Demographics

As of 2023, Crook County, WY, has an estimated population of around 7,900. The median age is 45.1 years, with approximately 51% male and 49% female residents. The county is predominantly White (95%), with Native Americans comprising about 1%, and Hispanic or Latino residents around 2%. Other racial groups make up the remainder. Children under 18 account for 21% of the population, while seniors 65+ represent about 22%.

Elections

Crook County, WY, had 5,325 registered voters in 2022, with Republicans comprising approximately 83%, Democrats less than 10%, and the rest unaffiliated or minor parties. Elections include federal, state, and local (county commission, school board). In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received 89% of local votes. Polling locations are in Sundance, Hulett, Pine Haven, Moorcroft, and Beulah. Key issues are property taxes, land use, and energy policies. The Crook County Clerk’s office administers elections, ensuring compliance with Wyoming law and voter accessibility, with the Republican Party maintaining dominant political influence countywide.

Education, Employment and Housing

Crook County, WY, serves around 1,000 K-12 students across 5 public schools, including Sundance and Hulett high schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 92%, above the state average. About 20% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools score an average 6-7/10 on state assessments and emphasize safety, with security policies in place. Educational programs include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment, and robust vocational training. Adult education is available via regional partnerships, supporting continued learning for the county’s residents.

As of 2022, Crook County, WY, had an employment rate of approximately 62.1%. The leading industries are agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (22.5%), followed by construction (13.6%) and educational services, health care & social assistance (13.1%). The most common occupations include management, business, and science (29.5%), and natural resources, construction, and maintenance (22.4%). About 85% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 21.8 minutes. Most residents work within the county, but some commute to neighboring Campbell and Weston counties.

Crook County, WY, has a high homeownership rate of about 78%, with median home values around $320,000 and typical rents near $900 monthly. The local housing market shows moderate growth, with property values increasing roughly 5% annually. Most homes are single-family houses, with some ranches and manufactured homes. Key neighborhoods include Sundance, Moorcroft, and Hulett, each offering rural charm and community amenities. Property taxes are low compared to national averages, with a median effective rate around 0.61%, making Crook County an affordable option for buyers and renters seeking a small-town, Western lifestyle.

County Crime & Safety

Crook County, WY, maintains one of the lowest crime rates in Wyoming, with a 2022 violent crime rate of 0.6 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000. The county reported fewer than 10 violent crimes and 50 property crimes annually, according to Wyoming DCI data. Local law enforcement actively encourages community crime reporting, contributing to prompt response times and a higher sense of safety. Overall, Crook County is regarded as a safe area with crime rates well below national and state averages.