A-

Overall2.8kPopulation

Explore Map ↗

A-

ReloScore

2.8kPopulation

Photo: Wikipedia

Kemmerer, WY

Summary

Kemmerer, Wyoming, is a small, tight-knit community of 2,788 residents that serves as the commercial hub of the remote southwestern part of the state. Known historically as the birthplace of J.C. Penney and the home of the world's largest open-pit coal mine, the town offers a quiet, affordable lifestyle for those seeking a slower pace and wide-open spaces. The kind of person who moves here values self-reliance, outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community, often trading urban amenities for low crime, low housing costs, and direct access to public lands.

Who lives in Kemmerer: Population trends and community character

Kemmerer's population has remained remarkably stable over the past decade, hovering around 2,700 to 2,800 residents with no dramatic swings. The median age of 40.6 is slightly older than the national average, reflecting a community where many residents have deep roots and families have lived for generations. The town is notably homogeneous, with a foreign-born population of just 1.1%, and the demographic profile is overwhelmingly White, non-Hispanic. About 27.4% of adults hold a college degree, a figure that trails state and national averages but aligns with the area's blue-collar, resource-extraction economy. The population is not experiencing any significant influx or decline from any specific racial or ethnic group; the community's composition has been stable for decades. This stability creates a strong sense of continuity, where neighbors know each other and civic life revolves around local schools, churches, and the annual Fossil Festival. The population trajectory is best described as flat, with no major growth drivers or contraction pressures beyond the cyclical nature of the mining industry.

Economy and cost of living: How far a paycheck goes in Kemmerer

The local economy is dominated by energy and natural resources, with the Kemmerer Mine (a coal operation) and the nearby Naughton Power Plant serving as the largest employers. TerraPower, the nuclear innovation company backed by Bill Gates, is building a next-generation Natrium reactor at the Naughton site, which is expected to bring construction jobs and long-term operational positions starting in the late 2020s. Other major employers include the Lincoln County School District, the U.S. Forest Service, and the local hospital. The median household income of $74,375 is solid for a rural Wyoming town, and it stretches considerably further here than in most of the country. The median home value of $173,100 is roughly half the national median, and the median rent of $739 is exceptionally affordable. With a homeownership rate of 74.2%, Kemmerer is a place where a single-income household or a young family can realistically buy a home. Compared to nearby towns like Evanston or Rock Springs, housing is slightly cheaper, though job opportunities are more concentrated in mining and energy. The cost of living overall is about 15-20% below the national average, with utilities and groceries being the main expenses that run close to national norms due to the remote location.

Daily life and safety: What it's really like to live in Kemmerer

Daily life in Kemmerer is defined by its small-town character and access to the outdoors. The town has a walkable downtown core along Pine Avenue, with a grocery store, pharmacy, hardware store, and a handful of local restaurants and cafes. For major shopping or entertainment, residents drive about 50 miles to Rock Springs or 90 miles to Logan, Utah. The violent crime rate of 170 per 100,000 is notably lower than the national average and comparable to other rural Wyoming towns, making it a safe environment for families. Property crime is also low, and most residents report feeling comfortable leaving doors unlocked. The local school system, Lincoln County School District #1, serves about 1,100 students across an elementary, middle, and high school, with class sizes averaging 15-20 students. Outdoor recreation is the primary amenity: the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Hams Fork River, and the Wyoming Range are minutes away for hunting, fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling. Winters are long and cold, with average January highs around 25°F and significant snowfall, which limits outdoor activity for several months. The town has a small hospital, a public library, and a community pool, but lacks a movie theater, gym, or any nightlife. For families, the appeal is the safety, affordability, and the ability for children to roam freely; for single adults, the social scene is limited and revolves around church, work, and outdoor groups.

Looking ahead, Kemmerer stands at a crossroads. The TerraPower nuclear project represents the most significant economic development in the region in decades, with the potential to bring hundreds of high-paying jobs and stabilize the local economy as coal declines. However, the town's remote location and harsh winters will always limit its appeal to those who value convenience and mild weather. The ideal resident is someone who prioritizes financial freedom, safety, and outdoor solitude over urban amenities and career diversity. Kemmerer is not for everyone, but for the right person—especially a conservative-leaning individual or family seeking a low-cost, low-crime, high-autonomy lifestyle—it offers a quality of life that is increasingly rare in modern America.

