Carbon County, Wyoming

For counties with a similar name, see Carbon County.

Carbon County
County
Carbon County Courthouse in Rawlins
Flag
Location within the U.S. state of Wyoming
Wyoming's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 41°41′N106°56′W / 41.69°N 106.93°W / 41.69; -106.93
Country	United States
State	Wyoming
Founded	December 16, 1868
Named for	Coal deposits
Seat	Rawlins
Largest city	Rawlins
Area
• Total	7,964 sq mi (20,630 km2)
• Land	7,898 sq mi (20,460 km2)
• Water	66 sq mi (170 km2)  0.8%
Population  (2020)
• Total	14,537
• Density	1.8/sq mi (0.70/km2)
Time zone	UTC−7 (Mountain)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−6 (MDT)
Congressional district	At-large
Website	www.carbonwy.com

George Ferris Mansion, Rawlins

Pick Bridge over the North Platte River, near Saratoga. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Canoers on the North Platte River, Northgate Canyon

Carbon County is a county in the U.S. state of Wyoming. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 14,537. ^[1] Its county seat is Rawlins. ^[2] Its south border abuts the north line of Colorado.

History

Carbon County was organized in 1868, one of the five original counties in Dakota Territory. ^[3]

Originally about 3,400 square miles (8,800 km²) near the center of Wyoming, Carbon County was once part of the Spanish Empire, then part of the Republic of Texas (1835-1845) and part of the State of Texas until 1852 when the northernmost part of that state's claims were ceded to the US government. This area is defined by the 42nd parallel on the north, and straight lines south from there to the headwaters of the Arkansas river on the east and the headwaters of the Rio Grande on the west. The documents defining that area include the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819, the 1824 Constitution of Mexico, and the 1845 "Joint Resolution for the Admission of the State of Texas into the Union" Archived December 31, 2006, at the Wayback Machine .

Carbon County was organized December 16, 1868, from Laramie County in Dakota Territory, which at the time had jurisdiction over part of modern-day Wyoming. ^[4] It became a county in Wyoming Territory when that territory's government was formally organized on May 19, 1869. ^{[5] [6]}

In 1868, the Union Pacific Railroad opened the first coal mine in Carbon County, and the county was named for its extensive coal deposits. ^[7] In 1875, Carbon County lost territory when Johnson County was created by the legislature of the Wyoming Territory. Natrona County was created with land ceded by Carbon County in 1888. The boundaries of the county were final at that time except for minor adjustments in 1911.

From 1978 to 1982, Carbon County was represented in the Wyoming House of Representatives by Democrat Thomas E. Trowbridge (1930-2009) of Saratoga, a Nebraska native. From 1982 to 1986, Trowbridge was a member of the Wyoming State Senate. He was later appointed by Governor Mike Sullivan to the Wyoming State Board of Equalization. Trowbridge's father, Elton Trowbridge, held the state House seat from Carbon County from 1961 until his death in office in 1974.

George R. Salisbury Jr., a rancher from Savery, represented Carbon County in the Wyoming House from 1975 to 1986. He was succeeded in office by his son-in-law and fellow Democrat, Patrick F. O'Toole, also a Savery rancher.

Geography

According to the US Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 7,964 square miles (20,630 km²), of which 7,898 square miles (20,460 km²) is land and 66 square miles (170 km²) (2.0%) is water. ^[8] It is the third-largest county in Wyoming by area.

Carbon County is equidistant from the North American capital cities of Ontario, Washington, D.C., and Mexico City, being 1,590 miles (2,560 km) from each of them. It is therefore the circumcenter of these cities. The only other point on the globe equidistant to these cities is the antipode of Carbon County, a spot in the ocean off the southwest coast of Australia.

The Continental Divide runs through the county.

