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Douglas, Wyoming

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

65
Overall Score

Douglas, Wyoming, nestled along the North Platte River in Converse County, is a historic community deeply rooted in the American West and early Oregon Trail history. Known famously as the home of the mythical Jackalope, the city blends its rich ranching and railroad heritage with a resilient energy sector economy. Residents are drawn to Douglas for its small-town charm, tight-knit community spirit, and exceptional access to wide-open outdoor recreational spaces.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Laramie Range and the Thunder Basin National Grassland, Douglas offers a tranquil lifestyle far removed from the pressures of major metropolitan areas. The historic downtown district features local businesses, traditional storefronts, and community gathering spaces that preserve the authentic character of Wyoming. With a welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of local pride, Douglas remains a quintessential Wyoming hub for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

About Wyoming

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.

6,386
Population
$62K
Avg Salary
94
Cost Index
65.1
Quality Score
How this 65/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 78 / 100 78.0 30% 23.4
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 94.0 51.3 25% 12.8
Economy & jobs Median household income: $68,500 Income needed to live here: $48,000 Unemployment rate: 3.8% 77.9 20% 15.6
Growth Population growth rate: 0.5% Job growth rate: 1.5% 43.8 15% 6.6
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 67 / 100 67.0 10% 6.7
Overall score 65.1

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 16 October 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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Quality Scores

Business
67
Livability
74
Affordability
68
Growth
69

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Douglas is generally in line with or slightly below the national average, making it an attractive destination for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life. Housing costs, utilities, and everyday goods tend to remain reasonable compared to larger coastal or urban markets, though certain imported goods may carry a premium due to the town's relative isolation.

Property taxes in Wyoming are comparatively favorable, and the absence of a state personal income tax provides meaningful financial relief for residents and retirees. While utility costs can fluctuate during the cold winter months, overall household expenditures remain manageable, contributing to a stable and sustainable local economy for workers and families.

Average Rent
$1,100/mo
Groceries
$380/mo
Transport
$115/mo
Utilities
$170/mo
Healthcare
$230/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$40.00
Cinema ticket
$11.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$20.00
Monthly groceries
$360.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$140.00

Salary Insights

The economic landscape of Douglas is traditionally anchored by energy development, including oil, gas, and coal mining, alongside agriculture, ranching, and government services. Memorial Hospital of Converse County and the local school district also serve as major public and private sector employers supporting regional stability. Recent economic diversification efforts continue to explore tourism, small business growth, and remote work infrastructure to broaden the employment base.

While cyclical shifts in the energy sector can influence local hiring trends, Douglas maintains a resilient workforce backed by vocational training and regional economic development initiatives. The community offers a supportive environment for entrepreneurs looking to establish local enterprises that cater to both residents and visitors exploring the surrounding region.

The average salary in Douglas is $62,000 per year. You would need approximately $48,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.20% Educational Services +1.00% Healthcare and Social Assistance +2.10% Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction +1.40% Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting +0.80%

Climate

🌡️
48°F
Avg Temp
☀️
82°F
Summer High
❄️
18°F
Winter Low
🌧️
14.80"
Annual Rain
💧
55.00%
Humidity
🌤️
281
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Douglas is heavily automobile-centric, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for daily commuting, errands, and regional travel. The city's layout features low traffic congestion, ample parking, and straightforward navigation via major corridors like Interstate 25 and U.S. Route 20/26.

While public mass transit options are minimal given the town's size, its compact historic core and grid layout offer moderate walkability for errands in the immediate downtown area. Commercial air service is accessible via nearby Casper/Natrona County International Airport, connecting residents to broader national transit networks.

17 min
Avg Commute
35.00/10
Transit Score
58.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
No state personal income tax in Wyoming, providing financial relief for residents.
Proximity to scenic outdoor destinations like Ayres Natural Bridge Park and the North Platte River.
Low violent crime rates and a secure, family-friendly community environment.
Presence of Memorial Hospital of Converse County ensuring accessible local healthcare.
Host of the annual Wyoming State Fair, offering vibrant community culture and traditions.
Drawbacks
Economy is sensitive to cyclical fluctuations in the energy and mining sectors.
Limited public transportation infrastructure, making a personal vehicle essential.
Colder winter conditions and seasonal weather extremes require preparation.
Limited local options for high-end retail, major dining chains, and entertainment.
Geographic isolation from major metropolitan centers and large airports.

