Demographics
As of 2023, Sweetwater County, WY, has a population of approximately 42,000. The median age is about 36 years, with 50.5% male and 49.5% female. Racially, the county is 82% White, 2% Black, 1.4% Native American, 1.3% Asian, and 10.8% from other races; 17% identify as Hispanic or Latino of any race. The population is relatively young and diverse compared to other Wyoming counties.
Elections
Sweetwater County, WY, had 24,589 registered voters in November 2022. The county holds primary, general, and special elections, with Republicans dominating: in 2022, GOP candidates received over 70% of votes. Major polling locations include the Sweetwater Events Complex and Green River Recreation Center. Key issues include energy, water, and public lands. Elections are managed by the County Clerk’s office, with 23 precincts. The two main parties are Republican and Democratic, with 17,119 Republicans and 2,532 Democrats registered in 2022; unaffiliated voters accounted for about 18%.
Education, Employment and Housing
Sweetwater County, WY, has 23 public schools, including 2 main high schools (Rock Springs and Green River); the high school graduation rate is about 85%. Around 19% of county adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. School safety scores are above the state average, and student-teacher ratios average 15:1. The county offers career-technical programs and some college-credit courses through Western Wyoming Community College, supporting adult education and workforce skills.
As of 2023, Sweetwater County, WY, had an employment rate of approximately 62%. Major industries include mining, quarrying, oil & gas extraction (17%), retail trade (13%), and healthcare & social assistance (12%). Leading occupations are transportation/material moving (15%), office/administrative support (13%), and construction/extraction (12%). About 91% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 17 minutes. Most residents work within the county, particularly in Rock Springs and Green River.
Sweetwater County, WY, has a homeownership rate of approximately 73%, with median home values around $235,000 and median gross rents near $900. The property market has remained relatively stable, with slight annual growth of about 2%. Housing types include mostly single-family homes; some apartments and townhouses are present in neighborhoods like Rock Springs and Green River. Property tax rates average 0.57%, lower than the national median. Popular neighborhoods offer proximity to schools, parks, and outdoor recreation, attracting families and professionals seeking affordable living.
County Crime & Safety
Sweetwater County, WY, has a crime rate below the national average, with a violent crime rate of 2.1 incidents per 1,000 residents and property crime rate of 12.4 per 1,000, based on recent FBI data. Most reported offenses involve theft and burglary, with few violent crimes annually. The county maintains a dedicated Sheriff's Office and regular community policing. Safety initiatives and prompt crime reporting contribute to a steady decline in overall incidents, enhancing residents’ sense of security.
Popular names
- William Smith
- Michael Smith
- Candice Estep
- James Johnson
- Robert Smith
- Lisa Adams
- John Lewis
- John Wilson
- Kimberly Smith
- Larry Smith
- Michael Anderson
- Robert Jones
- Sarah Hall
- Travis Layton
- Andrew Thomas
- Daniel Davis
- David Brown
- David Trujillo
- David Williams
- Heather Jones
- James Smith
- John Taylor
- Maria Martinez
- Michael Reed
- Michael Wright
- Robert Davis
- Robert Thompson
- Amanda Smith
- Brandon Britt
- Carl Brown
- Daniel Smith
- David Anderson
- David Johnson
- David Madsen
- David Thomas
- Dennis Tronquet
- Donald Smith
- Jacob Doak
- James Anderson
- Jeffrey Wilson
- Jeremiah Thompson
- Jeremy Adams
- Jonathan Smith
- Jose Gonzalez
- Jose Islas
- Jose Valdez
- Joseph Wamsley
- Julie Smith
- Justin Jones
- Karen Johnson
- Larry Lloyd
- Maria Macias
- Mark Payne
- Melissa Anderson
- Michael Shaw
- Paul Fernandez
- Paul Parker
- Rebecca Peden
- Richard Gunyan
- Richard Lee