Major highways

• Interstate 80
• U.S. Highway 30
• U.S. Highway 287

Adjacent counties

• Sweetwater County - west
• Fremont County - northwest
• Natrona County - north
• Converse County - northeast
• Albany County - east
• Jackson County, Colorado - southeast
• Routt County, Colorado - south
• Moffat County, Colorado - southwest

National protected areas and State historical sites

• Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site ^[9]
• Medicine Bow National Forest (part)
• Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge (part)

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1870	1,368		—
1880	3,438		151.3%
1890	6,857		99.4%
1900	9,589		39.8%
1910	11,282		17.7%
1920	9,525		−15.6%
1930	11,391		19.6%
1940	12,644		11.0%
1950	15,742		24.5%
1960	14,937		−5.1%
1970	13,354		−10.6%
1980	21,896		64.0%
1990	16,659		−23.9%
2000	15,639		−6.1%
2010	15,885		1.6%
2020	14,537		−8.5%
2023 (est.)	14,334	[10]	−1.4%
US Decennial Census [11] 1870–2000 [12] 2010–2016 [1]

Census-designated places

• Arlington
• Ryan Park

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States Census, ^[13] there were 15,639 people, 6,129 households, and 4,130 families in the county. The population density was 2 people per square mile (0.77 people/km²). There were 8,307 housing units at an average density of 1 units per square mile (0.39 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 90.11% White, 0.67% African-American or Black, 1.27% Indigenous American, 0.67% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 5.17% from other races, and 2.05% from two or more races. 13.83% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 20.1% were of German, 11.8% English, 10.0% Irish and 8.9% American ancestry.

There were 6,129 households, out of which 31.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.10% were married couples living together, 8.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.60% were non-families. Of 6,129 households, 364 were unmarried partner households: 318 heterosexual, 41 same-sex male, and 5 same-sex female.

27.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.91.

The county population contained 24.10% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 28.40% from 25 to 44, 26.70% from 45 to 64, and 12.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 115.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 118.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $36,060, and the median income for a family was $41,991. Males had a median income of $31,603 versus $21,451 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,375. About 9.80% of families and 12.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.60% of those under age 18 and 14.80% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 15,885 people, 6,388 households, and 4,109 families in the county. ^[14] The population density was 2.0 people per square mile (0.77 people/km²). There were 8,576 housing units at an average density of 1.1 units per square mile (0.42 units/km²). ^[15] The racial makeup of the county was 88.8% white, 1.0% American Indian, 0.7% black or African American, 0.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 6.5% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 16.8% of the population. ^[14] In terms of ancestry, 26.0% were German, 15.8% were English, 14.4% were Irish, 5.6% were Scottish, and 4.8% were American. ^[16]

Of the 6,388 households, 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.5% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 35.7% were non-families, and 29.6% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.91. The median age was 38.9 years. ^[14]

The median income for a household in the county was $56,565 and the median income for a family was $65,171. Males had a median income of $51,201 versus $32,603 for females. The per capita income for the county was $26,122. About 5.6% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.6% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over. ^[17]

Government and infrastructure

During the twentieth century, owing to its considerable unionized mining population, Carbon County tended to be much more Democratic than the rest of generally Republican Wyoming. It was one of three Wyoming counties to vote for John F. Kennedy in 1960 and one of two to vote for Hubert Humphrey in 1968, while Dwight D. Eisenhower only won the county narrowly in his two landslide Presidential wins. In recent years, the county has trended much more towards the Republican Party due to changing demographics in the area.

United States presidential election results for Carbon County, Wyoming ^[18]