Questions about Douglas

What people ask about living in and moving to Douglas, Wyoming.

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Douglas? Housing 1 answer

In Douglas the average rent is about $1,100 per month, which includes most one‑bedroom apartments and small houses. This figure reflects the overall market, so you’ll find units both slightly below and above that amount depending on location, age of the building, and amenities. To get a current sense of availability, check online rental listings, local classifieds, or contact property management firms that serve the...

How does the cost of living in Douglas compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Douglas has a cost‑of‑living index of 94, meaning that overall expenses are about 6 % lower than the U.S. average. Housing, groceries, and transportation tend to be cheaper, while healthcare and some services may be close to the national norm. With an average salary of $62,000 per year, most residents find that their earnings stretch a bit farther than in higher‑cost regions. For a detailed breakdown, you can use cos...

What are the main industries hiring in Douglas? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Douglas’s economy is anchored by energy, agriculture, and retail sectors, with a growing presence of health‑care and education services. Administrative positions are common in local government offices, small businesses, and the regional hospital network. The average salary across the city is $62,000 per year, reflecting a mix of blue‑collar and professional roles. To locate current openings, browse the city’s employm...

How are the public schools rated in Douglas? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in Douglas are administered by the local school district, which reports standardized test scores near the state average and offers a range of extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and clubs. Class sizes are generally smaller than in larger urban districts, which can provide more individualized attention. For the most up‑to‑date performance data and program details, visit the district’s webs...

Is Douglas considered a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

A safety score of 78 out of 100 places Douglas above the national average for personal safety, indicating relatively low rates of violent crime and property crime. The city’s police department works closely with the community, and neighborhoods are generally quiet with active neighborhood watch programs. For specific crime statistics, you can consult the city’s public safety reports or the state’s crime data portal,...

What public transportation options exist in Douglas? Getting Around 1 answer

Douglas is served by a municipal transit authority that operates a modest bus network covering the main residential and commercial corridors. Routes typically run from early morning until early evening on weekdays, with limited weekend service. Fares are low compared to larger cities, reflecting the overall cost‑of‑living index. For schedules, route maps, and fare information, check the city’s transportation departme...

Where can I find primary care and emergency services in Douglas? Healthcare 1 answer

Douglas has a regional medical center that provides emergency care, surgery, and a range of outpatient services. Primary‑care physicians operate in several clinics throughout the city, often affiliated with the hospital system. Because the cost‑of‑living index is slightly below the national average, out‑of‑pocket expenses for routine visits tend to be modest, though insurance coverage will affect exact costs. To loca...

What recreational activities are popular in Douglas? Things to Do 1 answer

Douglas sits near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offering easy access to hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The city maintains several parks with trails, playgrounds, and community fields for sports. In winter, nearby ski areas provide downhill and cross‑country options. Cultural events such as local fairs, art exhibitions, and live music are organized by the city’s community center and volunteer groups. F...

What should I know about utility set‑up when moving to Douglas? Moving Here 1 answer

When you move to Douglas, you’ll need to contact the local utility providers for electricity, natural gas, water, and waste services. Most utilities have online portals where you can start service a few days before your arrival. Internet and cable options are offered by several regional providers; compare plans for speed and price, keeping in mind the city’s lower cost‑of‑living index may result in competitive rates....

How does the average salary of $62,000 compare to living expenses here? General 1 answer

An average annual salary of $62,000 in Douglas translates to roughly $4,800 per month before taxes. With the average rent at $1,100 and a cost‑of‑living index of 94, housing consumes about 23 % of gross monthly income, leaving ample room for groceries, transportation, healthcare, and discretionary spending. The city’s lower-than‑national cost index means everyday expenses such as food, utilities, and services are gen...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Douglas? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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