Hot Springs County
WY · Pop. 4,618 · Rural County
Hot Springs County is a rural county in Wyoming, spanning 2,004 square miles with 4,618 residents at a density of 2.3 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay. The median home price is $214,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.56%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 147-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.7°F and average winter lows of 12.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 11.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Hot Springs County Hospital Dba Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital is 12.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 77.1% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.56% holds annual carrying costs down.
- At 2.3 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.4% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 147-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 11.7 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- Broadband reaches only 77.1% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- Average winter lows of 12.9°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Hot Springs County, WY is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 53/100
- Median home price
- $214k
- Property tax
- 0.56%
- Growing season
- 147 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 11.7"
- Broadband
- 77.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Hot Springs County Hospital Dba Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, 12.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Hot Springs County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Hot Springs County?
- Hot Springs County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 147-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.7°F, and average winter lows of 12.9°F. The established crops are hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $214,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.56%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 77.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Hot Springs County Hospital Dba Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital is 12.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
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More counties in Wyoming
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The closest counties to Hot Springs County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.