Year	Republican		Democratic		Third party(ies)
	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
2024	4,952	77.53%	1,274	19.95%	161	2.52%
2020	5,014	75.24%	1,427	21.41%	223	3.35%
2016	4,409	69.17%	1,279	20.07%	686	10.76%
2012	4,148	63.73%	2,110	32.42%	251	3.86%
2008	4,331	63.19%	2,336	34.08%	187	2.73%
2004	4,758	67.23%	2,158	30.49%	161	2.27%
2000	4,498	64.55%	2,206	31.66%	264	3.79%
1996	2,930	44.96%	2,690	41.28%	897	13.76%
1992	2,320	34.74%	2,737	40.99%	1,621	24.27%
1988	3,336	55.70%	2,555	42.66%	98	1.64%
1984	4,557	65.55%	2,295	33.01%	100	1.44%
1980	4,337	59.55%	2,272	31.20%	674	9.25%
1976	3,556	54.01%	3,010	45.72%	18	0.27%
1972	4,037	63.69%	2,292	36.16%	10	0.16%
1968	2,532	44.77%	2,725	48.18%	399	7.05%
1964	2,160	33.32%	4,322	66.68%	0	0.00%
1960	3,147	45.12%	3,828	54.88%	0	0.00%
1956	3,336	50.90%	3,218	49.10%	0	0.00%
1952	3,403	51.09%	3,242	48.67%	16	0.24%
1948	2,319	39.89%	3,439	59.16%	55	0.95%
1944	2,698	47.49%	2,983	52.51%	0	0.00%
1940	2,882	45.60%	3,429	54.26%	9	0.14%
1936	2,041	37.99%	3,257	60.62%	75	1.40%
1932	2,088	41.16%	2,836	55.90%	149	2.94%
1928	3,019	64.85%	1,609	34.56%	27	0.58%
1924	2,398	54.56%	733	16.68%	1,264	28.76%
1920	1,871	60.65%	1,039	33.68%	175	5.67%
1916	1,217	39.99%	1,661	54.58%	165	5.42%
1912	1,106	39.15%	957	33.88%	762	26.97%
1908	1,651	51.56%	1,430	44.66%	121	3.78%
1904	2,234	68.34%	956	29.24%	79	2.42%
1900	1,757	60.40%	1,152	39.60%	0	0.00%
1896	1,229	53.02%	1,080	46.59%	9	0.39%
1892	978	52.27%	0	0.00%	893	47.73%

The Wyoming State Penitentiary, operated by the Wyoming Department of Corrections, is located in Rawlins. ^[19] The facility was operated by the Wyoming Board of Charities and Reform until that agency was dissolved as a result of a state constitutional amendment passed in November 1990. ^[20]

Communities

City

• Rawlins (county seat)

Towns

• Baggs
• Dixon
• Elk Mountain
• Encampment
• Hanna
• Medicine Bow
• Riverside
• Saratoga
• Sinclair

Unincorporated communities

• Arlington
• Leo ^[21]
• McFadden ^[22]
• Muddy Gap ^[23]
• Savery
• Walcott
• Woodedge ^[24]

• Fort Steele

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Carbon County, Wyoming
• Wyoming
  • List of cities and towns in Wyoming
  • List of counties in Wyoming
  • Wyoming statistical areas

References

1. "State & County QuickFacts". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on August 6, 2011. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. The other four original counties: Albany; Laramie; Sweetwater; and Uinta.
4. General Laws and Memorials and Resolutions of the Territory of Dakota, 1869 at Google Books
5. Long, John H. (2006). "Wyoming: Individual County Chronologies". Wyoming Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
6. Long, John H. (2006). "Dakota Territory, South Dakota, and North Dakota: Individual County Chronologies". Dakota Territory Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. Archived from the original on November 12, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
7. Urbanek, Mae (1988). Wyoming Place Names. Missoula MT: Mountain Press Pub. Co. ISBN   0-87842-204-8.
8. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". US Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2015.
9. Fort Steele WY Google Maps (accessed 9 January 2019)
10. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
11. "US Decennial Census". US Census Bureau. Retrieved August 5, 2015.
12. "Historical Decennial Census Population for Wyoming Counties, Cities, and Towns". Wyoming Department of Administration & Information, Division of Economic Analysis. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
13. "U.S. Census website". US Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
14. "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
15. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
16. "Selected Social Characteristics in the US – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
17. "Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
18. Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
19. Contact Institutions. Wyoming Department of Corrections. Retrieved on August 22, 2010.
20. About the Department of Corrections. Wyoming Department of Corrections. Retrieved on August 22, 2010.
21. Leo WY Google Maps (accessed 9 January 2019)
22. McFadden WY Google Maps (accessed 9 January 2019)
23. Muddy Gap WY Google Maps (accessed 9 January 2019)
24. Woodedge WY Google Maps (accessed 9 January 2019)

Further reading

• Bartos, T.T. et al. (2006). Water resources of Carbon County, Wyoming [Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5027]. Reston VA: US Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey.
• Hettinger, R.D. and J.G. Honey. (2006). Geologic map and coal stratigraphy of the Doty Mountain quadrangle, eastern Washakie Basin, Carbon County, Wyoming [Scientific Investigations Map 2925]. Reston VA: US Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey.
• Official seal

41°41′N106°56′W / 41.69°N 106.93°W / 41.69; -106.93