City Profile
Rock Springs, Wyoming
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Rock Springs, Wyoming, established in 1868 to support the Union Pacific Railroad, has a rich history deeply intertwined with coal mining and immigration, earning it the nickname "City of 56 Nationalities" by the 1920s. Today, its economy is significantly influenced by the energy sector, particularly oil, gas, and trona mining, fostering a self-sufficient and grounded community character. Situated in southwestern Wyoming, the city offers access to the rugged beauty of the American West and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it an appealing location for those seeking a blend of career stability and an active lifestyle.
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 61/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 55 / 100 | 55.0 | 30% | 16.5 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 95.0 | 50.0 | 25% | 12.5 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $69,168 Income needed to live here: $33,840 Unemployment rate: 4.2% | 86.3 | 20% | 17.3 |
| Growth | No usable reading — dataset average used | 56.4 | 15% | 8.5 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 60 / 100 | 60.0 | 10% | 6.0 |
| Overall score | 60.7 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=78), last refreshed
29 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.
Featured Events
Happening in Rock Springs
Featured and sponsored events in Rock Springs.
Local Directory
Businesses in Rock Springs
Featured local businesses in Rock Springs.
Performance
Quality Scores
Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Rock Springs is generally considered to be around the national average, with some sources indicating it is slightly less expensive. Housing costs, while varying, are often cited as more affordable than the national average, contributing to the city's overall affordability. Food and transportation expenses are also noted as being more affordable compared to the U.S. average, making daily living costs manageable for residents.
Weather
Climate
Mobility
Transport
Rock Springs is characterized by a high degree of car dependency, with an average Walk Score of 26, indicating that most errands require a car. The average commute time is around 22.5 minutes, which is shorter than the national average. Public transit options are limited, with no specific transit score readily available, reinforcing the need for personal vehicles for most residents.
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Advantages
Drawbacks
Head to Head
Compare Rock Springs
Community Q&A
Questions about Rock Springs
What people ask about living in and moving to Rock Springs, Wyoming.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Free Quotes
Get quotes from local pros in Rock Springs
Tell us what you need and we’ll pass it to companies that serve your area. It’s free, and there’s no obligation.
Compare Rock Springs with any city
See how it stacks up on cost, income, and quality of life.
Start Comparing