Homesteading in Wyoming

WY · Pop. 577,000 · Capital: Cheyenne

Wyoming is the ultimate libertarian homestead: no income tax, no corporate tax, #1 business climate ranking, and the 2nd cheapest land in the country at $975/acre. With the 4th highest solar potential nationally and the best wind energy of any state on this list, it's ideal for energy independence. The tradeoff is real: an 80-115 day growing season and 10-15 inches of rainfall mean this is ranching country, not crop country.

Income Tax: None

$/Acre: $975

Growing Season: 80-115 days

Rainfall: 10-15"

USDA Zones: 3a-5b

Rural Safety: 10/10

Explore Wyoming Counties

23 counties · Click to select up to 5 for comparison

Top Counties for Homesteading in Wyoming

Detailed Data

Taxes & Cost of Living

Income TaxNone

Sales Tax (state)4%

Sales Tax (combined)5.36%

Effective Property Tax0.55%

Homestead Exemption$20,000

Ag Tax ExemptionYes

Cost of Living Index93.6

Median Income$65,003

Poverty Rate10.1%

Land & Building

Avg Farm $/Acre$975

Avg Cropland $/Acre$800

Avg Pastureland $/Acre$500

Farms for Sale350

Statewide Building CodeNo Statewide Code

Minimal government oversight in rural areas

Tiny Home LegalYes (Statewide)

Climate & Growing

USDA Zones3a-5b

Growing Season80-115 frost-free days

Annual Rainfall10-15 inches

Avg Summer High82°F

Avg Winter Low5°F

Soil Quality3/10

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought7/10

Wildfire5/10

Tornado2/10

Flood2/10

Hurricane1/10

What You Can Grow

Very limited — mainly livestock ranching, some root vegetables. Not suitable for crop farming.

Water & Energy

Water RightsPrior Appropriation

Rainwater HarvestingAllowed with Limits

Solar (Avg PSH)6.06

Solar (Summer)7.12

Solar (Winter)5.5

Wind Potential10/10

Net MeteringYes

Laws & Freedom

Homeschool RegulationLow

Notification RequiredYes

Testing RequiredNo

Homeschool ESANo

Gun-Friendliness10/10

Carry TypeConstitutional Carry

Right-to-FarmStrong

Cottage FoodPermitted — Wyoming Food Freedom Act (one of the broadest in the US)

Raw MilkYes (Retail Sales)

CannabisCBD Only

Off-Grid LegalYes

Safety & Healthcare

Violent Crime /100K215

Property Crime /100K1600

Rural Safety Rating10/10

Well below average violent crime. Extreme remoteness provides natural safety. Very low rural crime.

Rural Hospitals15

Closures Since 20102

Hospital Vulnerability64%

Demographics & Community

Population577,000

Pop. Density5.8 /sq mi

Population Growth2.3%

% Rural35%

Median Age38

Racial Composition

White

83%

Black

Hispanic

11%

Native American

Asian

Multiracial

Homesteading Community6/10

Broadband Coverage65%

Starlink AvailableYes

Business & Employment

Tax Foundation Rank#1

LLC Cost$100/yr

Corporate Tax0%

Unemployment3.8%

Top IndustriesEnergy/Mining, Agriculture/Ranching, Tourism, Government

Political Landscape

Political LeanR+25

Conservative %60%

Best Areas for Homesteading in Wyoming

Bighorn Basin

Sheltered basin in north-central WY with milder climate.

$500-$2,000/acre

Southeast Wyoming (Cheyenne area)

Most accessible part of the state.

$1,000-$4,000/acre

Explore Wyoming Resources

Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

LandWatch

Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.

Browse Land Listings

Lands of America

The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.

Search Rural Properties

AcreTrader

Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.

Explore Farmland Investments

Wyoming homesteading FAQ

Is it legal to live off-grid in Wyoming?

Off-grid living is generally legal in Wyoming — Fully legal and common. Wyoming is one of the most off-grid-friendly states. Local zoning and building codes still apply, so confirm the specifics with your county.

Does Wyoming have a state income tax?

No — Wyoming has no personal state income tax, so homesteaders keep more of any off-farm or remote income.

How much does farmland cost in Wyoming?

Farm real estate in Wyoming averages about $975 per acre (USDA). Prices vary widely by region within the state.

How long is the growing season in Wyoming?

Wyoming's growing season runs up to roughly 115 frost-free days, across USDA hardiness zones 3a-5b.

What is the property tax rate in Wyoming?

Wyoming's effective property-tax rate is about 0.55% of value — an annual cost on land and improvements that compounds over time.

Is rainwater harvesting legal in Wyoming?

Rainwater harvesting in Wyoming: Allowed with Limits.

Can you buy or sell raw milk in Wyoming?

Raw-milk access in Wyoming: Yes (Retail Sales).

Data verified June 2026. Figures are sourced from public datasets; see our methodology.