Cheyenne
RANK #259 / 996 NAT · POP 100,316
1YR FORECAST: +2.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +30%
Laramie County, Wyoming, stands out for its unique blend of Old West heritage and access to natural landscapes. Home to Cheyenne, the state capital, the county is situated at the intersection of Interstates 80 and 25, about 100 miles north of Denver, Colorado. This location provides a commute shorter than the national average, around 14 minutes. The community offers a sparse suburban feel with many parks and a strong sense of belonging. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding at nearby Curt Gowdy State Park and Vedauwoo Recreation Area, known for its granite formations. The Greater Cheyenne Greenway also offers over 45 miles of paved trails for walking and cycling.
Life in Laramie County appeals to families and remote workers seeking a balance of affordability and outdoor access. The Laramie County School District 1 is the largest in the state, serving over 13,500 students across numerous elementary, junior high, and high schools. The local economy is experiencing growth, driven by strategic investments in sectors like data centers and energy. Cheyenne has seen a surge in housing permits and construction, aiming to address housing affordability. The presence of F.E. Warren Air Force Base also contributes to the county's diverse demographic and stable employment.
Below national median (4.7x)
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.5x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Jade Data Center Campus & BFC Power/Cheyenne Power Hub
Crusoe and Tallgrass Energy Partners
|
$50,000M | Under Construction |
|
Related Digital Cheyenne Data Center Campus
Related Digital (anchor tenant CoreWeave)
|
$1,200M | Under Construction |
|
Meta Cheyenne Data Center (Project Cosmo)
Meta
|
$800M | Under Construction |
|
Laramie Range Wind Project
Repsol Renewables
|
$650M | Planned |
|
Cowboy Solar II (Battery Storage)
Enbridge
|
$400M | Planned |
|
Southern Power Cheyenne Solar
Southern Power
|
$150M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 74/100, Laramie County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +1.6%, and median household income stands at $76,282 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in WY.
Housing in Laramie County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $295,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.26, with rents averaging $1,043/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Laramie County are hiring — job growth of +1.6% — but the population is close to flat (+0.4% YoY). Home values moved +3.2% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
Not particularly — 1.46% of Laramie County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.