The State of Wyoming, Economic Analysis Division released their latest report last week, indicating that the “cost of living” across Wyoming was up 3.3% over the last 12 months.
Inflation is measured by six consumer categories. In 2018, transportation saw the largest leap, up 8.7% from 2017. Economists attributed this number primarily to increasing gasoline prices over the survey period.
Apparel rose 6.6%, medical 3.6%, housing 2.1%, and food 2.1%. One category slightly fell, however. “Recreation and personal care” fell by 0.3%.
Wyoming housing costs rose significantly in many places. Teton County saw a 13.5% increase in apartment costs over the last 12 months, while house prices were up 9.2%. The area in Lincoln County near Afton saw a whopping 18.4% increase in house cost. Housing prices also rose significantly in Campbell, Natrona, Platte, and Converse counties.
Conversely, Fremont County housing prices were slightly down across the board from 2017 to 2018. Apartment costs fell 0.3%, mobile home costs were down 2.1%, and a traditional house cost on average 1.2% less in 2018 than 2017.
The cost of living score across Fremont County was slightly lower than the state average in many categories including food, recreation, and personal care, and transportation. It was significantly lower than the state average in housing and apparel.
However, the “medical” category was significantly higher than most of the state. Fremont County had the third-highest medical care cost, behind only Crook and Carbon counties. Niobrara and Albany counties had the lowest medical-care costs.
You can find the complete report from the Wyoming Economic Analysis Division by clicking here.
