Is Cody Safe, Pros and cons of living in Cody
Cody, Wyoming, nestled in the Bighorn Basin and often called the “Rodeo Capital of the World,” offers a unique blend of Western heritage and natural beauty. Its proximity to Yellowstone National Park makes it a popular destination for tourists, but it also serves as a home for those seeking a life connected to the outdoors and a strong sense of community. This guide explores the various facets of living in Cody, from safety and cost of living to job opportunities and local amenities.
The city’s identity is deeply intertwined with its history, particularly its connection to Buffalo Bill Cody, who played a significant role in its founding. This legacy is celebrated through numerous events and attractions, contributing to a distinct cultural atmosphere. Understanding the practical aspects of life in Cody is essential for anyone considering a move to this charming Wyoming city.
Is it Safe to Live in Cody?
Cody generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average. In recent reports, the overall crime rate in Cody was found to be 56% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes, which include offenses like murder, rape, robbery, and assault, are also considerably lower, with a rate 54% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Property crimes, such as theft and burglary, also show a favorable trend, being 56.5% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a community where residents can feel secure in their daily lives. The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Cody is approximately 1 in 108 (as reported by AreaVibes), indicating a relatively low risk.
While the overall crime rate is low, it’s worth noting that some analyses indicate that violent crime in Cody occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of similar population sizes across America when looking at specific metrics (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, the chance of being a victim of violent crime is still low, with a rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates in Cody are about average for cities of all sizes in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Costs and Market Trends
The housing market in Cody presents a median listing price of approximately $554,500 (as reported by Realtor.com). This figure indicates a significant investment for potential homeowners. The median monthly rent in Cody is around $1,700 (as reported by Zillow), offering an alternative for those not ready to purchase a home.
Year-over-year, sale prices have seen a slight decrease of -6.41%, suggesting a potentially more favorable market for buyers or a stabilization after previous growth (as reported by Realtor.com). The number of homes for sale is currently 178, providing buyers with a reasonable selection of properties (as reported by Realtor.com).
The rental market shows a month-over-month change in median rent of -1.45%, indicating a slight decrease or stabilization in rental prices (as reported by Realtor.com). There are currently 5 active rental listings, signaling a tight supply for renters and potentially heightened competition (as reported by Realtor.com).
Economic Landscape and Employment
The average annual salary in Cody, Wyoming, is approximately $46,000, or an hourly rate of $22.12 (as reported by Zippia). This figure provides a benchmark for earning potential within the city. The minimum wage in Cody is $7.25 per hour, aligning with the federal minimum wage (as reported by Zippia).
Major employers in Cody contribute significantly to the local economy. These include entities such as Cody Regional Hospital, Park County School District #6, and various businesses associated with tourism and the oil and gas industry (as reported by the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce). The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is also a significant cultural and economic institution.
The unemployment rate in Wyoming has seen some fluctuations. As of February 2026, the state’s unemployment rate was 3.6% (as reported by USAFacts). This rate is generally considered healthy and indicates a stable job market within the state, which would extend to Cody.
Climate and Environment
Cody experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by significant temperature variations throughout the year. Summers are typically short, warm, dry, and mostly clear, with average daily high temperatures reaching into the mid-70s Fahrenheit (as reported by Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 83°F and lows of 57°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Winters in Cody are cold, snowy, and partly cloudy. The average daily high temperature in winter remains below 44°F, with December being the coldest month, averaging lows around 17°F and highs of 36°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The city enjoys approximately 300 days of sunshine annually (as reported by NOAA), contributing to its appeal.
Annual precipitation averages around 10.5 inches, with snowfall averaging 47.3 inches (as reported by NOAA). Wind is a frequent element in Cody, with average wind speeds often staying below 40 mph, though stronger gusts have been recorded (as reported by NOAA).
Education and School System
Cody is served by Park County School District No. 6, which is rated as an above-average public school district (as reported by Niche). The district serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
Cody High School, part of this district, has received a B- overall Niche grade, with specific strengths in clubs and activities, and sports (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that approximately 46% of students are proficient in math and 49% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Elementary schools in the district, such as Glenn Livingston Elementary, also receive positive ratings, with a B+ overall grade and a favorable student-teacher ratio (as reported by Niche). These educational institutions form a key part of the community’s infrastructure for families.
Demographics and Community Profile
As of the most recent census data, Cody has an estimated population of 10,276 residents (as reported by US Census Bureau). The population has seen a slight increase since the 2020 Census. The demographic makeup of Cody is predominantly White, accounting for approximately 88.9% of the population (as reported by US Census Bureau).
Other racial and ethnic groups include Hispanic (5.2%), Multiracial (3.5%), Native American/Other (1.6%), Black (0.4%), and Asian (0.4%) (as reported by US Census Bureau). Cody is considered less diverse than Wyoming overall (as reported by US Census Bureau).
The median age in Cody is around 42.3 years (as reported by World Population Review). The population distribution shows about 21.6% of residents under the age of 18 and 23.5% aged 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia). The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with slightly more males than females (as reported by World Population Review).
Cost of Living Considerations
The cost of living in Cody, WY, is generally considered to be lower than the national average. One source indicates that the average cost of living is approximately $1749 per month for an individual, positioning it among the more affordable cities in the United States (as reported by Living Cost). Another analysis suggests Cody is 11% less expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Housing costs are a significant factor, with median home values reported around $458,576 (as reported by Zillow). Monthly rent for a typical apartment is around $1,400 (as reported by Zumper), though other sources provide different figures, with an average rent of $1,700 (as reported by Zillow) and another suggesting $709 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
Wyoming itself is known for its tax-friendly environment, with no state income tax, which can significantly impact the overall cost of living and disposable income for residents (as reported by Salary.com).