Elections

As of 2024, Albany County, WY has approximately 20,000 registered voters, with about 39% Republican, 32% Democrat, and 29% unaffiliated or minor parties. Elections include primaries, general, and local school board contests. In the 2022 general election, turnout was around 57%. Key issues include university funding and public lands. There are 16 polling locations, administered by the Albany County Clerk’s office. The county leans Democratic in Laramie but Republican elsewhere. Election administration emphasizes secure ballot handling, with recent audits showing less than 0.1% discrepancy in results.

County Crime & Safety

Albany County, WY, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to FBI data, the county reported a violent crime rate of 169 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2022, significantly below the U.S. average of 395. Property crime was reported at 1,541 per 100,000, also under the national average. The Laramie Police Department and Albany County Sheriff’s Office actively report crime statistics and promote community safety initiatives, contributing to the area’s high sense of security. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to maintain low crime rates.

Demographics

As of 2022, Albany County, WY has a population of approximately 38,950. The median age is about 29 years, reflecting the presence of the University of Wyoming; 53% are male and 47% female. Racially, the county is 86% White, 2% Black or African American, 2% Asian, 4% Native American, and 7% Hispanic or Latino (may overlap with other categories). The county’s young, diverse demographic is influenced by student residents and a moderately sized Hispanic/Latino community.

Education, Employment and Housing

Albany County, WY features 16 public schools, including Laramie High School, and has a high school graduation rate of about 91%. Around 48% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, well above the state average. Schools generally earn above-average ratings for academic performance and safety, with Laramie High scoring 7/10 on GreatSchools. The district offers college preparatory and vocational programs. School safety is prioritized, with incident rates below state averages. Adult education opportunities are supported by the University of Wyoming and local community initiatives.

As of 2022, Albany County, WY, had an employment rate of approximately 63%. Major industries include educational services, health care, and retail trade, employing 35%, 15%, and 10% of the workforce, respectively—largely due to the University of Wyoming. Common occupation types are education, management, and office/administrative support. About 80% of workers are employed within Albany County, with an average commute time of 13 minutes. Roughly 10% commute to neighboring counties, such as Laramie County.

Albany County, WY, has a homeownership rate of about 55%, with a median home value around $330,000 as of 2024. Median gross rent stands at approximately $950 per month. The housing market has risen nearly 8% year-over-year. Housing types include single-family homes, apartments, and student housing (due to the University of Wyoming in Laramie). Popular neighborhoods are West Laramie, Downtown, and Indian Hills. Property tax rates average 0.6%, among the lowest in the U.S., making homeownership relatively affordable compared to national averages.