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Quality of Life in Lovell, WY
A livable area that tracks near national norms for affordability, walkability, and neighborhood health.
What does Quality of Life tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
What does this tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
Cost of Living
34% below national average
The Real Cost of Living in Lovell, WY for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $11k | $21k |
| Comfortable | $41k | $60k |
| Luxury | $105k+ | $163k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $124k+ | $192k+ |
102%
The Area Signal
A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.
Limited data for this area
Limited data for this area
Hobbies
Explore the areaGroceries
0 within 10 miles
Gas
0 within 10 miles
Hospital
2 within 20 miles
Airport
SLC — Salt Lake City International
Post Office
Critical Amenities
Quality-of-Life Analysis
Lovell, Wyoming, presents a notably affordable quality of life in the northern Big Horn Basin, with a cost of living index of 66—34 percent below the national average—making it one of the more budget-friendly communities in the state. The area attracts a mix of agricultural families, retirees seeking quiet, and workers in energy or tourism who commute to nearby Cody or Powell. Median household incomes here tend to be lower than the state average, reflecting the rural economy, but the low housing costs and short commutes offset this for many residents.
Cost of living, housing affordability, and how Lovell compares to nearby towns
Lovell’s housing market is a standout draw: the median home value sits at $211,500, roughly half the national median, while the median rent is just $690 per month. This affordability is significantly better than in Cody (median home value around $380,000) or Powell ($310,000), making Lovell a practical choice for first-time buyers or those on fixed incomes. The average commute of 18.5 minutes is short by any standard, keeping transportation costs low and freeing up time for family or recreation. Utility and grocery costs also track below the national average, though residents pay slightly more for healthcare due to the rural location. Property taxes in Big Horn County are among the lowest in Wyoming, further enhancing the financial appeal.
Local amenities, schools, and the daily rhythm of life in Lovell
Daily life in Lovell revolves around a compact downtown with a grocery store, pharmacy, and a handful of local eateries and shops. The Big Horn County School District #2 serves the area, with Lovell Elementary and Lovell High School both receiving average-to-good ratings from state assessments; class sizes are small, and extracurriculars like FFA and rodeo are popular. For broader shopping, dining, or medical services, residents drive 30 minutes to Cody or 45 minutes to Powell. The town’s proximity to the Big Horn Mountains and the Shoshone National Forest means outdoor recreation—hiking, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling—is a central part of the rhythm. Community events like the Lovell Rodeo and the annual Corn Festival reinforce a tight-knit, neighborly atmosphere where many families have lived for generations.
Lovell is best suited for people who prioritize low housing costs, a slow pace, and easy access to nature over urban amenities or career diversity. Retirees, remote workers with stable incomes, and families in agriculture or trades will find the affordability and short commutes especially attractive. Those seeking nightlife, high-end dining, or a wide job market should look to Cody or Billings, Montana, about 90 minutes north. For anyone comfortable with a quiet, rural lifestyle and a strong sense of community, Lovell offers a quality of life that is both economical and grounded.
Crime in Lovell, WY
Generally safer than 72% of comparable U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Crime Analysis
Lovell, Wyoming, is a relatively safe small town where violent crime rates are well below national averages, though property crime occurs at a rate that warrants standard precautions. With a population of just over 2,200, Lovell reports a violent crime rate of 170 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,006.2 per 100,000. These figures place Lovell in a favorable position compared to many communities across the United States, particularly for violent offenses.
Crime in context
Lovell’s violent crime rate of 170 per 100,000 is roughly half the national average of 380 per 100,000, reflecting the town’s rural character and close-knit community. Property crime, however, sits at 1,006.2 per 100,000, which is below the national average of approximately 1,950 per 100,000 but still a notable concern for residents. Compared to the state of Wyoming, which reports a violent crime rate of about 230 per 100,000 and a property crime rate near 1,700 per 100,000, Lovell performs better on both metrics. The town’s law enforcement, the Lovell Police Department, maintains a visible presence, and the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office provides additional coverage for outlying areas. Wyoming’s judicial system, which generally takes a conservative approach to sentencing, contributes to lower recidivism rates than in many progressive jurisdictions, where lenient policies can lead to more offenders returning to the streets.
What residents experience
Residents of Lovell typically report feeling safe walking downtown and letting children play in neighborhoods. The most common property crimes are theft from vehicles and occasional burglaries, often targeting unlocked homes or sheds. Violent incidents are rare and usually involve individuals who know each other, rather than random attacks on strangers. The town’s low population density and strong social ties mean that suspicious activity is quickly reported, and neighbors look out for one another. Unlike larger metropolitan areas where progressive district attorneys may deprioritize property crimes or reduce charges, Lovell’s local prosecutors consistently pursue cases, reinforcing accountability and deterrence.
Neighborhood-level variation in Lovell is minimal due to the town’s small size. The area around Main Street and the older residential sections near the Big Horn River see slightly higher foot traffic and, consequently, a few more reports of petty theft. Newer subdivisions on the outskirts, such as those near the Lovell High School, experience even lower crime rates. Overall, Lovell offers a secure environment where proactive community engagement and a traditional justice system keep crime in check, making it an attractive option for families and retirees seeking a peaceful Wyoming lifestyle.
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-21T11:21:31.000Z
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