USA Facts and Figures Homepage

Wyoming State Population

America's least populous state.

YearPopulation
1910145,965
1920194,402
1930225,565
1940250,742
1950290,529
1960330,066
1970332,416
1980469,557
1990453,588
2000493,782
2010563,626
2020576,851

Wyoming remains the least populous state in the U.S., with its current population hovering around 580,000 residents, a figure that has historically seen significant fluctuations. Following initial sparse settlement by indigenous peoples and early pioneers, major population growth often correlated directly with boom-and-bust cycles in natural resource industries like coal, oil, and gas, leading to periods of rapid influx followed by stagnation or even decline when markets faltered. This dependence on resource extraction has consistently shaped its demographic trends, preventing the sustained, rapid growth seen in many other states. Currently, while experiencing slow but steady growth, Wyoming faces demographic shifts including an aging population and outward migration of younger residents seeking diverse economic opportunities elsewhere; conversely, it attracts some new residents drawn to its low taxes, outdoor recreation, and rural lifestyle, maintaining its distinctive character as a sparsely populated, largely rural state.

Data Source: US Census Bureau