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Wyoming Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Wyoming is a state in the Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It is bordered by Montana to the north and northwest, South Dakota and Nebraska to the east, Idaho to the west, Utah to the southwest, and Colorado to the south.
Wyoming is the least populous U.S. state and the 10th-largest state by land area. The state covers a total land area of 97,914 square miles (253,600 square kilometers) and has an average population density of about 6 people per square mile, making it the second least densely populated state in the United States.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Wyoming’s population in 2020 was 576,851 (0.57 million). As of July 1, 2024, the estimated population of Wyoming is 587,618, which is approximately 0.6 million residents.
👉 Projected Population of Wyoming (2026): ~595,000
Wyoming Population Growth (2010–2020)
Wyoming experienced slow population growth between 2010 and 2020, with a total growth rate of 2.3%. During this decade, the state added approximately 13,225 residents, reflecting modest but steady population change compared to other U.S. states.
The median age in Wyoming is about 36.8 years, indicating a relatively balanced age structure. In terms of gender distribution, the population is slightly male-heavy, with 48.9% females and 51.1% males.
Wyoming Census Snapshot (2020)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 576,851 |
| Percentage Change since 2010 | 2.3% |
| Population Rank | 50th |
| Total Land Area | 97,914 sq mi (253,600 km²) |
| Area Rank | 10th |
| Population Density | 5.97/sq mi (2.31/km²) |
| Capital City | Cheyenne |
| Largest City | Cheyenne |
Wyoming Historical Population
Wyoming’s population history reflects periods of rapid early settlement, followed by long phases of slow and uneven growth. The state saw explosive expansion in the late 19th century as railroads, mining, and ranching attracted settlers. Growth stabilized through the mid-20th century, with brief declines in the late 1980s due to economic slowdowns tied to energy and resource sectors. Between 2010 and 2020, Wyoming recorded modest growth of 2.3%, reinforcing its status as the least populous U.S. state.
Wyoming Decadal Population Change
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1870 | 9,118 | – |
| 1880 | 20,789 | 128.0% |
| 1890 | 62,555 | 200.9% |
| 1900 | 92,531 | 47.9% |
| 1910 | 145,965 | 57.7% |
| 1920 | 194,402 | 33.2% |
| 1930 | 225,565 | 16.0% |
| 1940 | 250,742 | 11.2% |
| 1950 | 290,529 | 15.9% |
| 1960 | 330,066 | 13.6% |
| 1970 | 332,416 | 0.7% |
| 1980 | 469,557 | 41.3% |
| 1990 | 453,588 | −3.4% |
| 2000 | 493,782 | 8.9% |
| 2010 | 563,626 | 14.1% |
| 2020 | 576,851 | 2.3% |
Wyoming Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations in Wyoming
Christianity is the majority religion in Wyoming, followed by 71% of the population. Among Christians, the largest denominations are Protestants (43%), Roman Catholics (14%), Mormons (9%), and Jehovah’s Witnesses (3%).
The Unaffiliated population makes up 26% of residents who do not follow any specific faith. Other non-Christian religions, including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and smaller faiths, collectively account for 3% of the population.
For more details read Religion in Wyoming.
Race and Ethnicity in Wyoming
In 2020, White alone (non-Hispanic) was the largest racial group, comprising 81.42% of Wyoming’s population. It is followed by Hispanic or Latino (10.24%), Two or more races (4.10%), American Indian (2.04%), and Asian (0.87%).
Ancestry in Wyoming
Based on census studies and estimates, the five largest ancestry groups in Wyoming are German, English, Irish, Norwegian, and American. These ancestries reflect the state’s settlement patterns and European migration history.
For more details read Race and Ethnicity in Wyoming.
Top cities and counties in Wyoming
As of 2022, Wyoming is divided into 23 counties. The most populous county is Laramie County with 100,512 residents, followed by Natrona County with 79,547 residents. The largest county by land area is Sweetwater County (10,426 sq mi).
The capital and largest city in Wyoming is Cheyenne, with a population of 65,132. Other major cities include Casper (59,038) and Gillette (33,403), reflecting the state’s key urban centers.
Wyoming’s cities and counties are sparsely populated overall, consistent with its ranking as the least densely populated state in the U.S.
For more details read Cities and Counties in Wyoming.
Wyoming Population FAQs
1. What is the population of Wyoming in 2026?
As of 2026, Wyoming is projected to have a population of approximately 598,000 people, making it the least populous U.S. state.
2. Which is the largest city in Wyoming?
The largest city in Wyoming is Cheyenne, with a population of around 65,132 residents. Casper and Gillette are the other major cities.
3. What is the population density of Wyoming?
Wyoming has an average population density of 6 people per square mile, making it the second-least densely populated state in the United States.
4. What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wyoming?
The largest racial group is White (non-Hispanic) at 81.42%, followed by Hispanic or Latino (10.24%), Two or more races (4.1%), American Indian (2.04%), and Asian (0.87%).
5. What are the major religions in Wyoming?
Christianity is the dominant religion (71%), with Protestants (43%), Roman Catholics (14%), and Mormons (9%). About 26% of the population is unaffiliated, and 3% follow other religions.
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