City Profile
Cheyenne, Wyoming
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Cheyenne, the capital city of Wyoming, is a vibrant community situated in the southeastern part of the state, at an elevation of over 6,000 feet. Known for its rich Western heritage, the city is home to the world-famous Cheyenne Frontier Days, an annual rodeo and Western celebration that draws visitors from across the globe. Cheyenne offers a unique blend of small-town charm and capital city amenities, attracting residents with its strong sense of community, access to outdoor activities, and a growing economy. Its strategic location along major interstates also makes it a regional hub.
The city's character is deeply rooted in its history as a railroad town and a military outpost, with Francis E. Warren Air Force Base being a significant presence. Despite its historical ties, Cheyenne is forward-looking, with ongoing efforts in economic development and community improvement. People are drawn to Cheyenne for its relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other Western cities, its low taxes, and the promise of a balanced lifestyle that combines career opportunities with ample recreational pursuits in the vast Wyoming landscape.
Wyoming, known as "The Equality State," is characterized by its vast, open landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains and high-elevation prairies, fostering a lifestyle deeply connected to nature and a strong sense of community. The state's economy is primarily driven by mineral extraction, particularly coal, natural gas, oil, and trona, alongside a significant tourism industry centered around national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton, and agriculture, mainly livestock and hay. Living in Wyoming generally offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, with no state income tax. The climate is typically semi-arid and continental, featuring dry, windy conditions with significant temperature extremes, long winters, and short growing seasons, while the lifestyle embraces a slower pace, self-reliance, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
Performance
Quality Scores
Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Cheyenne, Wyoming, is notably close to the national average, with some sources indicating it is 0% lower than the national average. While housing costs are slightly higher than the national average by about 0.4%, utilities tend to be more affordable, coming in around 5.2% lower than the national average. Groceries, however, are a bit pricier, approximately 1.7% higher than the national average.
Overall, a single adult without dependents would need an estimated annual salary of around $75,000 before taxes to live comfortably in Cheyenne. This figure accounts for housing, groceries, and other goods and services. The city's position as a state capital and a distribution point along major interstates influences the pricing of goods and services, contributing to a cost structure that balances out to be quite comparable to the broader U.S. average.
Income
Salary Insights
Cheyenne's economy is diverse, with key industries providing a stable job market. The largest employment sectors include Education & Health Care, accounting for 23.2% of workers, followed by Retail Trade at 14.3%, and Public Administration at 11.4%. The Arts, Food & Hospitality sector also plays a significant role, employing 9.4% of the workforce. The city's unemployment rate stood at 3.7% in Q4 2024, which is lower than the national average, indicating a healthy job market.
The average per capita income in Cheyenne is $54,402, while the median household income is $78,839 as of 2024. Cheyenne has seen consistent population growth, with new residents often drawn by job opportunities and the city's economic stability. The presence of Francis E. Warren Air Force Base also contributes significantly to the local economy and employment landscape.
The average salary in Cheyenne is $54,402 per year. You would need approximately $75,000 to live comfortably.
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Weather
Climate
Mobility
Transport
Getting around Cheyenne primarily relies on personal vehicles, reflecting a medium to high car dependency. The average commute time for residents is relatively short, at approximately 16 minutes, which is significantly lower than the national average. This short commute contributes to an easier daily flow for most residents.
While public transit options exist through the Cheyenne Public Transit Program, the city's layout and population density mean that these services are not as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas. Walkability scores are generally moderate, with some areas being more pedestrian-friendly than others, particularly in the downtown core. For most daily activities and commuting, driving remains the most practical and common mode of transportation.
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