Is Rawlins Safe, Pros and cons of living in Rawlins
Rawlins, Wyoming, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and frontier history, nestled against the backdrop of the vast Wyoming landscape. This city provides a glimpse into the American West, with a focus on community and outdoor access. It’s a place where the past is palpable, from its historic architecture to its enduring connection to the rugged natural environment.
The cost of living in Rawlins is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. This economic accessibility is complemented by a community that values its heritage and natural surroundings. Residents can enjoy a slower pace of life while still having access to essential services and recreational opportunities. The city’s character is deeply intertwined with its history and the surrounding natural beauty.
Is it Safe to Live in Rawlins?
Rawlins presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant attention. The overall crime rate in Rawlins is reported to be higher than the national average (according to NeighborhoodScout). However, when comparing Rawlins to other communities of similar population size, its combined violent and property crime rate is notably higher than average (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Violent crime in Rawlins occurs at a rate higher than in most communities across America, with a chance of becoming a victim of violent crime at approximately 1 in 497 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime also presents a concern, with a chance of becoming a victim of property crime at 1 in 92 (according to NeighborhoodScout). While some sources indicate crime rates are lower than the national average, other analyses suggest they are higher, particularly when compared to similar-sized towns (according to AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout).
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Market Overview
Rawlins’ housing market is characterized by affordability compared to national averages. The median listing price for a home in Rawlins is approximately $221,000 (according to Realtor.com). This figure is supported by other data, which shows a median home value around $214,736 (according to Livability.com) and a median sale price of $210,000 (according to Redfin).
Rental options in Rawlins also reflect this affordability. The median rent for an apartment in Rawlins is around $776 per month (according to Realtor.com). Other sources indicate an average rent of $741 per month (according to Apartments.com) or $771 per month (according to Zillow). This makes renting in Rawlins a more accessible option for many individuals and families.
Cost of Living Insights
The overall cost of living in Rawlins is generally lower than both the national average and the average for Wyoming. Rawlins is approximately 18% less expensive than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This lower cost extends to housing, which is reported to be significantly less expensive than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute and AreaVibes).
However, some expenses, such as food costs, can be less affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Wyoming as a state offers tax advantages, including no state income tax, which can contribute to a lower overall financial burden for residents (according to Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers and Industries
Rawlins’ economy is supported by several key industries and major employers. The city is known for its role in the energy sector, with companies like PacificCorp and Whiting Petroleum being significant players (according to ReadySetHire). Other important sectors include public administration, educational services, and construction (according to Data USA).
Memorial Hospital of Carbon County is a major employer, providing essential healthcare services to the community (according to ReadySetHire and Memorial Hospital of Carbon County). The State of Wyoming also offers numerous job opportunities, as does the City of Rawlins itself (according to ReadySetHire).
Employment and Salary Data
The job market in Rawlins offers a range of opportunities, with the unemployment rate being lower than the national average (according to ZipRecruiter and Data USA). The median household income in Rawlins is reported to be around $64,773 (according to US Census data), which is higher than some other estimates of $54,759 for renters (according to AreaVibes). The average salary for jobs in Rawlins is approximately $63,470 per year, or $31 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert).
However, there can be variations in salary data depending on the source and the specific job category. For instance, one source indicates a median wage of $45.6K per year, with the 75th percentile at $61.3K (according to ZipRecruiter). This suggests a broad range of earning potential within the city.
Climate and Environment
Weather Patterns
Rawlins experiences a semi-arid climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The average annual temperature is around 42.2 degrees Fahrenheit, with summer averages around 67.6 degrees and winter averages near 35.8 degrees Fahrenheit (according to the City of Rawlins official website). The warm season typically runs from June 10 to September 10, with average daily highs above 73°F, and the hottest day usually around July 21 with a high of 84°F (according to the City of Rawlins official website).
The cold season extends from November 16 to March 6, with average daily highs below 40°F. The coldest days are around December 28, with lows near 13°F and highs around 29°F (according to the City of Rawlins official website). The area sees a substantial amount of snowfall, with an average annual snowfall of about 56 inches (according to Livability.com and myPerfectWeather).
Precipitation and Seasonal Conditions
Annual precipitation in Rawlins is relatively low, averaging around 9 inches per year (according to Livability.com) or 10.9 inches (according to the City of Rawlins official website). Precipitation most often occurs as thunderstorms or light rain during the warmer months and as light or moderate snow during the colder months (according to the City of Rawlins official website). The city’s climate features low relative humidity and plentiful sunshine throughout the year (according to the City of Rawlins official website).
The growing season in Rawlins is typically between 100 to 112 days, providing a moderate window for outdoor activities and agriculture. Winters can be brisk, with frequent snowfall, while summers are warm and dry, offering comfortable conditions with low humidity and light winds (according to myPerfectWeather).
Education and Demographics
School System Overview
Rawlins is served by Carbon County School District #1, which includes several schools catering to different age groups. Rawlins High School is noted as a high-performing school, ranking 26th out of 83 Wyoming high schools for the 2024-2025 academic year and holding a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger (according to SchoolDigger.com). It boasts a strong graduation rate of 81.6% (according to SchoolDigger.com).
However, Rawlins Middle School lags in performance, with lower test scores and a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger, indicating an area for improvement within the district (according to SchoolDigger.com). Rawlins Elementary School also performs well, exceeding district and state averages in certain assessments (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Population and Demographics
As of recent estimates, Rawlins has a population of approximately 8,129 people (according to Data USA). The city’s population has seen some decline, with projections indicating a further decrease (according to US Census Bureau data). The racial makeup of Rawlins is predominantly White, with significant Hispanic or Latino representation (according to Data USA and Wikipedia).
The median age in Rawlins is around 39.7 years, with males being slightly younger on average than females (according to US Census data). The population includes a notable percentage of individuals under 18 and those aged 65 or older, reflecting a diverse age distribution (according to Wikipedia).
Pros and Cons of Living in Rawlins
Advantages of Relocation
A significant advantage of living in Rawlins is its affordability, with a cost of living that is lower than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute and AreaVibes). The median home prices and rental rates are also considerably lower, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families (according to Realtor.com and Livability.com).
The city offers a strong sense of community and a connection to Wyoming’s rich history and natural beauty. Residents have access to outdoor recreational activities in nearby areas like Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring (according to myPerfectWeather and ReadySetHire).
Potential Challenges
One of the primary concerns for potential residents is the crime rate, which is reported to be higher than the national average and higher than many similar-sized communities (according to NeighborhoodScout). While some sources suggest a decrease in crime year-over-year, it remains a factor to consider (according to AreaVibes).
The educational system presents a mixed bag, with Rawlins High School performing well, but Rawlins Middle School showing lower performance metrics (according to SchoolDigger.com). Additionally, while overall cost of living is low, specific expenses like food can be less affordable than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).