Why are hemp growing causing a stir in semi-rural areas? The emergence of hemp cultivation in the outskirts of towns and small cities has sparked concerns among residents.
Last summer, the pungent aroma of hemp plants permeated the air, leaving many questioning the suitability of such agricultural practices in their neighborhoods.
As the debate rages on, it’s crucial to understand the underlying issues and find a balanced approach that addresses the needs of all stakeholders. Can we truly coexist with hemp grows, or is it time to reevaluate their place in our communities?
Table summarizing key details about the 10 Worst Cities of Wyoming:
| City | Population (2021) | Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000) | Property Crime Rate (per 1,000) | Median Home Value | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverton | 10,587 | 6.52 | 33.15 | $220,000 | 5.2% |
| Evanston | 11,814 | 3.89 | 22.18 | $235,000 | 3.8% |
| Cheyenne | 65,051 | 3.09 | 37.11 | $330,000 | 2.6% |
| Newcastle | 3,204 | 2.66 | 12.42 | $180,000 | 2.9% |
| Rawlins | 8,221 | 2.54 | 28.97 | $210,000 | 3.5% |
| Casper | 58,543 | 2.48 | 34.71 | $295,000 | 2.7% |
| Gillette | 33,264 | 2.98 | 26.54 | $280,000 | 3.1% |
| Rock Springs | 23,196 | 2.11 | 12.33 | $250,000 | 3.3% |
| Laramie | 32,647 | 1.66 | 22.01 | $311,900 | 2.1% |
| Sheridan | 19,701 | 1.12 | 24.63 | $320,000 | 2.6% |
Data from the FBI’s 2019 Crime in the United States report.
The 10 Worst Cities to Live in Wyoming
1. Riverton
Located in central Wyoming, Riverton has gained a reputation as one of the state’s most dangerous cities.
What are the main crime issues in Riverton?
Riverton suffers from high crime rates, particularly when it comes to violent offenses. The city also grapples with drug-related issues and a growing homeless population.
Racial disparities in arrest rates have been a point of concern, with critics arguing that these inequalities are not being adequately addressed by local authorities.
Is crime distributed evenly across Riverton?
No, crime rates vary significantly across different parts of the city. Riverton is divided into four sections, with East Riverton being considered the least safe area. Residents are advised to exercise caution in certain neighborhoods, especially after dark.
2. Evanston
Situated in southwest Wyoming, Evanston is a small city with a mix of pros and cons.
What are the economic advantages of living in Evanston?
Evanston is known for being business-friendly, with no corporate or personal income tax. This makes it an attractive location for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to keep their costs low.
What are the main drawbacks of living in Evanston?
Despite its business-friendly environment, Evanston struggles with high crime rates, particularly property crimes.
The city has an unusually high number of robberies for its size, and the crime per square mile is higher than both state and national averages. This can make residents feel unsafe and negatively impact their quality of life.
3. Cheyenne
As the state capital and largest city in Wyoming, Cheyenne has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages.
What are some of the positive aspects of living in Cheyenne?
Cheyenne boasts a budding cultural scene, with a variety of museums, theaters, and events throughout the year. The city also offers easy access to outdoor activities and enjoys clean air quality.
What are the main issues facing Cheyenne?
Despite its status as the state capital, Cheyenne grapples with high crime rates. The city also faces challenges related to drug abuse and homelessness.
Some residents complain that Cheyenne can feel dull and lacks a progressive attitude. Certain areas, such as the south side and historic district, are considered rough and require extra caution, especially at night.
4. Newcastle
Newcastle is a small town located in eastern Wyoming, near the South Dakota border.
What are the advantages of living in Newcastle?
Newcastle offers a low cost of living and relatively low crime rates compared to other cities on this list. It can be a good place for families looking for a quiet, tight-knit community.
What are the main drawbacks of living in Newcastle?
As a small town, Newcastle has limited entertainment options and amenities. The lack of diversity can be a challenge for some residents, and the isolated location can feel confining. The town also struggles with poverty.
