20 Worst Towns for Retirees in Wyoming

Picture this: You’ve spent decades dreaming of retiring to the wide-open spaces of Wyoming.

The postcards show majestic mountains and endless skies.

But here’s the catch – those same remote locations that look stunning in photos can become your worst nightmare when you need a cardiologist at 2 AM.

Some Wyoming towns make retirement feel more like survival training than golden years relaxation.

1. Cheyenne, Wyoming

Cheyenne sits as Wyoming’s capital and largest city with about 65,000 people. The city faces harsh winters with temperatures dropping well below freezing for months.

Healthcare options are limited compared to bigger cities. You’ll find fewer specialists and longer wait times for appointments.

But here’s the catch – the cost of living keeps rising while amenities for seniors remain sparse.

2. Casper, Wyoming

Casper is Wyoming’s second-largest city with around 58,000 residents. The economy relies heavily on oil and gas, making it unstable for retirees on fixed incomes.

Winter winds can reach 60 mph regularly. The isolation factor hits hard when you need medical care or want cultural activities.

You’re better off looking at smaller towns with better community support systems.

3. Laramie, Wyoming

Laramie hosts the University of Wyoming but struggles with a transient population. Students come and go, making it hard to build lasting friendships.

The elevation sits at 7,220 feet above sea level. Many retirees struggle with breathing issues and altitude sickness.

That’s why many seniors find themselves feeling isolated despite the college town atmosphere.

4. Rock Springs, Wyoming

Rock Springs built its reputation on mining and energy production. The boom-and-bust cycles leave retirees vulnerable to economic swings.

Air quality suffers from industrial activities. The town lacks cultural amenities that many retirees seek in their golden years.

But here’s the deal – when the mines slow down, everything else follows suit.

5. Green River, Wyoming

Green River sits along the historic Oregon Trail with about 12,000 residents. The town struggles with limited shopping and dining options.

Medical facilities are basic at best. For serious health issues, you’ll need to travel hours to larger cities.

You’re better off choosing a location with better access to healthcare and amenities.

6. Evanston, Wyoming

Evanston borders Utah with around 11,500 people. The town experiences severe winter weather that can last six months or more.

Public transportation doesn’t exist. If you can’t drive, you’re essentially trapped during winter months.

That’s why many retirees find themselves house-bound for extended periods.

7. Rawlins, Wyoming

Rawlins serves as a railroad town with about 8,800 residents. The economy depends heavily on the Union Pacific Railroad and carbon mining.

Crime rates run higher than the state average. Property crimes affect seniors disproportionately in this community.

But here’s the catch – limited police resources mean slower response times when you need help.

8. Torrington, Wyoming

Torrington sits near the Nebraska border with around 6,500 people. The town lacks specialty medical services that seniors often need.

Economic opportunities remain limited. Young people leave for better jobs, creating an aging population without support systems.

You’re better off finding a community with more balanced demographics and better healthcare.

9. Wheatland, Wyoming

Wheatland calls itself the “Home of the World’s Largest Pheasant” with about 3,600 residents. The small size means limited services and amenities.

Shopping requires trips to larger towns. Medical emergencies become serious problems due to distance from hospitals.

That’s why many retirees feel cut off from essential services they need.

10. Newcastle, Wyoming

Newcastle sits in the Black Hills region with about 3,400 people. The town struggles with an aging infrastructure that affects daily life.

Internet service remains spotty at best. Staying connected with family becomes a real challenge for tech-savvy seniors.

But here’s the deal – modern amenities that retirees expect simply don’t exist in reliable forms.

11. Douglas, Wyoming

Douglas claims to be the “Home of the Jackalope” with about 6,100 residents. The town sits along the North Platte River but lacks modern senior services.

Medical specialists are virtually non-existent. You’ll drive over 100 miles for basic cardiac or orthopedic care.

But here’s the catch – the nearest major hospital requires a lengthy drive through rural areas with spotty cell coverage.

12. Gillette, Wyoming

Gillette built its economy on coal mining with around 32,000 people. The boom-town mentality creates unstable housing costs for retirees.

Air pollution from mining operations affects respiratory health. Many seniors develop breathing problems after moving here.

You’re better off avoiding areas where your health could deteriorate from environmental factors.

13. Riverton, Wyoming

Riverton serves as a regional hub with about 10,900 residents. The town struggles with limited cultural activities and entertainment options.

Wind speeds regularly exceed 40 mph throughout the year. Walking becomes dangerous for seniors with mobility issues.

That’s why many retirees find themselves confined indoors more than they’d like.

14. Worland, Wyoming

Worland sits in the Big Horn Basin with around 5,200 people. The town lacks public transportation entirely.

Grocery shopping becomes a major challenge without a car. The nearest major shopping center sits 100 miles away.

But here’s the deal – aging in place becomes nearly impossible without reliable transportation options.

15. Lander, Wyoming

Lander attracts outdoor enthusiasts with about 7,500 residents. The high altitude at 5,357 feet causes problems for seniors with heart conditions.

Winter temperatures drop to -30°F regularly. Heating costs skyrocket during the long winter months.

You’re better off choosing a location with milder weather and lower utility costs.

16. Powell, Wyoming

Powell sits near Yellowstone with about 6,300 people. Tourist seasons create massive price fluctuations for basic services.

Housing costs spike during summer months. Retirees on fixed incomes struggle with seasonal price variations.

That’s why many seniors find their budgets stretched beyond comfortable limits.

17. Cody, Wyoming

Cody markets itself as the “Rodeo Capital of the World” with about 10,000 residents. The tourist-focused economy ignores senior needs.

Healthcare facilities cater more to emergency tourist injuries than chronic senior conditions. Long-term care options remain extremely limited.

But here’s the catch – the town prioritizes short-term visitors over long-term residents.

18. Sheridan, Wyoming

Sheridan boasts historic charm with about 18,000 residents. The town’s elevation at 3,743 feet still causes breathing issues for some seniors.

Winter snow removal prioritizes main roads only. Side streets where many seniors live become impassable for weeks.

You’re better off living somewhere with better municipal services and snow management.

19. Buffalo, Wyoming

Buffalo sits at the base of the Big Horn Mountains with about 4,400 people. The small size means limited social opportunities for retirees.

Mental health services are practically non-existent. Seniors dealing with depression or anxiety have nowhere to turn locally.

That’s why isolation and mental health issues become serious problems for aging residents.

20. Thermopolis, Wyoming

Thermopolis claims the world’s largest hot springs with about 2,900 people. The tiny population means virtually no senior-specific services.

Medical care consists of one small clinic. Emergency situations require helicopter transport to distant hospitals.

But here’s the deal – when every medical emergency becomes a life-or-death race against time, retirement loses its appeal.