City Profile
Powell, Wyoming
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Powell is a charming municipality located in Park County, Wyoming, established in 1909 as part of the Shoshone Reclamation Project. Situated in the northwest portion of the state between Cody and the Montana border, the city serves as an agricultural and educational hub for the Big Horn Basin. Home to Northwest College, Powell combines a classic small-town Western character with vibrant community programming and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. Residents are drawn to the area for its low crime rates, friendly community atmosphere, and stunning views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain ranges.
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 68/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 88 / 100 | 88.0 | 30% | 26.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 92.0 | 53.8 | 25% | 13.4 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $58,500 Income needed to live here: $45,000 Unemployment rate: 3.5% | 71.9 | 20% | 14.4 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.8% Job growth rate: 1.5% | 47.5 | 15% | 7.1 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 67 / 100 | 67.0 | 10% | 6.7 |
| Overall score | 68.0 | |||
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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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Powell generally remains below the national average, making it an attractive destination for families and retirees looking to stretch their budgets. Housing costs, utilities, and grocery prices tend to be more affordable compared to larger metropolitan areas across the United States. While specialized goods and services may carry a slight premium due to the town's relatively isolated geographic location, overall everyday expenses remain manageable for the local workforce.
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Powell's economy is anchored by education, agriculture, healthcare, and local government services. Northwest College stands as one of the largest employers in the area, providing academic, administrative, and support positions. Agriculture and related agribusiness support the surrounding rural economy, alongside retail trade and construction. While large-scale corporate job opportunities are limited, the community supports a resilient network of small businesses and remote workers seeking a quiet rural environment.
The average salary in Powell is $52,000 per year. You would need approximately $45,000 to live comfortably.
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Powell is a car-dependent community where most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily commuting and errands. The city layout is compact and grid-based, making local driving straightforward with minimal traffic congestion. Walkability is favorable within the immediate downtown commercial district and around the Northwest College campus, though regional travel requires driving.
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