In the 1960s, Newcastle had a history of equating Native Americans with “undesirables,” a troubling past that still lingers.
5. Rawlins
Rawlins, located in southern Wyoming, is sometimes considered the overall worst city in the state.
Why does Rawlins have such a poor reputation?
Rawlins has higher crime and drug usage rates compared to the rest of Wyoming. The city is heavily impacted by boom and bust cycles in the energy industry, leading to economic instability.
Is Rawlins that bad?
While Rawlins certainly has its challenges, it’s important to keep things in perspective. Despite its issues, Rawlins still offers a better quality of life than many other areas of the country.
With access to outdoor recreation and a lower cost of living, some residents find Rawlins to be a decent place to call home.
6. Casper
Casper, located in central Wyoming, is the second-largest city in the state.
What are the main crime issues in Casper?
Casper has one of the highest property crime rates in Wyoming, which can be a major concern for residents. Car theft and burglaries are particularly common.
What are the pros and cons of living in Casper?
On the positive side, Casper offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities nearby, including hiking, fishing, and camping.
However, the city’s economy is heavily dependent on the energy industry, leading to ups and downs as oil and gas prices fluctuate. This can create job insecurity and financial stress for residents.
7. Gillette
Gillette, located in northeast Wyoming, has experienced rapid growth in recent years due to the coal industry.
How does Gillette’s crime rate compare to the rest of Wyoming?
Gillette has a higher overall crime rate than most other cities in Wyoming. The rapid population growth has brought some big city issues to this once-small town, including increased drug use and gang activity.
What economic challenges does Gillette face?
Gillette’s economy is heavily dependent on the coal industry, which can be subject to boom and bust cycles. When coal prices are high, the city thrives, but downturns can lead to layoffs and economic hardship for residents.
8. Rock Springs
Rock Springs, located in southwest Wyoming, is known for its mining history and diverse population.
What are the main crime issues in Rock Springs?
Rock Springs has high property crime rates, particularly when it comes to theft and burglary. Residents need to take precautions to secure their homes and vehicles.
What economic challenges does Rock Springs face?
Like many other cities in Wyoming, Rock Springs’ economy is closely tied to the mining industry. This can lead to economic instability and job insecurity for residents.
The city’s diverse population, which includes a significant number of immigrants, has also caused some social tensions at times.
9. Laramie
Laramie, located in southeast Wyoming, is home to the University of Wyoming.
How does the presence of the university impact crime in Laramie?
The presence of a large student population can skew crime data in Laramie. Crimes like theft and public intoxication are more common in areas near the university campus.
What quality of life issues do Laramie residents face?
Laramie’s property crime rate is higher than the Wyoming average, which can be a concern for homeowners and renters alike.
The city also grapples with noise and disturbances related to college partying, which can be frustrating for long-term residents.
10. Sheridan
Sheridan, located in northern Wyoming, is known for its historic downtown and western charm.
How does Sheridan’s crime rate compare to the rest of Wyoming?
Despite its appealing qualities, Sheridan has crime rates that are higher than the Wyoming average. Property crimes, such as theft and burglary, are particularly common.
What are the main drawbacks of living in Sheridan?
While Sheridan offers a charming downtown and plenty of history and culture, it also has its challenges.
The city’s isolated location can make it difficult to access certain amenities and services.
Sheridan also faces economic challenges, with limited job opportunities outside of the tourism and service industries. The harsh winters can also be a drawback for some residents.
Conclusion
Can any Wyoming city truly be considered the “worst” when the state has so much to offer?
While the 10 cities on this list face significant challenges, from poverty and addiction to limited amenities and dwindling populations, each one still has its unique character and hardy residents who call it home.
Ultimately, what makes a city livable is subjective and depends on individual priorities and preferences.
For those who value tight-knit communities, access to nature, and a slower pace of life, even Wyoming’s “worst” cities may have a certain appeal. The key is to understand both the drawbacks and the potential of these often-overlooked places.