What to know when moving to Laramie, WY
Laramie at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 53.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and nearly half the population rents.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $65,399, which supports a range of housing options.
- The Reality Check:
- 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line, indicating some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 1.6% of residents commute via public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Median rent is $960, so budget accordingly.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Laramie is a college town with a population of 20,149, where the housing market reflects a fairly even split between renters and owners, with 49.4% of the population renting. The local economy includes a significant number of residents with higher education, as indicated by the 53.2% of individuals holding a bachelor's degree or higher. However, the poverty rate is notably high at 20.5%, which may affect community dynamics.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a bustling job market or extensive public transit options, as only 1.6% of residents use public transportation.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $960, which is quite affordable for the area.
- Median home value is $325,500, reflecting a stable housing market.
- 53.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 20.5%, which highlights economic challenges in the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Wyoming, property crime rates have decreased significantly, with a state annual rate of 1,090.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 29.5% lower than the national average. Violent crime rates are also lower than the national average, with a state rate of 184.2 per 100,000 residents, down 17% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 184.2 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3 per 100k
- Property crime: 1,090.3 per 100k vs. national rate of 1,546.9 per 100k
- Notable trend: Overall property crime has decreased by 28.3% since 2022
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Wyoming).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education in Laramie includes at least one postsecondary institution.
- Postsecondary institutions: 1
- With College Scorecard data: 1
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Laramie experiences 9.4 inches of precipitation annually, with about 84 rainy days per year. Winter brings minimal snowfall, averaging 1.7 inches, and residents enjoy a variety of outdoor spaces.
- Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site - 4.7 stars (1,215 reviews)
- Undine Park - 4.5 stars (381 reviews)
- Laramie Plains Museum - 4.5 stars (160 reviews)
- Optimist Park - 4.6 stars (150 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
