Is Worland Safe, Pros and cons of living in Worland
Worland, Wyoming, situated in the Big Horn Basin, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to natural beauty. This city, the county seat of Washakie County, is known for its agricultural roots and its position as a business hub for the region. With a population that has seen a slight decline in recent years, Worland maintains a community-focused atmosphere.
The city’s economy is significantly influenced by agriculture, with sugar beets being a primary crop, alongside oil and gas drilling activities. This economic foundation supports a range of local businesses and provides employment opportunities for residents. Worland’s location along the Big Horn River also contributes to its character, offering scenic views and recreational possibilities.
Is it Safe to Live in Worland?
Crime Rates
Worland presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are generally lower than the national average. The overall crime rate is reported to be 771 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly below the national average of 2,119 (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests that, on a per capita basis, Worland is safer than many other U.S. cities.
However, a closer look reveals that the crime rate is considered to be a C grade, indicating it is slightly higher than the average U.S. city (as reported by AreaVibes). Worland ranks in the 43rd percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 43% of cities but less safe than 57% (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Worland is approximately 1 in 130 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Violent and Property Crimes
Violent crime rates in Worland are notably low, standing at 104 per 100,000 people, which is 71% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes, while also lower than the national average, are more prevalent than violent crimes. The property crime rate is 667 per 100,000 residents, which is 62.1% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).
In 2022, the FBI reported 3 violent crimes in Worland, resulting in a violent crime rate of 62.28 per 100,000 residents. In the same year, there were 26 property crimes, with a rate of 539.76 per 100,000 residents (as reported by FBI UCR data). Residents generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime in those neighborhoods compared to the northwest areas (as reported by AreaVibes).
Cost of Living and Housing
Overall Cost of Living
Worland offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average. The city is approximately 17% less expensive than the national average and 6% less expensive than the average city in Wyoming (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability is a significant draw for individuals and families looking to stretch their budgets.
The cost of living is driven by various factors, including housing, transportation, food, and healthcare. While housing and transportation costs are more affordable than the U.S. average, food costs are less affordable (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Overall, Worland’s cost of living score is 19% less than the national average (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).
Housing Market
Housing costs in Worland are more affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). As of March 2026, the median listing price for homes in Worland was $265,800, with an average of 65 days on the market (as reported by realtor.com®). Year-over-year trends show a slight increase in median sale prices.
Rental prices in Worland are also competitive. As of May 2026, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types was $839, which is 57% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper). A two-bedroom apartment in Worland costs about $893 on average (as reported by Zumper).
Economic Landscape and Job Market
Major Employers and Industries
Worland’s economy is supported by agriculture and oil and gas drilling (as reported by Wikipedia). Key employers in the area include Admiral Beverage, Wyoming Sugar Company, Crown Cork & Seal, and MillerCoors (as reported by Wikipedia). Other significant industries for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA).
The city is home to a variety of companies, ranging from national chains like McDonald’s and Subway to regional businesses like Banner Health and Admiral Beverage (as reported by Indeed.com). Crown Holdings, Inc. is also a notable employer, specializing in rigid packaging products (as reported by Lensa).
Salaries and Unemployment
The average salary for jobs in Worland, Wyoming, is approximately $63,170 per year or $30 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $63,357 (as reported by Point2Homes) and an average annual salary of $46,000 (as reported by Zippia). The median wage is reported as $53,200 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Worland’s unemployment rate is generally lower than the national average. The unemployment rate in Worland is 4%, which is 8% lower than the national average (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Statewide, Wyoming’s unemployment rate was 3.6% in March 2026, lower than the U.S. unemployment rate of 4.3% at that time (as reported by Wyoming Department of Workforce Services).
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Precipitation
Worland experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Temperatures typically range from 3°F to 92°F throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Summers are hot, dry, and mostly clear, while winters are freezing, snowy, and partly cloudy (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline).
The average annual rainfall in Worland is about 8 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The month with the most precipitation is typically May, with an average of 2.44 inches of rain (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). Snowfall averages around 36 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Weather Characteristics
Due to its location within the Big Horn Basin, Worland is protected from severe weather by surrounding mountains. This topography results in a climate with little wind, making Worland the least windy municipality in Wyoming (as reported by Wikipedia). The city has a cool semi-arid climate, bordering on a cool arid climate (as reported by Wikipedia).
The hottest recorded temperature in Worland was 109°F, while the coldest was -51°F (as reported by Wikipedia). The city experiences approximately 98 days per year with comfortable weather, typically between May and June, and again in September (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education and Demographics
School System
Public education in Worland is provided by Washakie County School District #1, which operates five campuses: East Side Elementary, South Side Elementary, West Side Elementary, Worland Middle School, and Worland High School (as reported by Wikipedia). The district has a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
Worland public schools generally perform well, with average math proficiency scores of 56% and reading proficiency scores of 62%, both exceeding the Wyoming public school averages (as reported by Niche). Worland High School has consistently ranked among the top high schools in Wyoming, boasting an 81.6% four-year graduation rate (as reported by SchoolDigger).
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Worland had a population of 4,773 (as reported by Wikipedia). Projections for 2026 estimate the population to be around 4,762 (as reported by Population-Stats.com). The population has seen a slight decline from previous years.
The racial makeup of Worland is predominantly White, with approximately 75.6% identifying as White, followed by Hispanic at 19.7% (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Worland is around 41.5 years (as reported by Wikipedia), with a slightly higher proportion of residents aged 65 and older compared to younger age groups (as reported by Wikipedia).