countyscore
50.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 79.3Property Tax 73.7Disaster Risk 69.4

County Report Card

About Sweetwater County, Wyoming

Aligning with the National Median

Sweetwater County earns a composite score of 50.1, matching the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard American living experience that balances economic opportunities with moderate infrastructure challenges.

Behind the Wyoming Average

While it meets the national baseline, Sweetwater falls short of the Wyoming state average of 56.5. It functions as a more industrial alternative to the state's higher-scoring scenic or agricultural hubs.

High Incomes and Managed Risks

Sweetwater excels with an income score of 79.3, fueled by a healthy median household income of $76,464. A risk score of 69.4 also suggests the county is relatively well-protected from natural disasters.

Struggles in Health and Safety

The county faces hurdles in community well-being, with safety and health scores both falling below 50.0. Improving healthcare access and reducing crime are key areas for long-term growth.

Built for the Industrial Professional

Sweetwater is a strong choice for industrial workers seeking high wages and relatively affordable $242,900 homes. It suits individuals who prioritize financial stability and employment over community amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax73.7Cost34.3Safety42.6Health47.9Schools47.9Income79.3Risk69.4Water43.8Weather39.8
🏛73.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡42.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤47.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28.5
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

Sweetwater County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sweetwater County

via TaxByCounty

Sweetwater's rate exceeds national norm

At 0.605%, Sweetwater's effective tax rate runs 15% higher than the national median of 0.715%, placing it in the top 40% of taxed U.S. counties. However, the median tax bill of $1,469 remains 45% below the national median of $2,690 due to lower home values.

Sweetwater ranks in top tier statewide

Sweetwater's 0.605% rate is the third-highest in Wyoming, exceeding the state average of 0.556% by 9%. The county collects more per capita in taxes than most other Wyoming counties despite lower median home values of $242,900.

Higher taxes than surrounding counties

Sweetwater's 0.605% rate noticeably exceeds neighbors Sublette County (0.410%) and Uinta County (0.544%), making it one of the region's higher-tax jurisdictions. Only Washakie County (0.700%) and Weston County (0.682%) tax properties at higher rates in the broader region.

What your home costs annually

On a median home valued at $242,900, Sweetwater County homeowners pay approximately $1,469 in annual property taxes. Owners with mortgages pay $1,677, while those without mortgages pay $1,190.

You may be overassessed

With Sweetwater's above-average tax rate, assessment errors can be particularly costly. Consider requesting a review of your home's assessed value with Sweetwater County's assessor—successful appeals could provide meaningful tax relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sweetwater County

via CostByCounty

Sweetwater delivers rare housing affordability

Sweetwater County renters spend just 14.3% of income on housing—well below the national squeeze and a rare bright spot for affordability in the Mountain West. This advantage stems from moderate rents ($913/month) paired with healthy median household income of $76,464.

Sweetwater ranks among Wyoming's most affordable

At 14.3%, Sweetwater's rent-to-income ratio beats Wyoming's 15.5% state average by 1.2 percentage points. The county stands out as genuinely accessible, ranking in the top tier for housing affordability statewide.

Sweetwater undercuts most neighboring counties

Sweetwater's $913 rent falls below Sheridan ($950) and well below Sublette ($1,116), making it the affordable rental choice in its region. Only Washakie County offers lower rents, but Sweetwater pairs those savings with stronger household incomes.

Sweetwater balances income and housing costs efficiently

On a $76,464 median household income, Sweetwater renters allocate just $913 monthly to rent—14.3% of earnings. Homeowners pay $1,027 monthly, representing about 16% of household income, a reasonable burden for owner-occupied housing.

Sweetwater is Wyoming's affordability sweet spot

If housing costs concern you, Sweetwater delivers competitive rents without sacrificing income potential. Compare its 14.3% rent-to-income ratio against Teton (18.7%) or even national averages, and you'll find genuine savings waiting.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sweetwater County

via IncomeByCounty

Sweetwater Tracks National Median

Sweetwater County's median household income of $76,464 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $1,709, keeping the county slightly ahead of typical American households. This 2% advantage reflects a stable mix of mining, refining, and service industries.

Third-Ranked in Wyoming

Sweetwater ranks third among Wyoming's 23 counties with income $3,104 above the state average of $73,360. Its per capita income of $40,988 slightly edges the state average of $40,222, indicating broadly shared prosperity.

Steady Income in Industrial Hub

Sweetwater's $76,464 falls below Sublette County by $6,327 but exceeds Sheridan County by $5,609, positioning it as a steady middle performer. Compared to Uinta County at $82,672, Sweetwater ranks lower despite similar industrial bases.

