Wyoming State Facts & Information

Wyoming's population reached 587,618 in July 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. This represents an increase of 2,551 residents (0.4%) from July 2023. Wyoming is the least populous state in the nation despite being the tenth-largest by area, giving it the second-lowest population density after Alaska. Since the 2020 Census, Wyoming has gained 10,774 residents (1.9%), ranking 26th nationally in population growth.

Mark Gordon, a Republican, is serving as Wyoming's 33rd Governor since January 7, 2019. First elected in 2018, he was re-elected on November 8, 2022, with an historic 79% of the vote - the largest win of any gubernatorial candidate in Wyoming history and the largest margin of any gubernatorial candidate in the nation in 2022. Prior to becoming governor, Gordon served as State Treasurer and ran several businesses focused on outdoor recreation and tourism.

Wyoming's nominal GDP in 2024 is approximately $51.5 billion, with a real GDP (inflation-adjusted) of $40.5 billion. The state's GDP per capita is $68,950, ranking 16th highest among all states - comparable to Maryland and New Hampshire. Despite having one of the smallest economies by total GDP, Wyoming's high per capita GDP reflects its small population and resource-rich economy. Key industries include energy production, mining, agriculture, and tourism.

Wyoming earned the nickname "The Equality State" because it was the first territory in the United States to grant women the right to vote in 1869 - a monumental step forward for gender equality, occurring more than 50 years before the 19th Amendment granted women's suffrage nationally. This pioneering commitment to equal rights is reflected in the state motto "Equal Rights" and remains a source of pride for Wyoming residents.

Wyoming is known as the "Cowboy State" due to its rich western heritage and enduring legacy of ranching and cattle drives. The state's wide-open spaces, cattle ranches, and rodeo culture embody the classic American West. Wyoming's cowboy culture remains vibrant today, with working ranches, authentic rodeos, and western traditions continuing as important parts of the state's economy and identity.

Wyoming became the 44th state to join the Union on July 10, 1890. Before achieving statehood, Wyoming Territory made history by granting women the right to vote in 1869 and allowing women to serve on juries. The first female justice of the peace in the United States, Esther Hobart Morris, served in South Pass City, Wyoming. These progressive actions set Wyoming apart as a leader in civil rights during the territorial era.

Wyoming's population growth in 2024 is primarily driven by net migration, with 2,146 more people moving into the state than moving out between July 2023 and July 2024. Natural population change (births minus deaths) contributed 403 people. This marks the fourth consecutive year of population growth. However, Wyoming's 0.4% growth rate was slower than all neighboring states, ranking as the seventh lowest growth rate in the country for 2024.

Wyoming's economy is heavily driven by natural resource extraction, particularly energy production including coal, natural gas, and oil, as well as minerals like trona. Agriculture, especially cattle ranching, remains significant. Tourism is increasingly important, driven by attractions like Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. The information industry has shown remarkable growth, with 2024 GDP reaching 1.7 times its 2014 level. Governor Gordon has led efforts to diversify the economy into technology, finance, research, and outdoor recreation.