Buffalo, Wyoming, is a city nestled at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, serving as the county seat of Johnson County. With an estimated population of approximately 4,794 in 2026, it maintains a small-town atmosphere while offering a blend of agriculture, tourism, and recreation, with some influence from the energy sector [28]. Buffalo is strategically located almost equidistant between Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the region [28]. The city is known for its rich history, including its role in the Johnson County Cattle War, and its well-preserved historic buildings like the Occidental Hotel [28]. Its location provides access to the Bighorn Mountains, offering numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting [28].
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.
How this 69/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 95 / 100 | 95.0 | 30% | 28.5 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 103.0 | 40.0 | 25% | 10.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $62,629 Income needed to live here: no usable reading Unemployment rate: 5.3% | 58.8 | 20% | 11.8 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.29% Job growth rate: 6.08% | 78.6 | 15% | 11.8 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 10% | 7.0 |
| Overall score | 69.0 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 2 (reasoned) (q=63, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
27 August 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Buffalo, Wyoming, is slightly higher than the U.S. national average, with an index of 103 [21]. This means that, on average, expenses are 3% higher than the national average [21]. Key drivers of the cost of living include housing, transportation, and food prices [11]. Despite the overall index, Wyoming offers tax advantages, including no state income tax, which can offset some living expenses [11].
Income
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Buffalo's economy is supported by a mix of industries including agriculture, tourism, and recreation, with a notable presence in construction and healthcare [3, 28]. The job market has seen growth, with employment increasing by 6.08% from 2023 to 2024 [3]. The most common employment sectors for residents are Construction, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Other Services [3]. A significant portion of the workforce, around 17%, also works from home, indicating a growing remote work presence [40].
The average salary in Buffalo is $46,875 per year.
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Transportation in Buffalo is primarily car-dependent, with most residents driving alone to work [3]. The average commute time is notably short at 12.9 minutes [3]. Public transportation is available through the Buffalo Area Transit System, which offers local rides for $1 and weekly trips to Sheridan and Gillette [23, 34]. However, the availability of public transit is limited, contributing to a higher car dependency [10].
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