Population growth mainly outside towns

Crook County has seen the second highest population growth in Wyoming over the past three years, according to new figures released by the Wyoming Economic Analysis Division.

The population estimates released last week show that every municipality in the county has grown during this time period, but that the majority of new residents are living outside city limits.

The county’s population began at 7176 in April, 2020 and then grew by 130 the first year, 111 the second and 173 last year.

This brought the total population to 7952 by July, 2023, an estimated growth of 416 people at a growth rate of 5.8%.

Only Lincoln County grew its population faster over the three years, with a 6.6% increase.

During the three-year period of the study, natural change (the difference between births and deaths) accounted for only 13 of those additional people, while 405 moved to this area from elsewhere.

Of those who relocated to Crook County, 394 came from other parts of the country and 11 from international locations.

All four of Crook County’s incorporated towns and cities saw growth over the four years. Sundance welcomed the most new residents, at 68, followed by Moorcroft at 53, Pine Haven at 49 and Hulett at 18.

However, 228 of the new arrivals live outside town borders, bringing the total non-county resident count to 4526.