Wyoming’s Stark Wealth Divide Shows Contrasts In Communities

We all know that Jackson, Wyoming, is not only the richest town in Wyoming, but also the richest in the nation, and over much of the world.

But which county and town are the poorest in Wyoming?

While different rankings exist, reports from around 2021-2022 suggest Albany County and Big Horn County are among the poorest in Wyoming, based on metrics like per capita income and overall living conditions.

Forbes Magazine identified Albany County as the most poverty-stricken. This, despite the University of Wyoming being there and the town of Laramie.

Another report from 2021 cited Big Horn County as the worst county to live in, based on factors like poor health outcomes and socioeconomic hardship.

There is no single "poorest town" in Wyoming, as rankings differ based on methodology, but sources from 2020 and 2021 identified Lovell, and a 2021 Forbes study identified East Thermopolis, as having the lowest incomes and highest poverty rates.

Let's compare Wyoming to other states.

Wyoming is a state with wealth extremes.

We have the highest concentration of billionaires per capita in the U.S., driven by tax advantages, natural beauty, and a culture attracting high-net-worth individuals to areas like Jackson Hole.

Much of Wyoming's population is considered middle class by American standards.

People in Wyoming earn less than those in many other states, but the low cost of living more than compensates for it.