Is Sheridan Safe, Pros and cons of living in Sheridan
Sheridan, Wyoming, offers a unique blend of Western charm and growing opportunity, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a change of pace. Nestled in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, this city provides a gateway to stunning natural landscapes while fostering a close-knit community atmosphere.
The city boasts a rich history, evident in its well-preserved downtown and its ongoing commitment to preserving its heritage. Sheridan is a place where outdoor enthusiasts can thrive, with ample access to hiking, fishing, and skiing, complemented by a cultural scene that includes local theaters, art galleries, and historical sites.
Is it Safe to Live in Sheridan?
Sheridan generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are lower than the national average. The overall crime rate is approximately 47% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes are particularly low, standing at 62% below the national average (according to AreaVibes).
While the west side of Sheridan is considered particularly safe, residents generally have a low chance of being a victim of crime. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Sheridan is about 1 in 89 (according to AreaVibes). This safety profile contributes to Sheridan’s appeal as a place to settle down.
Cost of Living and Housing
Housing Costs
The housing market in Sheridan offers a stable price environment. The median listing price for homes in the 82801 zip code is $425,000 (according to realtor.com®). The median home value in Sheridan, Wyoming, is $432,885, showing a slight increase over the past year (according to Zillow).
For those considering renting, the median rent in Sheridan stands at $1,700 per month (according to realtor.com®). The average rent for all property types in Sheridan, WY, is also reported as $1,700 (according to Apartments.com). This indicates a relatively consistent rental market.
Cost of Living Overview
Sheridan’s cost of living is generally considered to be around the national average, with some sources indicating it is slightly higher. One analysis places the cost of living index at 104, which is 4% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, another source suggests that living costs in Sheridan are 0% lower than the U.S. national average (according to Salary.com).
When comparing to the state average, Sheridan is 5% higher than the Wyoming average (according to AreaVibes). Housing expenses are notably higher, with Sheridan’s housing costs being 16% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Conversely, Wyoming has no state income tax, which can offset some living expenses (according to Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Sheridan’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries. Key employers include Sheridan County School District #1 and the Sheridan VA Medical Center, which historically employed over 500 people (according to Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce). Sheridan Memorial Hospital and Northern Wyoming Community College District are also significant employers in the area.
Other notable companies providing employment opportunities include Walmart, FedEx, and UPS (according to Indeed.com). The healthcare and social assistance sector is a major employer, along with construction and educational services (according to Data USA).
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Sheridan, Wyoming, was 4.30% as of May 2026 (according to YCharts). This rate is slightly higher than the state’s seasonally adjusted rate of 3.6% for February 2026 (according to Wyoming Department of Workforce Services). The long-term average unemployment rate for Sheridan is approximately 4.55%.
The average salary in Sheridan is around $58,916 annually, equating to about $28.32 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). However, other sources report a median household income in Sheridan, WY, of $63,694 (according to Livability.com) and an income per capita of $28,249 (according to Areavibes).
Climate and Weather
Temperatures and Seasons
Sheridan experiences a climate with four distinct seasons, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The average temperature ranges from a low of 11°F in December to a high of 89°F in July (according to Livability.com). Over the course of the year, temperatures typically vary from 14°F to 89°F and are rarely below -7°F or above 98°F (according to weather.com).
Summers are short, hot, dry, and mostly clear, with average daily high temperatures above 78°F from June to September. Winters are freezing, snowy, windy, and partly cloudy, with average daily high temperatures below 45°F from November to March. The coldest month is December, with an average low of 16°F and a high of 36°F.
Precipitation
Sheridan receives an average annual precipitation of about 15 to 16 inches (according to Livability.com and weather.com). Most of this precipitation falls as snow, with an average annual snowfall of approximately 69 inches (according to Livability.com).
The wettest month is typically May, with an average monthly precipitation of around 3 inches (according to weather.com). January sees the least amount of rain, with an average of 0.1 inches (according to weather.com). Snowfall is most prominent from January to March, with monthly averages often exceeding 4 inches.
Education and Schools
School Ratings and Performance
Sheridan, Wyoming, is served by Sheridan County School District #2, which is recognized as a high-performing district. Schools in Sheridan generally perform above state averages, with high spending per student and low student-teacher ratios (according to SchoolDigger.com). The district is ranked 5th out of 43 districts in the state and holds a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.com.
Sheridan public schools show strong proficiency scores, with an average math proficiency of 69% and a reading proficiency of 69% (according to Niche). These scores are notably higher than the Wyoming public school averages of 49% for math and 53% for reading. Sheridan High School has also received recognition, being ranked as the number 1 high school in Wyoming by U.S. News and World Report.
Student Demographics and Enrollment
Sheridan’s public school system educates approximately 3,449 students across 11 public schools (according to Niche). Minority enrollment in Sheridan schools is about 14% of the student body, which is less than the Wyoming public school average (according to Niche). The student population is skewed towards women, with more female students than male students in higher education institutions within Sheridan (according to Data USA).
Demographics
Population and Age Distribution
Sheridan, WY, is home to approximately 19,300 residents (according to Data USA). The population is currently growing at an annual rate of about 1.3% (according to Sheridan, WY Population 2026). The median age in Sheridan is 39.1 years, with a slightly higher median age for females at 39.2 years and males at 38.9 years (according to Sheridan, WY Population 2026).
The age distribution shows about 19.2% of the population are children under 15, while 20% are 65 or older (according to Point2Homes). Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.4% of the population, with another 22.4% in the 45 to 64 bracket.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Sheridan is predominantly White, with approximately 88.8% of locals identifying as Caucasian (according to Point2Homes). Other racial groups include African American (1%), Asian (1.5%), and those identifying with two or more races (5.1%).
Hispanic or Latino residents constitute about 6.49% of the population in Sheridan (according to Data USA). The majority of Sheridan County residents are White (Non-Hispanic), making up about 45.3 times more than any other race or ethnicity (according to Data USA).