Washakie County

Wyoming · WY

#11 in Wyoming
73.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Washakie County, Wyoming

Solidly above national livability median

Washakie County's composite score of 73.4 tops the national median of 50.0 by 23.4 points, placing it in the 78th percentile nationally. This strong standing reflects balanced performance across measured dimensions compared to the broader United States.

Above Wyoming's average

At 73.4, Washakie exceeds Wyoming's state average of 71.8 by 1.6 points, ranking in the upper half of the state's counties. The county delivers consistent, reliable livability without standout extremes.

Unbeatable housing affordability

Washakie County offers the state's lowest median home value of $188,600 and bargain rent at $725/month, reflected in its outstanding cost score of 84.2. Combined with a tax score of 82.6, the county is a haven for budget-minded residents seeking maximum housing value.

Income levels need strengthening

Washakie's income score of 24.3 is the weakest among the seven counties, with median household income of just $62,648. Health outcomes at 65.6 also rank among the lower performers in this comparison.

Bargain haven for retirees

Washakie County suits retirees and fixed-income households seeking maximum housing affordability and minimal costs in rural Wyoming. Workers and families relying primarily on local employment may want to explore income opportunities elsewhere.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82.6Cost84.2SafetyComing SoonHealth65.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.3Risk75.7WaterComing Soon
🏛82.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠84.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼24.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
65.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
75.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Washakie County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Washakie County

via TaxByCounty

Washakie has Wyoming's highest tax rate

At 0.700%, Washakie's effective tax rate runs slightly below the national median of 0.715% but stands significantly above most Wyoming peers. The median tax bill of $1,321 remains 51% below the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower home values of $188,600.

Washakie leads Wyoming in tax rate

Washakie's 0.700% effective tax rate is the highest in Wyoming, exceeding the state average of 0.556% by 26%. Despite collecting more per capita in taxes, its median bill of $1,321 is actually the lowest in the state due to lower home values.

Highest taxes in the northern region

Washakie's 0.700% rate substantially exceeds neighbors Sheridan County (0.554%) and Sublette County (0.410%), making it the region's most heavily-taxed jurisdiction. Only Weston County (0.682%) comes close in the broader area.

What your home costs annually

On a median home valued at $188,600, Washakie County homeowners pay approximately $1,321 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $1,358, while owners without mortgages pay $1,277.

You may be overassessed

With Wyoming's highest tax rate, Washakie County homeowners should be particularly vigilant about assessment accuracy. Filing an assessment appeal with Washakie County could provide relief, especially if your home's assessed value exceeds comparable recent sales.

Cost of Living in Washakie County

via CostByCounty

Washakie offers rock-bottom rents nationwide

At 13.9% of household income, Washakie County ranks among America's most affordable housing markets, with median rent just $725 per month. This exceptional value reflects the county's rural character and modest income levels ($62,648 median household income).

Washakie beats Wyoming's affordability benchmark

Washakie's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio undercuts Wyoming's 15.5% average by 1.6 percentage points. The county offers genuine accessibility despite the lowest median household income in this county comparison.

Washakie's rents lead the region in value

At $725 per month, Washakie's median rent ties or beats every neighboring county, undercutting Uinta ($882) and Sweetwater ($913). This exceptional affordability makes Washakie attractive to budget-conscious relocators.

Washakie delivers unmatched rental affordability

On a $62,648 median household income, Washakie residents pay just $725 monthly rent—13.9% of earnings. Homeowners invest $740 monthly, representing only 14.2% of income, making both renting and ownership exceptionally accessible.

Washakie is Wyoming's affordability champion

If minimizing housing costs is your priority, Washakie County delivers unbeatable value at $725 median rent. Trade mountain amenities for genuine economic relief—this county proves that Wyoming offers affordable options for those willing to embrace rural living.

Income & Jobs in Washakie County

via IncomeByCounty

Washakie Below National Average

Washakie County's median household income of $62,648 falls 16% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing the county in the bottom third nationally. This $12,107 gap reflects limited economic diversification and outmigration of younger workers.

