Wyoming contains 23 counties, each with unique land area, population density, and administrative characteristics. Understanding these counties by number helps residents, researchers, and policymakers compare regional scale and governance structure across the state.
This overview organizes key details for quick reference, highlighting how county numbering, geography, and demographic factors align within the broader municipal framework of Wyoming.
| County Number | County Name | County Seat | 2023 Population Estimate | Land Area (sq mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albany | Laramie | 37,000 | 4,309 |
| 2 | Big Horn | Basin | 11,800 | 3,158 |
| 3 | Campbell | Gillette | 47,000 | 4,800 |
| 4 | Carbon | Rawlins | 14,800 | 7,898 |
| 5 | Converse | Douglas | 13,400 | 4,255 |
| 6 | Crook | Sundance | 7,700 | 2,851 |
| 7 | Fremont | Lander | 40,200 | 9,185 |
| 8 | Goshen | Torrington | 13,600 | 1,978 |
| 9 | Hot Springs | Thermopolis | 4,600 | 2,004 |
| 10 | Johnson | Buffalo | 8,600 | 4,167 |
| 11 | Laramie | Wheatland | 21,400 | 2,686 |
| 12 | Lincoln | Kemmerer | 19,200 | 4,095 |
| 13 | Natrona | Casper | 79,000 | 5,332 |
| 14 | Niobrara | Lusk | 2,400 | 2,627 |
| 15 | Park | Cody | 29,800 | 6,958 |
| 16 | Petroleum | Kemmerer | 1,100 | 1,070 |
| 17 | Platte | Wheatland | 8,600 | 2,084 |
| 18 | Sheridan | Sheridan | 30,700 | 2,529 |
| 19 | Sublette | Pinedale | 8,800 | 9,978 |
| 20 | Sweetwater | Rock Springs | 43,500 | 10,472 |
| 21 | Teton | Jackson | 24,600 | 4,211 |
| 22 | Uinta | Evanston | 20,500 | 2,071 |
| 23 | Washakie | Worland | 7,600 | 2,240 |
County Numbering System in Wyoming
Wyoming assigned county numbers sequentially as it organized local government, generally reflecting historical order of establishment and geographic progression. This system shapes administrative identity and is useful for indexing records, GIS datasets, and public services. The numbering aligns with state-level databases and simplifies cross referencing in official documents.
Geographic Distribution Across the State
Counties vary widely in size and population, from the expansive yet sparsely populated Niobrara to the compact and urban Natrona. Larger counties in the west and north often contain extensive public land, while central and southern counties support more concentrated settlement. Geographic context influences economic activity, infrastructure planning, and service delivery across the state.
Population and Governance Considerations
Population density directly affects county governance, budgeting, and service provision. Counties with small populations rely on intermunicipal cooperation and state resources, while more populous counties can maintain extensive local departments. Understanding these dynamics helps residents engage with local policy and officials effectively.
Historical Evolution of County Boundaries
Wyoming’s county map has evolved through partition, annexation, and creation of new jurisdictions, often driven by settlement patterns and transportation corridors. Some early counties were subdivided to improve accessibility and responsiveness, while others remained unchanged to preserve historical continuity. Tracking these changes is essential for genealogical research and land title investigations.
Key Takeaways on Wyoming Counties by Number
- Wyoming has 23 counties, each uniquely numbered from 1 to 23.
- County numbers support consistent identification across government and research systems.
- Size, population, and economic activity vary significantly by county number.
- Historical boundary changes can affect geography while the number remains fixed.
- Understanding county numbers aids navigation of public records and planning.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why are Wyoming counties assigned numbers instead of names alone?
Wyoming counties are assigned numbers to provide a consistent, unambiguous reference in databases, legal documents, and geographic information systems. The numbering reduces confusion when multiple counties share similar names and supports efficient data management across state agencies.
How does county number relate to the date of creation?
There is a loose correlation between county number and date of creation, as many earlier organized counties received lower numbers. However, later formations were not always assigned higher numbers due to administrative decisions, revisions, and consolidations over time.
Can county boundaries change after numbering is assigned?
Yes, county boundaries can be modified through legislative action to accommodate population shifts, resource management, or judicial rulings. When boundaries change, the county number typically remains the same to preserve historical and administrative continuity in records.
What practical resources use county numbers in Wyoming?
County numbers appear in GIS layers, state and federal datasets, vehicle registration codes, court case indexing, emergency management planning, and statistical reporting. They serve as a stable identifier that complements but does not replace full county names.