Demographics
As of 2023, Washakie County, WY has a population of approximately 7,600. The median age is about 44 years, with 22% under 18 and 21% aged 65 or older. Females make up 50.4% of the population, while males account for 49.6%. The county is predominantly White (87%), with Hispanic or Latino residents comprising 13%, and other races, including Native American and African American, making up less than 2%.
Elections
Washakie County, Wyoming, had 4,504 registered voters as of November 2022, predominantly Republican (over 75%). Elections held include federal, state, county, municipal, and school board races. In the 2020 presidential election, 82% voted Republican and 13% Democrat. Polling locations include the Washakie County Fairgrounds and community centers in Worland and Ten Sleep. Election issues include energy policies and rural development. The county clerk’s office administers elections, enforces voter ID, and manages absentee ballots. The Republican and Democratic parties are both represented, but Republicans dominate local offices and turnout tends to exceed 60%.
Education, Employment and Housing
Washakie County, WY has 6 public schools, including one high school (Worland High School), serving about 1,200 students. Around 90% of adults are high school graduates, while 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Average public school ranking is in the top 40% statewide, and Worland High School scores 8/10 on GreatSchools for college readiness. School safety is a priority, with low incident rates. Adult education is available through Northwest College outreach programs and a local library, offering GED and workforce training. Diverse educational programs include STEM, fine arts, and vocational tracks.
As of 2023, Washakie County, WY, had an unemployment rate of approximately 3.1%. Leading industries include health care and social assistance (19%), retail trade (14%), and educational services (10%). The most common occupations are office and administrative support (13%), production (11%), and sales (10%). About 74% of residents commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 13.5 minutes. Most workers are employed locally in Worland, minimizing out-of-county commuting.
Washakie County, WY, has a homeownership rate of around 74%, with a median home value near $179,000 and median gross rent about $780 (2022 data). Housing types are primarily single-family homes, ranches, and some apartments, especially in Worland and Ten Sleep. Property values have risen modestly in recent years, reflecting stable local demand. Key neighborhoods include central Worland and residential areas around Ten Sleep. Property tax rates are low, averaging about 0.61% of assessed home value, making ownership relatively affordable compared to national levels. Rental options are more limited than purchase opportunities.
County Crime & Safety
Washakie County, WY, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state and national averages. According to the latest FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data, the county reported around 50 total crimes in 2022, with violent crimes constituting less than 10% of cases. The property crime rate stood at about 2.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, while violent crime was approximately 0.3 per 1,000. Law enforcement agencies consistently emphasize community policing and encourage residents to report suspicious activity, contributing to the county's reputation for safety.
Popular names
- James Lee
- Natasha Chopping
- Colt Shaffer
- Justy Haux
- Robert Stuckey
- Ryan Isbell
- Ryan Pedersen
- Sherry Smith
- Abbey Nicklas
- Andrea Bourne
- Andrew Johnson
- Anita Skidmore
- April Nelson
- Armando Parra
- Bart Burningham
- Beau Jackson
- Becky Dorr
- Bobbie Coleman
- Bonnie Krei
- Brady Bryant
- Brenda Rabun
- Cameron Monasmith
- Carl Hampton
- Charles Buterbaugh
- Charles Powell
- Clark Willard
- Cody Drollinger
- Cole Tidemann
- Concepcion Alcaraz
- Danna Beason
- David Bostrom
- Dennis Ihde
- Donald Wright
- Dorothy Farris
- Douglas Study
- Duane Dickhaus
- Dylan Sanchez
- Edward Hines
- Florence Hernandez
- Frank Decroo
- Gary Flagler
- George Lopez
- Harry Mills
- James Taylor
- Jamey Pfeiffer
- Janene Dorr
- Jasmine Marcus
- Jason Grayeda
- Jean Piel
- Jeremy Bertsch
- Jesse Woodward
- Jimmy Hill
- Joel Coleman
- John Maxwell
- Jolene Day
- Jon Lorenz
- Jose Martinez
- Kraig Gossens
- Kyliah Dyer
- Larry Fronk