The famous state where the great plains meet the rocky mountains has been somewhat overlooked by many people for a number of years now. However, the state of Wyoming offers a plethora of amazing things to do, places to see, and of course, interesting and fun Wyoming facts! This trapezoid-shaped state is totally landlocked, bordering a total of six other U.S. states – Montana to the north, South Dakota and Nebraska to the east, Colorado and Utah to the south, and Idaho to the west.
The Equality State is one of the most aesthetically pleasing states in the U.S, boasting some of the most stunning landscapes in the nation, if you love exploration and adventure, you will adore Wyoming. The state also contains some important history, fascinating cultures, and diverse industries, making for a multitude of fun facts about Wyoming that you probably didn’t know about.
20 Interesting Facts About Wyoming
1. It makes sense to start with the name, and more importantly, the adoption of it. The name “Wyoming” stems from the Lenape Indian word, “Mecheweami-ing”, this tongue-twister means “at the big plain” in Native American.
2. Wyoming is the 10th largest U.S. state by area, which is pretty impressive. However, it may come as a surprise that it is the least populous state, with the lowest population of all 50 states! Wyoming’s total land area is 97,818 square miles, and the population is approximately 578,000, which is hard to grasp when you consider that Rhode Island has a land area of just 1,212 square miles and a population of over 1 million!
3. The entire state of Wyoming reportedly only contains two escalators, and both are located in the same area, the town of Casper! So, this means that Cheyenne, located in Laramie County – the state’s capital city, with a population of over 64,000 people does not have one.
4. Bison have been closely associated with the state for a number of years, even to the point of adopting them as the official state animal back in 1985. However, Wyoming’s relationship with the animal hasn’t always been plain sailing, according to the National Park Service, more people are hurt by Bison annually at Yellowstone than by bears!
5. The nation’s first-ever female governor was elected in Wyoming, which many believe has a little something to do with the adoption of the state’s nickname, “Equality State”. Nellie Tayloe Ross served as the 14th governor for the state from 1925 to 1927.
6. The Devils Tower national monument was declared the nation’s first National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt as a part of the Antiques Act of 1906.
7. Another important moment in the adoption of Wyoming’s nickname and reputation for being a state of Equality took place in 1869 when the Wyoming Territory became the first to allow women over the age of 21 the right to vote. This monumental shift was the catalyst for other states to grant women equal rights to men. Wyoming also pays homage to this historical shift by featuring the official motto, “Equal Rights” on the state seal.
8. Wyoming was the last U.S. state to raise its drinking age from 19 to 21! It was eventually changed in 1988, most likely to the disappointment of many local teens!
9. It has been said that Bigfoot has been sighted multiple times in Wyoming, locations such as the Wind River Mountains, Yellowstone, Teton Forest, and Snow King Mountain are supposedly hotspots for the mythical creature’s appearances.
10. Safety is a massively important factor in people deciding to move to the state, and it is hard to argue with Wyoming’s crime rates being amongst the lowest in the nation.
11. Wyoming is home to two of the most iconic national parks in the nation, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. The Equality State is also home to Ashley national forest, and 7 other national forests.
Remaining Facts About Wyoming
12. Two of the world’s largest coal mines reside in the Equality State; Black Thunder coal mine and North Antelope Rochelle. Coal Production is huge in Wyoming, with approximately 40% of the U.S. coal supply coming from Wyoming.
13. Wyoming is home to around 32 named islands, yes, that is right, the totally landlocked state of Wyoming has more islands than most coastal states. These islands can be found in Jackson Lake, Yellowstone Lake, and the Green River area.
14. The University of Wyoming is the only four-year public educational institution located in the state!
15. Strangely enough, there are 3 counties in the United States which are all named Wyoming County. The really strange thing regarding this Wyoming state fact is that none of them are located in Wyoming’s land!
16. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the most iconic vacation destinations in the United States and is located in Wyoming Valley named Jackson Hole. The Mountain Resort is the home to a plethora of incredible snow and mountain sports and activities.
17. Wyoming was the 44th state to join the Union on July 10, 1890, which subsequently led to the inception of all 50 states.
18. Gannett Peak is the tallest point in the state, with the highest point being 13,785 feet above sea level.
19. The Wyoming state flower is the Wyoming Indian Paintbrush, the state bird is the Western Meadowlark, and the Wyoming state animal is, as mentioned previously, is the Bison.
20. For the first time in its 130-year history, Wyoming has a Black sheriff. Aaron Appelhans was appointed December 11, 2020, to the Albany County Sheriff’s Office.
Wyoming State Economy Facts
Over the last few years, Wyoming’s popularity has certainly been increasing at a steady rate, with more and more people deciding to call the Equality State their new home and place to start a new business. With a decent infrastructure, an impressive education system, and higher salaries than average, Wyoming has an impressive and expansive economic environment.
Did you know that:
- Wyoming’s GDP is over $38 billion, which is considered high compared with the state’s population.
- Wyoming has no income tax (0% income tax rate).
- The median income in Wyoming is $30,883 (US News & World Report).
- Wyoming ranks 15th out of all 50 states for infrastructure (US News & World Report).
- Wyoming has the 17th best natural environment in the U.S. (US News & World Report).
- Mining, tourism, and agriculture are the state’s leading industries.
- The minimum wage in Wyoming is $7.25 per hour.
- The average house price in Wyoming is $261,473, however, this number is seasonally adjusted. To remain updated with the latest house price information, take a look at Zillow’s website.
- Small businesses are rapidly taking the country by storm, and for the better! Wyoming’s number of small businesses is rising each year, there are currently over 68,000 small businesses.
- Small businesses account for over 98% of all Wyoming businesses.
- There are over 128,000 small business employees in Wyoming.
- The number of small business employees makes up over 63% of all employees in the state.
- Wyoming’s sales tax rate is 4%.
- Wyoming’s corporate income tax rate ranges from 4% to 10%.
All of these economic facts about Wyoming provide many valid reasons why people decide to move to the state to either start a new business or franchise or for work opportunities, and it is difficult to argue with any of them!
Thanks for taking a look at our 20+ fun facts about Wyoming! If you have some facts and fun information regarding Wyoming’s past and present that we have not covered, make sure to comment below.