Best Rent-to-Income Ratio in Region

At 14.3%, Sweetwater's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these seven counties, meaning renters enjoy the most favorable housing costs relative to earnings. The median home value of $242,900 is the most affordable in this cohort, enabling strong homeownership access.

Leverage Sweetwater's Affordability

Sweetwater households earning $76,464 benefit from the region's low housing-cost burden, freeing cash for savings and investments that compounds over decades. Prioritize building an emergency fund, then maximize retirement account contributions to secure your financial future.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sweetwater County

via CrimeByCounty

Sweetwater County Beats National Crime Averages

Sweetwater County maintains a strong safety score of 97.9, outperforming national safety trends. The local crime rate of 1,299.9 per 100,000 is nearly 46% lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Sweetwater Relative to Wyoming State Standards

The county’s safety score of 97.9 is just below the Wyoming state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 1,299.9 currently exceeds the state-wide average of 978.0 per 100,000.

Regional Comparisons for Sweetwater County

Sweetwater’s crime rate is notably higher than nearby Sublette County at 465.9. However, it tracks closely with Sheridan County at 1,379.3 as a regional peer.

Understanding Violent and Property Incidents

Violent crime in Sweetwater occurs at a rate of 178.2 per 100,000, which is higher than the state average of 126.9. Property crime accounts for 1,121.7 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Smart Security for Sweetwater Homes

Increasing visibility around home entry points can significantly reduce the risk of property crime. Sweetwater residents should consider smart doorbells to monitor activity and deter local theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sweetwater County

via HealthByCounty

Sweetwater struggles against national averages

At 74.6 years, Sweetwater County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 1.8 years. Nearly 16% report poor or fair health—significantly above the national 17% benchmark—signaling persistent health challenges in this industrial region.

One of Wyoming's youngest life expectancies

Sweetwater's 74.6-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in Wyoming, 2.4 years below the state average of 77.0. Its 15.9% poor/fair health rate places it in the state's bottom tier, indicating concentrated health risk factors.

Outpaced by western county peers

Sweetwater's 74.6-year life expectancy lags both Sublette (80.2 years) to the north and Uinta (75.0 years) to the east. The county's 15.9% poor/fair health rate is second-worst in the region, reflecting challenges from industrial employment patterns and demographic shifts.

Insurance coverage low, providers sparse

With 13.2% uninsured, Sweetwater performs slightly better than state average, yet only 43 primary care providers per 100,000 serve the population. Mental health support at 250 per 100,000 also trails most Wyoming counties, limiting access to preventive and behavioral care.

Health insurance is your first step

If you lack coverage or underinsurance, Sweetwater's limited local providers make off-site care more likely—making a solid plan essential. Visit healthcare.gov to compare options and understand available subsidies for your household.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sweetwater County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Infrastructure for a Growing Student Body

Sweetwater County supports a large population of 7,457 students across 26 public schools. Two major districts oversee a wide array of facilities, including 14 elementary schools and five high schools.

Aligning with State Academic Benchmarks

The graduation rate of 81.7% sits just below the state average of 82.0% and the national 87.0% benchmark. The county invests $9,484 per pupil, maintaining a school score of 54.5 that remains competitive within the state.

Rock Springs and Green River Districts

Sweetwater County School District #1 is the primary educator, managing 15 schools and 5,051 students. No charter schools operate in the county, leaving the two main public districts to lead all local education.

Town-Centered Schools with Diverse Sizes

The district landscape is primarily town-based with 18 schools located in urban centers and eight in rural areas. Large campuses like Rock Springs High School, with 1,502 students, provide a traditional comprehensive high school experience.

Vibrant Neighborhoods Near Established Schools

Families moving to Sweetwater County find a range of educational settings from large town schools to quiet rural outposts. Start your home search here to join a community that values public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sweetwater County

via RiskByCounty

Sweetwater's risk remains well below average

Sweetwater County scores 30.63 on the composite risk index, earning a Very Low rating and sitting below the national risk baseline. This moderate score reflects balanced exposure across several hazard types without extreme vulnerability in any single category. Sweetwater residents benefit from relative geographic stability compared to many U.S. counties.

Middle-rank safety among Wyoming counties

Sweetwater's composite score of 30.63 falls below Wyoming's state average of 37.86, placing it in the safer half of the state's county rankings. The county avoids the elevated risks present in northwestern Wyoming while maintaining reasonable preparedness standards. Sweetwater's position reflects its location in south-central Wyoming's varied terrain.

