Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Red Desert, WY
Thinking of moving to Red Desert, WY? With a small, close-knit population of around 400, Red Desert offers affordable living with median home prices at $185,000 and average rents near $850. Enjoy a relaxed pace with short 21-minute commutes and low overall crime. The area features wide open spaces, plentiful sunshine (65% of days are sunny), and easy access to basic amenities in nearby towns. While local schools are limited, the peaceful rural lifestyle and Wyoming’s low taxes make Red Desert an appealing choice for those seeking tranquility and value.
Demographics - Red Desert, WY
Demographics - Red Desert, WY
Red Desert, WY is a small, close-knit community of about 400 residents with a median age of 41.2 years. The population is predominantly White, and the area has a slightly higher ratio of males to females. With low population density and a small percentage of non-English speakers, the town offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere.
Population:
400
Density:
6 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.3%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
6.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Red Desert, WY?
Red Desert boasts a cost of living index below the national average, with median home values at $185,000 and average rents around $850. Residents benefit from Wyoming’s 0% state income tax, making it an affordable option for those seeking value. Utilities and groceries are also comparatively budget-friendly, supporting a comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$375
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.1
Grocery:
96.3
Housing:
80.5
Utilities:
98.6
Transportation:
97.1
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
95.2
Crime
Is Red Desert, WY a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Red Desert are low, with a 1 in 500 chance of experiencing violent crime and property crime remaining infrequent. The town’s small size and close-knit community help maintain a safe environment for residents. This setting is ideal for those prioritizing peace of mind and security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
200
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,500
Crime Index:
1,700
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 500
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 67
Weather
What is the weather like in Red Desert, WY year-round?
The climate in Red Desert features cold winters with lows around 4°F and mild summers reaching up to 81°F. Residents enjoy 65% sunny days annually and low average rainfall of 8.8 inches, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are distinct, offering a full range of weather experiences.

Winter
Min:
4°F
Max:
29°F

Spring
Min:
23°F
Max:
52°F

Summer
Min:
44°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
27°F
Max:
57°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
8.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Households in Red Desert typically have a median income of $62,100, and the poverty rate is moderate at just over 10%. Most neighbors have completed high school, and the unemployment rate is low at 3.3%. The community values self-reliance and enjoys short, manageable commutes of about 21 minutes.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$62,100
Family Income:
$71,200
Per Capita Income:
$29,500
Income Male:
$45,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
10.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.6%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
21.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.7%
Bachelors or More:
17.8%
Education
How are the schools in Red Desert, WY?
Education in Red Desert is anchored by Wamsutter Elementary School, offering small class sizes and personalized attention. For higher education, Western Wyoming Community College is located 46 miles away in Rock Springs, expanding opportunities for local students. While local options are limited, regional resources are accessible for lifelong learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Wamsutter Elementary School
Street:
250 Tierney St, Wamsutter, WY 82336
Phone:
307-328-9270
Students:
45
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5

Colleges
Name:
Western Wyoming Community College
City:
Rock Springs
State:
WY
Distance:
46 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
Red Desert residents have access to essential healthcare services, including the nearby Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, with emergency care available. The area has a physician density of 1.8 per 1,000 residents and nearly 87% of people have health insurance. Healthcare is accessible, supporting the needs of a small rural population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County
Address:
1200 College Dr, Rock Springs, WY 82901
Phone:
(307) 362-3711
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.9%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Red Desert, WY?
The local housing market is stable, with a median home price of $185,000 and owner-occupancy rates over 74%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $850, and vacancy rates remain moderate. Home appreciation is steady, making Red Desert a solid choice for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services through the Wyoming Department of Transportation in Cheyenne, with comprehensive support and resources available online. The state DMV is well-organized, making it easy to manage driving and vehicle needs. Wyoming’s straightforward processes are a convenience for Red Desert locals.
State:
Wyoming
Department:
Wyoming Department of Transportation
Address:
5300 Bishop Blvd, Cheyenne, WY 82009
Phone:
307-777-4375
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.