ReloMaps Score8/10

A-

HousingHousing Affordability10/10

Affordable: 2.3x income

Population Density9/10

Open: 349/sq mi

AirAir Quality10/10

Great: 31 AQI

HealthcareHealthcare Access8/10

Excellent

StabilityPopulation Stability9/10

Stable

CostCost of Living10/10

Affordable: 63 index

Economic Opportunity5/10

Stable: $74k median

Job Market9/10

Strong: 2.9% unemployment

Wealth Floor6/10

Good

Taxes8/10

Friendly: 7.5% burden

Crime & Safety7/10

Safe

TrafficTraffic Safety1/10

Dangerous

Education4/10

Average

DegreedPopulation Education Level1/10

Low: 27% degreed

HomesteadingHomesteading Potential5/10

Workable

WaterTap Water1/10

Poor

National DisasterNational Disaster Risk5/10

Moderate

Power Grid9/10

Reliable: ~116 min/yr

Find The Best Places To Live
in Kemmerer

PRO TIP! You can paste a Zillow or Redfin link to get info on that property.

What It's Like Living in Kemmerer, WY

Kemmerer, Wyoming, feels like a place that time hasn’t forgotten, but in a good way—a working town where people still wave from their trucks and the high school football game is the main event on a Friday night. With just under 2,800 residents, it’s small enough that you’ll know your neighbors by name, but big enough to have a real grocery store and a solid diner. The vibe is straightforward: people here are self-reliant, outdoorsy, and value quiet over constant stimulation.

Daily Rhythm: What People Actually Do

Most mornings start early in Kemmerer, often with a coffee from the Subway or the Fossil Fuel gas station—there’s no Starbucks, and nobody misses it. The biggest employer by far is the Kemmerer Mine (a coal operation), along with the nearby Naughton Power Plant, so a lot of folks work shifts in mining or energy. The average commute is just over 18 minutes, which means you’re home for dinner, not stuck in traffic. After work, weekends are spent on practical hobbies: hunting, fishing on the Hams Fork River, or tinkering in the garage. People shop at the local Ridley’s Family Market or drive 45 minutes to Evanston for a Walmart run. The median household income is $74,375, which goes a long way here—the cost of living index is 63, well below the national average of 100.

Sports, Community, and the High School Anchor

There are no pro sports teams in Kemmerer, and nobody expects them. The town rallies around Kemmerer High School athletics, especially football and wrestling. The Kemmerer Rangers are a genuine source of pride—home games pack the bleachers, and the whole town shuts down for the homecoming parade. Youth sports are big, too, with Little League and soccer keeping kids busy. The median age here is 40.6, so you’ll find a mix of young families and empty-nesters. The kind of person who fits in is someone who doesn’t need a nightclub scene—they’d rather be at a bonfire or a high school basketball game on a Tuesday night.

What’s There to Do: Festivals, Eats, and the Outdoors

Entertainment is low-key but authentic. The biggest annual event is Oyster Ridge Music Festival in July, which brings bluegrass and folk acts to the town park—it’s a weekend where everyone camps out and the whole place feels alive. For a night out, locals hit The Pines Bar or Bubba’s Bar & Grill for a burger and a beer. The Fossil Country Museum is a quirky gem, showcasing the area’s paleontology history (Kemmerer sits near the famous Green River Formation fossil beds). Outdoor access is the real draw: the Bridger-Teton National Forest is a short drive, offering hiking, snowmobiling, and elk hunting. The downside? There’s no movie theater, no bowling alley, and the nearest Target is over an hour away. If you need constant urban amenities, this isn’t the place.

Pros and Cons of Living Here

Pro: Affordability. The median home value is $173,100, and with a cost of living index of 63, your paycheck stretches further than almost anywhere else in the country.
Pro: Low crime. The violent crime rate is 170 per 100,000, well below the national average—people rarely lock their doors.
Pro: Community feel. Neighbors help each other, and the schools are the social hub. About 27.4% of adults have a college degree, so you’ll find a mix of blue-collar and white-collar families.
Con: Isolation. The closest city of any size is Rock Springs (45 minutes), and Salt Lake City is a 2.5-hour drive. Medical specialists and shopping require a road trip.
Con: Harsh winters. Snow piles up from November through March, and the wind can be brutal. If you don’t like shoveling, this will wear on you.
Con: Limited job diversity. Mining and energy dominate; if you’re not in those fields, options are slim unless you work remotely or commute.

Cultural Quirks and Practical Realities

Kemmerer has a distinct identity tied to its coal-mining history and its status as the birthplace of J.C. Penney (the founder opened his first store here in 1902). The town is proud of that legacy, and you’ll see it in the historic downtown architecture. Traffic is a non-issue—you might wait behind a tractor on the main drag, but that’s about it. The schools are small but tight-knit, and they serve as the community’s living room for events like craft fairs and holiday concerts. Seasonal rhythms are pronounced: summer is a burst of fishing and camping, while winter is for staying in or hitting the slopes at Beaver Mountain (an hour away). The kind of person who thrives here is someone who values quiet, space, and self-sufficiency—and doesn’t mind driving an hour for a sit-down restaurant that isn’t a diner.