Wyoming has a wonderful historical victory in its record books; in 1869, it became the first state to allow women to vote. Perhaps this is why it bears the name: Equality State. The 10th largest state has the smallest population, barely registering 550,000.
Another claim to fame is that nearly 96% of Yellowstone National Park is located in this state. The remaining slivers of the park are in Montana and Idaho. Wyoming is a major coal producer, which plays a strong role in its economy. With such a small population, there’s always room for more. People are friendly, and the scenery will make you think you are stepping into a picture.
Let’s take a glimpse of the cities that register on the top 10 safest list in Wyoming.
1. Kemmerer
- Population: 2,761
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 72.4
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 615.7
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
73% Below National Crime Rate
The top safest city in Wyoming is Kemmerer, also known as ‘The Gateway to the West.’ This community is an astounding 73% below the national crime rate, which helps stress levels remain low. Don’t let the small size of this town mislead you; you’ll stay busy browsing shops and sampling delicious dishes from their home-cooking style cafes.
2. Glenrock
- Population: 2,584
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 77.4
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 657.9
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
71% Below National Crime Rate
A close second for safest city is the small town of Glenrock. These crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. She rests at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and offers some stunning panoramic views. For anyone who has safety as a priority in choosing where to live, then this is a great place to put down roots. Imagine yourself sitting on a front porch swing and drinking in the beauty.
3. Worland
- Population: 5,148
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 38.9
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 1,340.3
- Most Common Crime: Property
46% Below National Crime Rate
Worland takes the trophy for third safest city in this snowy state. Not only can you build a snowman, you can also afford a great home; its median price is around $100,000. Homesnacks named it the most affordable town in which to live in Wyoming. There are ample trails and outdoor activities surrounding this community, so you will never suffer from boredom.
4. Afton
- Population: 2,018
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 0.0
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 1,387.5
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
46% Below National Crime Rate
Crime rates do not get any better than this: zero. That’s right; there are no violent crimes to report in Afton. This tight knit community is nestled along the Bridger-Teton National Forest and is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true.
5. Green River
- Population: 12,025
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 116.4
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 848.2
- Most Common Crime: Property
62% Below National Crime Rate
Green River is the place to be! This town is loaded with countless outdoor recreation activities and breathtaking scenery. Locals spend their evenings and weekends fishing, kayaking and rafting. The wildlife that roam freely leave residents in awe, as they engage with nature on the many trails that wind around the city. It was the Union Pacific Railroad that put Green River on the map. The company remains a dynamic part of the city’s economy today, and is a major employer of residents.
6. Laramie
- Population: 32,509
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 98.4
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 1,215.0
- Most Common Crime: Property
49% Below National Crime Rate
As the hometown of The University of Wyoming keeps this community youthful for sure. It also makes any historian proud. Laramie used to be a lawless town full of saloons and a fair share of rebel cowboys. Locals here enjoy telling their ancestors’ unique life stories. Luckily, outlaws are primarily found in the pages of its colorful history books. This eclectic town sits on the Laramie River, west of Cheyenne. The median home price is around $240,000 and appreciation has risen a healthy 12.7% in the past decade.
7. Douglas
- Population: 6,386
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 172.3
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 1,143.1
- Most Common Crime: Property
49% Below National Crime Rate
Not only is Douglas safe, she is home of the Wyoming State Fair. Residents from all over drive miles to attend this annual event. This agricultural expo and rodeo are the premier highlights of the summer. These events also have many carnival rides for the kiddos – or adults with a childlike spirit.
8. Wheatland
- Population: 3,557
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 84.3
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 1,574.4
- Most Common Crime: Property
35% Below National Crime Rate
This small town scores top ratings for low crime rates and abundant amenities. You’ll have plenty to do when you relocate here; Wheatland offers two state parks – Glendo and Guernsey. So, grab those mountain bikes and plenty of water; your weekends will be action packed.
9. Rock Springs
- Population: 23,405
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 183.7
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 1,341.6
- Most Common Crime: Property
41% Below National Crime Rate
Rock Springs is another historical town in Wyoming, with stories full of outlaws, saloons and street gun fights of the wild west. Once upon a time Butch Cassidy was a butcher here. This earned him the nickname ‘Butch’. This off the beaten path community is also home of Western Wyoming Community College, so you can keep your high school graduates close to home a little longer. And homes here have a median price of around $230,000.
10. Sheridan
- Population: 17,919
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 94.9
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 1,746.7
- Most Common Crime: Property
28% Below National Crime Rate
In the final spot for safest cities is Sheridan, located in the shadows of Bighorn Mountains. She averages 100” of snow a year, so bring those wool coats. This town is serene with miles of wide-open spaces. A piece of the pie in this tranquil community will cost you around $300.000.
All data taken from the FBI crime statistics.
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.
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