Cost of Living in Rawlins, WY
Population 8,217 · Wyoming · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rawlins offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $206,000 — costs less than 2.9 times median household income of $69,912, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Rawlins lies roughly 140 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Fort Collins — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 62% lower than Fort Collins' $548,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rawlins
The median home value in Rawlins is $205,900 — 32% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $833/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,912/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Wyoming charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 56.2°F and lows of 30.0°F. Overall, Rawlins has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% less expensive.
Rawlins has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 34 | 45 | 54 | 64 | 77 | 85 | 83 | 72 | 57 | 42 | 31 |
| Low °F | 13 | 15 | 22 | 27 | 36 | 43 | 51 | 49 | 41 | 30 | 21 | 13 |
| Precip" | 0.42 | 0.48 | 0.66 | 1.26 | 1.46 | 0.87 | 0.72 | 0.73 | 0.89 | 0.68 | 0.47 | 0.40 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rawlins, WY?
Rawlins has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rawlins, WY?
The median gross rent in Rawlins is $833 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rawlins?
The median home value in Rawlins is $205,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rawlins?
The median household income in Rawlins is $69,912 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rawlins, WY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rawlins is 5.3%. Wyoming has no state income tax.
Is Rawlins, WY affordable?
Yes, Rawlins is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Rawlins?
Rawlins has average high temperatures of 56.2°F and average lows of 30.0°F. Annual precipitation is 9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rawlins at a Glance
- Population
- 8,217
- Median Income
- $69,912
- Home Value
- $205,900
- Median Rent
- $833/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Wyoming Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs