Elections
Weston County, Wyoming, had 4,749 registered voters as of 2022, with Republicans comprising about 85%, Democrats 10%, and others 5%. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections overseen by the County Clerk. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received 88% of the county’s vote. Polling locations include the courthouse in Newcastle and other precinct stations. Key local election issues include natural resource management and rural infrastructure. Election administration emphasizes paper ballots and in-person voting. The Republican Party dominates county politics, while Democrats and independents have limited representation.
Education, Employment and Housing
Weston County, WY, has two main public high schools: Newcastle High School and Upton High School. The county high school graduation rate is approximately 89%, with about 21% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 7 public schools serving around 970 students. State testing scores are generally near Wyoming’s average, with Newcastle High School scoring 53% proficiency in reading. School safety is prioritized, with no major incidents reported recently. Educational programs include vocational training and dual-credit college courses, while adult education is available through community colleges and local outreach programs.
Weston County, WY, had an unemployment rate of 2.6% in April 2024. The leading employment sectors are government (26%), health care and social assistance (15%), and mining/quarrying/oil & gas extraction (10%). Major occupations include office and administrative support (14%), management (11%), and construction/extraction (10%). Approximately 77% of residents commute by car; average commute time is 18 minutes. Most employed residents work within the county, though some travel to neighboring Campbell and Crook counties for employment.
Weston County, WY, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values near $200,000 and median monthly rents around $800. The housing market remains stable, with modest annual appreciation rates of 3–5%. Most homes are single-family houses, though some apartments exist in Newcastle and Upton. Popular neighborhoods include Newcastle’s downtown and southern outskirts, offering both older homes and new developments. Property taxes are low, averaging 0.6% of assessed value—significantly below the national average—making Weston County affordable for buyers and renters seeking rural charm and affordability.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Weston County, Wyoming, had a population of 6,838. The median age was 44.4 years, with 50.8% male and 49.2% female. Racially, the county was 93.6% White, 1.2% American Indian, 0.5% Asian, 0.2% Black or African American, and 3.2% identifying as two or more races; 3.9% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
County Crime & Safety
Weston County, WY, reports relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. According to the FBI’s 2022 Uniform Crime Reporting data, the county documented 45 total crimes, including 3 violent crimes and 42 property crimes. The violent crime rate stands at approximately 1.2 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate is about 16.9 per 1,000. Law enforcement agencies in Weston actively report and investigate incidents, contributing to a sense of safety for residents. Overall, the county maintains a reputation as a safe rural area with infrequent serious offenses.
Popular names
- Cathy Mallery
- Mark Gladue
- Richard Smith
- Robert Kenney
- Robert Stevenson
- Robert Sutherland
- Travis Adamson
- Amanda Quam
- Barbara Gould
- Barbara Lenardson
- Brenda Sewell
- Brent Sundstrom
- Bridgette Hodson
- Bryon Stone
- Clay Andersen
- Cody Hebbring
- Cody Morris
- Dale Kudlock
- Daniel Hampton
- Darren Bench
- David Cooper
- Dean Helms
- Dina Round
- Dorothy Williams
- Douglas Livingston
- Dwight Paulson
- Elizabeth Heberling
- Gail Patton
- Gary Barnes
- Gary Smith
- George Bondora
- Gregory Locke
- Holly Daniels
- Jason Jahrig
- John Leonard
- Jonathan Anderson
- Joseph Sadler
- Justin Steber
- Kayla Borgialli
- Kelly Stith
- Kenneth Hoffman
- Kenneth Smith
- Kevin Johnson
- Kimala Jones
- Kimberly Jones
- Lawson Liggett
- Leslie Dixon
- Lisa Huey
- Marcie Morehead
- Marcus Tschacher
- Melissa Bechel
- Michael Davis
- Michael Mallery
- Nancy Wilson
- Nola Boone
- Oddette Lambert
- Paula Brown
- Paula Donner
- Robert Buffington
- Robert Sweet