Lowest Income in Wyoming

Washakie ranks last among Wyoming's 23 counties, with income $10,712 below the state average of $73,360. Its per capita income of $36,030 trails the state average by $4,192, indicating weak individual and household earnings.

Struggling Against Regional Peers

Washakie's $62,648 income trails every county in this seven-county group, falling $8,207 below Sheridan, the next-lowest earner. The gap widens dramatically toward mountain and energy-rich counties like Teton and Sublette.

Housing Costs Strain Limited Incomes

At 13.9%, Washakie's rent-to-income ratio remains below the 30% threshold, but with lower overall incomes, housing represents a larger burden relative to available disposable income. The median home value of $188,600 is most affordable in the group, yet still demands careful household budgeting.

Start Small, Build Consistently

Washakie households earning $62,648 should prioritize building a $1,000 emergency fund first, then automate even small monthly savings into retirement accounts—$50 monthly compounds significantly over decades. Seek employer matching programs and low-cost index funds to maximize every dollar invested.

Health in Washakie County

via HealthByCounty

Washakie's health metrics trail significantly

At 76.1 years, Washakie County's life expectancy falls 0.3 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Over 17% report poor or fair health—matching the national rate exactly—revealing substantial chronic disease burden in this agricultural region.

Among Wyoming's lowest-performing counties

Washakie's 76.1-year life expectancy sits just below Wyoming's state average of 77.0 years, while its 17.1% poor/fair health rate is the worst in the state. The county faces compounded health challenges that require targeted intervention.

Worst health outcomes in the region

Washakie's 76.1-year life expectancy trails Sheridan (78.2 years) and Weston (78.0 years) to the north. Its 17.1% poor/fair health rate is the state's highest, indicating the most concentrated health risk of any Wyoming county.

Strong provider network offsets health burden

Despite health challenges, Washakie offers 104 primary care providers per 100,000—Wyoming's highest—plus 454 mental health providers per 100,000. With 15.0% uninsured, the county's provider density suggests barriers beyond access, such as disease prevalence or behavioral risk factors.

Insurance is a critical health tool

Washakie's elevated poor/fair health rates make insurance coverage essential for managing chronic conditions and preventing complications. Enroll at healthcare.gov to secure coverage that connects you to the county's available providers and preventive services.

Disaster Risk in Washakie County

via RiskByCounty

Washakie's risk sits below the national norm

Washakie County scores 24.36 on the composite risk index, earning a Very Low rating and remaining below typical national hazard profiles. This favorable score reflects the county's location in north-central Wyoming and balanced exposure across hazard categories. Washakie residents benefit from relatively stable geography with no extreme natural disaster vulnerabilities.

Among Wyoming's safer counties

Washakie's composite score of 24.36 falls well below the state average of 37.86, placing it in Wyoming's safer half of county rankings. The county avoids the elevated risks present in northwestern Wyoming while maintaining reasonable hazard exposure. Washakie's position reflects its location in central Wyoming's more stable geological and climatic region.

Washakie compares favorably to regional peers

Washakie (24.36) ranks near Sublette County (21.63) and Sweetwater County (30.63) in overall risk, forming a relatively safe corridor in central Wyoming. The county's score exceeds only Uinta (16.70) and Weston (7.89) but remains significantly below Sheridan (65.20) and Teton (70.64). Washakie's middle positioning reflects its transitional geography in Wyoming's interior.

Wildfire and earthquake drive Washakie hazards

Washakie's wildfire risk reaches 66.73, the county's highest hazard score and reflecting extensive grassland and forest exposure across the region. Earthquake risk scores 71.72, a moderate-to-significant exposure reflecting the county's position near seismic zones. Flood and tornado risks remain low at 48.60 and 14.98 respectively.

Wildfire and earthquake coverage recommended

Washakie residents should confirm wildfire coverage in their homeowners policy given the county's 66.73 wildfire risk score, as standard policies often exclude this hazard. Earthquake insurance is worth evaluating given the 71.72 earthquake risk score, particularly for newer homes in more vulnerable locations. Maintain defensible space around your property and review your policy annually to ensure adequate coverage limits.

ByCounty Network

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