Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Carbon County, Wyoming, had a population of 14,537. The median age was 41.4 years. Gender distribution was approximately 51% male and 49% female. Racially, the population was 86% White, 1.3% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.8% Black or African American, and 6.9% from other races; 15.8% identified as Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Elections
As of 2024, Carbon County, WY has approximately 7,500 registered voters, with around 63% Republican, 13% Democrat, and 24% unaffiliated/other. The county holds federal, state, and local elections, with general elections seeing turnout rates near 60%. In the 2020 presidential election, Republicans received 70% of the county’s vote. Polling locations include the Carbon County Courthouse in Rawlins and various community centers. Election administration is overseen by the County Clerk. Key issues include public lands use and energy development. The Republican Party dominates local elections, with Democrats and independents maintaining a smaller presence.
Education, Employment and Housing
Carbon County, WY, has 15 public schools, including 2 high schools and several elementary/middle schools, serving about 1,900 students. The high school graduation rate is around 83%, while approximately 19% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school ratings fall near 5/10. The county offers some adult education programs, often in partnership with Western Wyoming Community College. School safety incidents are relatively low, with strong community involvement. Educational programs emphasize STEM, vocational training, and outdoor education, aiming to support both traditional and non-traditional learners across the county.
As of 2023, Carbon County, WY, has an unemployment rate of approximately 3.7%. The leading industries include mining, quarrying, and oil & gas extraction (20%), healthcare and social assistance (12%), and retail trade (10%). Major occupation types are management, business, science, and arts occupations (31%). Around 76% of workers drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 16 minutes. Most residents work within the county, but about 12% commute to neighboring areas, such as Sweetwater County or Albany County.
Carbon County, WY, has a homeownership rate of about 70%, with median home values around $210,000 in 2023—a 4% annual increase. Median gross rent is approximately $800 per month. Housing options range from single-family homes in Rawlins and Saratoga to rural ranch properties and small-town neighborhoods like Sinclair. The property tax rate is roughly 0.6% of assessed value, making taxes on a $210,000 home about $1,260 annually. The market is stable, with modest appreciation, and the area offers affordable living compared to national averages.
County Crime & Safety
Carbon County, WY, reports a crime rate lower than the national average, with recent statistics showing about 14.5 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Violent crime rates are approximately 2.7 per 1,000 people, while property crimes stand at 11.8 per 1,000, according to FBI data. Law enforcement actively encourages community reporting through local hotlines. Despite the generally low numbers, residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly regarding property crimes and vehicle theft, which account for a significant portion of reported incidents.
Popular names
- Robert Schneider
- Leslie Wright
- Samuel Martinez
- Richard Schneider
- Charles Jennings
- Jennifer James
- Juan Garcia
- Robert Bustos
- Robert Martin
- Robert Smith
- Sean Mortensen
- Amber Knapp
- Cesar Reyes
- Cynthia Bellin
- Daniel Hernandez
- Daniel Jones
- Darlene Ward
- Douglas Smith
- Edward Mason
- Irene Martinez
- Janeil James
- Jim Wells
- John Pogoreski
- Justin Rodriguez
- Keri Whitaker
- Leslie Young
- Michael Martinez
- Noah Archuleta
- Robert Montoya
- Ryan Sjogren
- Stephen Fritz
- Steven Deorio
- Susan Smith
- Talli Green
- Tamara Smith
- Thomas Gale
- Timothy Gregory
- William Cooper
- William Davis
- Aaron Steele
- Alyssa Hofmann
- Amanda Holmes
- Andrew Ellis
- Annie Barela
- Barbara Smith
- Barry Paterson
- Beatrice Forrest
- Ben Fernandez
- Benjamin Robbins
- Brian Halcomb
- Brian Wiseman
- Brittany Hobbs
- Brittney Valliere
- Brittni Frazier
- Bruce Romios
- Caitlyn Dickinson
- Caryl Reed
- Casey Wailes
- Chris Montoya
- Christine Anderson