Is Cheyenne Safe, Pros and cons of living in Cheyenne

Cheyenne, Wyoming, offers a unique blend of Western heritage and modern amenities, making it an appealing place for those seeking a change of pace. As the state capital and most populous city in Wyoming, it serves as a significant hub for government, transportation, and emerging industries.

The city’s economy is anchored by sectors such as government services, transportation, and military operations, notably F.E. Warren Air Force Base. Additionally, Cheyenne is experiencing growth in areas like data centers and renewable energy, attracting major employers such as Microsoft and Meta. This diverse economic landscape provides a range of employment opportunities for its residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Cheyenne?

Cheyenne’s overall crime rate is reported to be higher than the national average, with figures indicating it is 57% higher per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). However, within the city, safety can vary by neighborhood, with the northeast generally considered the safest (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Cheyenne ranges from 1 in 27 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 60 in the northeast (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Recent data from the Cheyenne Police Department indicates a decrease in overall crime, with a 15% reduction citywide between January 1 and June 30, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024 (as reported by the Cheyenne Police Department). This trend follows a 20% decrease in overall crime in 2024 (as reported by the Cheyenne Police Department). While property crimes and crimes against society have seen significant decreases, crimes against persons, such as simple assault, have seen a slight increase (as reported by the Cheyenne Police Department).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Cheyenne presents a balanced picture for both buyers and renters. The median listing price for a home is approximately $459,900 (as reported by Redfin), while the median sale price was $365,000 in March 2026, an increase of 4.3% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

For renters, the median monthly rent in Cheyenne is around $1,500 (as reported by Zillow), which is lower than the national average rent. The average rent for all bedrooms and property types is $1,500, with a month-over-month change of +$1 (as reported by Zillow). The rental market shows sustained demand, with year-over-year median rent change of 7.14% (as reported by Redfin).

Job Market and Major Employers

Cheyenne’s job market is bolstered by a mix of government, military, and private sector employment. Major employers include F.E. Warren Air Force Base, the State of Wyoming, and Laramie County School District #1 (as reported by KGAB). Other significant employers include federal government services and Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (as reported by KGAB).

Emerging industries are also contributing to job growth. Companies like Microsoft and Meta have established a presence in Cheyenne, focusing on data centers and technology (as reported by Southeast Wyoming). Hewlett Packard Enterprise and University of Colorado Health are also noted as significant employers, offering various opportunities in the tech and healthcare sectors (as reported by InHerSight).

Cost of Living

Cheyenne’s overall cost of living is comparable to the national average, with some variations in specific categories. Housing expenses are slightly higher than the national average, while utility prices are lower (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs, such as gas prices, are also slightly lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

When considering a move, a single adult with no dependents would need to aim for a salary around $75,000 before taxes to live comfortably in Cheyenne (as reported by Apartments.com). This estimate includes projected annual costs for housing, groceries, and general goods and services.

Climate and Weather

Cheyenne experiences a cold semi-arid climate with distinct seasons. Winters are cold and can be long, with average high temperatures around 27.7 °F (−2.4 °C), and lows dipping to 0 °F (−18 °C) on several mornings per year (as reported by Wikipedia). Chinook winds can occasionally bring warmer conditions during winter months.

Summers are warm, with July averaging a high of 69.4 °F (20.8 °C), and highs reaching 90 °F (32 °C) on about twelve afternoons annually (as reported by Wikipedia). The city receives an average of 15.9 inches of precipitation annually, primarily concentrated from May to August (as reported by Wikipedia). Average annual snowfall is around 58 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Education and Schools

Cheyenne is served by Laramie County School District No. 1, which educates over 13,500 students across numerous schools (as reported by Niche). The district has an overall Niche grade of B- (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 41% of students are proficient in math and 47% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Among the district’s schools, Triumph High School has a rating of 4.31 out of 5 (as reported by Niche), and South High School has a rating of 3.94 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Poder Academy Secondary School also serves students in the district (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Cheyenne is home to approximately 65,239 residents, making it the most populated city in Wyoming (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is predominantly White, accounting for about 79.8%, followed by Hispanic at 16.8% (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Cheyenne is 39 years old (as reported by Point2Homes).

The median household income in Cheyenne was $78,839 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes), with a poverty rate of 5.4% for families (as reported by Point2Homes). Approximately 98.7% of residents are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).