What to know when moving to Casper, WY
TL;DR: Casper at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 27% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 28.3% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $68,526, which supports a comfortable living standard.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 1.1% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $856 in monthly rent on average.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Casper has a population of 26,945, with a notable median household income of $68,526. The community features a fairly low poverty rate of 10.9%, showcasing a stable economic environment. With 28.3% of residents renting, there are options for both homeowners and renters. The area experiences around 62 rainy days annually, which might be a consideration for outdoor enthusiasts.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a robust public transit system, as only 1.1% of residents utilize it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $856, making it relatively affordable compared to many areas.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $244,200, which reflects a stable housing market.
- 27% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to the community's character.
- The poverty rate stands at 10.9%, indicating a generally stable economic situation.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Wyoming suggests a declining trend in both violent and property crime, with state rates significantly below national averages.
- Violent crime: Wyoming's annual rate is 184.2 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 325.3, reflecting a 17% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: The rate is 1,090.3 per 100,000, 29.5% lower than the national average of 1,546.9, with a 28.3% reduction since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate is low, at 3 per 100,000, and has decreased by 15.3% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Wyoming).
Schools & Higher Ed
Casper has access to local educational options, highlighted by:
- 1 postsecondary institution: Casper College.
- 1 institution with College Scorecard data for the upcoming school year.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Casper sees about 7 inches of precipitation annually, with 62 rainy days. The area experiences mild precipitation distribution across seasons, making it suitable for various outdoor activities.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- National Historic Trails Interpretive Center - 4.9 stars (990 reviews)
- Fort Caspar Museum - 4.7 stars (372 reviews)
- Bear Trap County Park - 4.6 stars (246 reviews)
- Tate Geological Museum at Casper College - 4.8 stars (196 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.