Wyoming State Population
America's least populous state.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1910 | 145,965 |
| 1920 | 194,402 |
| 1930 | 225,565 |
| 1940 | 250,742 |
| 1950 | 290,529 |
| 1960 | 330,066 |
| 1970 | 332,416 |
| 1980 | 469,557 |
| 1990 | 453,588 |
| 2000 | 493,782 |
| 2010 | 563,626 |
| 2020 | 576,851 |
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