A new look at the Big Horn Basin’s new population data

A number nerd’s look at Wyoming’s latest census estimates

Not everyone gets excited about spreadsheets and census tables. Fortunately for you, I do.

The latest population estimates from the Wyoming Economic Analysis Division offer a fascinating snapshot of how the Big Horn Basin is changing. Hidden among thousands of rows of numbers are stories about growing towns, aging communities, shrinking classrooms and a changing workforce.

While the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a nationwide census every 10 years, it also produces annual population estimates. Wyoming’s Economic Analysis Division uses those estimates to track demographic trends, helping state and local leaders anticipate changes in schools, housing, health care, the workforce and other community needs.

Here are a few of the trends that stood out.

Fastest growing cities

By percentage, the fastest-growing towns in the Big Horn Basin over the past five years were all in Big Horn County. Burlington led the way with 25 percent growth, adding 79 residents, followed by Cowley at 12 percent (91 new residents) and Deaver at 10 percent (16 new residents).

In terms of total population growth, Cody added the most residents with 260 (2.6 percent), followed by Powell with 156 (2.4 percent) and Lovell with 106 (4.7 percent).

Statewide, Sheridan added the most residents, growing by 1,259 people (6.7 percent). Cheyenne followed with 1,121 new residents (1.7 percent), Laramie with 878 (2.8 percent) and Gillette with 601 (1.8 percent). Several Wyoming cities experienced notable population declines, led by Rock Springs (-586), Rawlins (-520), Green River (-392) and Casper (-329).

Among the Big Horn Basin’s four counties, Park County experienced the greatest growth, adding 1,542 residents, a 5.2 percent increase. Big Horn County gained 505 residents (4.4 percent), while Hot Springs County lost 19 residents (-0.4 percent) and Washakie County lost 84 residents (-1.1 percent).

An aging population

Like much of the nation, Wyoming continues to age as the Baby Boom generation moves into retirement years. Since 2020, the number of Wyoming residents age 65 and older has grown by nearly 19,800 (19.4 percent), while the number of children under 18 has declined by more than 8,000 (- 6.0 percent). Wyoming is now home to 11,067 residents age 85 and older, 13.2 percent more than five years ago.

Statewide, Hot Springs County has Wyoming’s oldest population, with a median age of 49.4 years, followed by Teton County at 46.7 years and Park County at 45.9 years. At the other end of the spectrum, Campbell County has the state’s youngest population, with a median age of 35.3 years, followed by Sweetwater County at 36.2 years and Laramie County at 37.6 years.

The figures highlight the unique demographic makeup of the Big Horn Basin, where three of Wyoming’s oldest counties—Hot Springs, Park and Washakie (46.1 years) — are located within a relatively small geographic area. Wyoming’s median age has also continued to rise, increasing from 38.7 years in 2020 to 40.2 years today.

Workforce and schools

The aging population is also reducing the share of residents in their traditional working years. In every Big Horn Basin County, the percentage of residents between ages 18 and 64 falls below the national average of 60 percent. Hot Springs County has the smallest working-age population at 49.0 percent, followed by Washakie (52.5 percent), Big Horn (52.8 percent) and Park (53.1 percent).

The same demographic shift is affecting local schools. Children under 18 now account for just 19.3 percent of Park County’s population, 20.1 percent in Hot Springs County and 20.3 percent in Washakie County, all below Wyoming’s statewide average of 21.6 percent. Big Horn County is the exception, with children making up 23.3 percent of its population. Statewide, the number of Wyoming residents under 18 has fallen by 8,094 children, or 6.0 percent, since 2020.

As the number of children declines and the number of retirees grows, many school districts across the basin have experienced falling enrollment. With fewer school-age children relative to older adults, communities face increasing challenges maintaining enrollment, staffing and educational programs while also working to attract and retain young families.

Racial diversity

The Big Horn Basin remains considerably less diverse than the nation as a whole, where 43.9 percent of residents identify as racial or ethnic minorities. Washakie County is the Basin’s most diverse county at 19.5 percent, slightly above Wyoming’s statewide average of 18.8 percent. Big Horn County follows at 14.2 percent, while Hot Springs County is 12.1 percent and Park County 10.9 percent. Hispanic residents make up the largest minority group in each of the four counties. 

Statewide, Fremont County is Wyoming’s most diverse county, with 32.0 percent of its residents identifying as racial or ethnic minorities. Much of that diversity is driven by the county’s large American Indian population, reflecting the presence of the Wind River Indian Reservation. 

Overall, the numbers paint a picture of a Big Horn Basin that continues to evolve. Some communities are growing while others are shrinking. The population is getting older, schools are serving fewer students and employers face a smaller pool of working-age residents. None of these trends tell the whole story by themselves, but together they offer a glimpse of where the Basin has been and where it may be headed.

A few more facts for the number nerds:

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations. You may be a number nerd, too. Here are a few more facts that didn’t quite fit anywhere else.

Wyoming’s elderly population grew 2.9 percent in just the last year, while the state’s total population grew only 0.3 percent.

Wyoming now has 121,648 residents age 65 or older.

Wyoming’s 65-and-older population (20.7 percent) is now almost as large as its under-18 population (21.6 percent).

Wyoming has 12,800 fewer people ages 50-59 than ages 60-69, a warning sign for future workforce replacement.

Among Wyoming residents age 85 and older, women outnumber men by 43.2 percent.

Minorities account for 43.9 percent of the U.S. population but only 18.8 percent of Wyoming’s population.

Fremont County is Wyoming’s most diverse county, with minorities making up 32.0 percent of its population.

Niobrara County has the highest percentage of residents age 65 and older at 31.7 percent.

Big Horn County is the youngest county in the Basin, but even there nearly one in four residents (23.9 percent) is age 65 or older.

Of the 23 Wyoming counties Park is fifth largest, Big Horn is 12th, Washakie is 18th and Hot Springs is 22nd. (Niobrara County is the smallest.)

The numbers may not predict the future, but they do offer some pretty good clues. And if you’ve read this far, you’ve either become a fellow number nerd or you’re just procrastinating from something more important. Either way, thanks for coming along for the ride.