Comparable risk profile to regional peers

Sweetwater (30.63) shares similar risk exposure with neighboring Sublette County (21.63) and Washakie County (24.36), forming a relatively safe corridor in western Wyoming. Sweetwater's composite score exceeds nearby Uinta County (16.70) but remains well below Teton County (70.64) and Sheridan County (65.20). This middle positioning reflects Sweetwater's transitional geography between high and low-risk zones.

Flood and wildfire deserve attention

Sweetwater's flood risk reaches 52.45, the highest hazard score in the county and reflecting its location along river corridors and drainage areas. Wildfire risk scores 66.16, a moderate exposure reflecting grassland and forest vegetation patterns across the region. Tornado risk remains low at 9.35, with earthquake exposure moderate at 65.55.

Flood insurance worth evaluating carefully

Sweetwater residents, particularly those near stream corridors or low-lying areas, should investigate NFIP flood insurance given the county's 52.45 flood risk score. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, making supplemental coverage essential if you're in a flood-prone location. Verify wildfire coverage separately and maintain defensible space around structures in forested or grassland areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sweetwater County

via WeatherByCounty

High Desert Living in Sweetwater

Sweetwater County averages 42.9°F annually, trailing the national median by roughly 11 degrees. It operates as a classic high-altitude desert environment.

Arid and Average

The county’s average temperature sits just below the Wyoming state average of 43.8°F. With only 8.5 inches of annual precipitation, it is much drier than the 13.9-inch state average.

Drier Than the High Peaks

Sweetwater receives less than half the precipitation of neighboring Teton County. Its 38.8 inches of snowfall is also relatively low for the region's high elevation.

Dry Heat and Moderate Snow

July brings 15 days of temperatures above 90°F, while January temperatures dip to an average of 19.7°F. The 64.9°F summer average makes for warm, dry afternoons.

Manage the High Desert Dryness

Water conservation and skin protection are vital in this arid climate. While snow is moderate at 38.8 inches, residents must prepare for winter lows that average 21.1°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sweetwater County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Potential in the High Desert

Detailed pH and taxonomic data are not currently available for Sweetwater County. Typical for the region, these desert soils are likely more alkaline than the national median of 6.5.

Unmapped Textures of the Basin

The specific breakdown of sand, silt, and clay is missing from our current database. Local gardeners should look for sandy characteristics, which are common across the Sweetwater river basin.

Growing Against the Odds

Specific organic matter levels are not recorded, so we cannot compare them to the 5.40% Wyoming average. Adding organic amendments is the best way to improve the fertility of these arid soils.

Managing Water in Arid Land

Drainage and hydrologic data are unavailable for this county. In desert climates, managing salt accumulation is often as important as managing the water itself.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 5b

Zone 5b allows for a variety of perennials and hardy vegetables if you can manage the wind. Start your garden with windbreaks and plenty of mulch to conserve every drop of moisture.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sweetwater County

via LawnByCounty

Confronting Arid Desert Conditions

Sweetwater County presents a difficult growing environment with a lawn score of 28.5, well below the national median. Zone 5b winters and intense dryness mean every square inch of green space requires careful planning.

A Critical Need for Irrigation

Just 8.5 inches of annual rain falls here, barely a fraction of the 30-50 inches required for healthy lawns. With 1,779 growing degree days and 15 heat days, your lawn will rely almost entirely on your irrigation schedule.

Amending the High-Desert Base

Specific soil data is limited for Sweetwater, but desert soils typically need heavy organic amendments to hold onto precious water. A local soil test can identify if alkalinity is limiting your grass's nutrient uptake.

Weathering Severe Water Scarcity

Over 75% of the county is currently in severe drought, part of a 47-week dry streak over the last year. Prioritize water efficiency by using mulch around lawn edges and avoiding mowing during the heat of the day.

Choosing Thirsty-Climate Survivors

Look for drought-tolerant species like Buffalograss or Crested Wheatgrass that can handle the 8.5-inch rainfall limit. Aim to seed after the 05/24 frost date to maximize the growing season before the 09/23 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sweetwater County's county score?
Sweetwater 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 Sweetwater County rank among counties in Wyoming?
Sweetwater County ranks #19 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 Sweetwater County, Wyoming?
The median annual property tax in Sweetwater County is $1,469, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Sweetwater County a tax score of 73.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sweetwater County?
The median household income in Sweetwater County, Wyoming is $76,464 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sweetwater County earns an income score of 79.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sweetwater County, Wyoming a good place to live?
Sweetwater County scores 50.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Wyoming. The best way to evaluate Sweetwater 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 Sweetwater 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.