in Sheridan County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive Network of Four School Districts

Sheridan County manages a network of 21 public schools serving 4,847 students across four distinct districts. The system includes a balanced infrastructure of nine elementary, four middle, and six high schools.

Stable Performance with Efficient Spending

The county achieves an 83.5% graduation rate, exceeding the state average of 82.0% while trailing the national 87.0% benchmark. Despite per-pupil spending of $9,009 being lower than the state average, the county maintains a competitive school score of 54.4.

Sheridan School District #2 Leads the Region

Sheridan County School District #2 is the largest provider, educating 3,599 students across 10 different schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with the public districts handling 100% of the student population.

A Blend of Town and Rural Learning

The county offers a diverse mix of 10 town schools and 11 rural schools, with an average school size of 242 students. Sheridan High School is the largest campus with 1,092 students, contrasting with much smaller specialized facilities.

Find Your Home in a Top-Tier District

Families prioritize Sheridan for its stable districts and community-focused educational environment. Explore available homes in the area to secure a place in these well-regarded Wyoming schools.

Disaster Risk in Sheridan County

via RiskByCounty

Sheridan's risk outpaces national average

Sheridan County scores 65.20 on the composite risk index, earning a Relatively Low rating but sitting well above the national baseline. This score reflects the county's exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and earthquake activity. Understanding your local risk profile is the first step toward meaningful home protection.

Among Wyoming's most exposed counties

Sheridan ranks as one of Wyoming's higher-risk counties with a composite score of 65.20, compared to the state average of 37.86. The county's risk profile is driven primarily by wildfire exposure and moderate earthquake vulnerability. This elevated standing reflects Sheridan's geographic position in northwestern Wyoming's forested terrain.

Sheridan faces distinct wildfire pressure

Compared to neighboring Washakie County (24.36) and Weston County (7.89), Sheridan carries substantially higher overall risk, primarily due to wildfire hazards. Sheridan's wildfire risk score of 93.89 is among the highest in the region, while nearby counties show lower composite exposure. Teton County (70.64) presents the closest risk comparison, sharing similar wildfire and earthquake concerns.

Wildfire and earthquake dominate Sheridan

Wildfire risk in Sheridan County reaches 93.89, reflecting the county's location within forest and grassland fire zones—significantly higher than the state average hazard profile. Earthquake risk scores 65.49, a moderate but consistent threat given the county's proximity to seismic zones. Tornadoes present minimal risk at 22.17, and flood exposure remains moderate at 74.43.

Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage

Sheridan residents face above-average wildfire risk and should verify that homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage, as standard policies often exclude it. Earthquake insurance is also worth evaluating given the county's 65.49 earthquake risk score. Consider defensible space clearing, roof maintenance, and professional risk assessments specific to wildfire and seismic hazards.

Weather & Climate in Sheridan County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Mountain Air in Sheridan

Sheridan’s 43.5°F average annual temperature sits more than 10 degrees below the national median. This mountain-influenced climate maintains a cool profile compared to the broader United States.

A Typical Wyoming Climate

The county closely mirrors the Wyoming state average of 43.8°F. However, its 19.0 inches of annual precipitation makes it much wetter than the state average of 13.9 inches.

Wetter Than Its Basin Neighbors

Sheridan receives significantly more moisture than adjacent Washakie County, which averages only 11.0 inches of rain and snow. Its 74.9 inches of annual snowfall also stands out in the region.

Cold Winters and Sharp Heat

July averages a mild 68.0°F, yet the county still records 24 days above 90°F each year. Winter dominates the calendar with an average January temperature of 23.2°F.

Prepare for Snow and Sun

Residents need high-capacity snow shovels to manage 75 inches of annual accumulation. Dual-purpose HVAC systems are wise to handle both sub-freezing winters and the three weeks of summer heat.

Soil Quality in Sheridan County

via SoilByCounty

A Mystery in the High Plains Soil

Detailed taxonomic and pH data for Sheridan County are currently unavailable in our primary records. Most Wyoming soils tend to be more alkaline than the national median pH of 6.5, but local testing is required here.

Unknown Mineral Makeup of Sheridan

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded for this area. Determining your soil's texture through a simple jar test can reveal how well your land manages drainage and nutrients.

Building Fertility Without Data

Organic matter and water capacity figures are missing, leaving the land uncompared to the 5.40% state organic average. Gardeners should focus on adding compost to ensure a healthy growing environment regardless of the baseline.

Navigating Drainage in Sheridan

There is no current data on the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for this county. Careful observation of how water pools after a storm is essential for any construction or gardening project.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 5a

The county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, which supports cold-hardy staples like apples and potatoes. Despite the lack of soil data, a late May start usually yields a successful harvest.

Lawn Care in Sheridan County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Sheridan's High-Plains Challenges

Sheridan County earns a lawn difficulty score of 38.0, which is tougher than the national median of 50.0 but significantly better than the Wyoming average of 32.6. Growing in Hardiness Zone 5a requires navigating cold winters and a semi-arid landscape.

Managing Water in a Dry Season

The county receives 19.0 inches of annual precipitation, falling short of the 30-50 inches lawns ideally need. With 1,849 growing degree days and 24 days over 90°F, consistent supplemental irrigation is essential during the peak summer months.

Starting with Local Soil Intelligence

Specific soil metrics like pH and clay content are unavailable for this area, making a professional soil test your first step. Understanding your yard's unique drainage is vital before the first seeds hit the ground in late May.

Building Deep Roots Against Drought

The entire county currently faces abnormally dry conditions after 24 weeks of drought over the past year. Focus on deep, infrequent watering cycles to encourage resilient root systems that can withstand Sheridan's dry spells.

Seeding for Success in Zone 5a

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue are top choices for this climate and hardiness zone. Plan your seeding for late May after the final frost on 05/24 to ensure your lawn establishes before the September chill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sheridan County's county score?
Sheridan County, Wyoming has a composite county score of 50.1 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 Sheridan County rank among counties in Wyoming?
Sheridan County ranks #18 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 Sheridan County, Wyoming?
The median annual property tax in Sheridan County is $1,951, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Sheridan County a tax score of 80/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sheridan County?
The median household income in Sheridan County, Wyoming is $70,855 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sheridan County earns an income score of 68.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sheridan County, Wyoming a good place to live?
Sheridan County scores 50.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Wyoming. The best way to evaluate Sheridan 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 Sheridan County with other counties side by side.