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Rock Springs, Wyoming Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

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Rock Springs, Wyoming is a small city located in Sweetwater County. It is nestled in the southwestern corner of the state and has an elevation of 6,500 feet above sea level. The city has a population of just over 23,000 and is home to a variety of businesses including oil and gas, coal mining, and manufacturing. The climate in Rock Springs is generally dry with little precipitation throughout the year. Summers can be hot while winters tend to be cold but not overly so.

The history of Rock Springs dates back to the mid-1800s when it was established as a railroad stop on the Union Pacific line. The city quickly grew in size due to its location near important rail lines which connected it to other cities across Wyoming and beyond. In 1868, Rock Springs was officially incorporated as a town and has since grown steadily in population size.

Politics in Rock Springs have traditionally leaned heavily toward Republican candidates like most of Wyoming’s other cities. However, there are some independents who have been elected into office from time to time.

The economy of Rock Springs is largely driven by energy production from oil and gas fields as well as coal mining operations within the county. There are also several manufacturing facilities located nearby that employ many residents in the area. Additionally, tourism plays an important role in the local economy with many people visiting for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, skiing, and snowmobiling.

Rock Springs is served by Sweetwater County School District #1 which consists of twelve elementary schools, four middle schools and four high schools covering grades kindergarten through 12th grade respectively. The district also has several alternative education programs available for students who may need additional support or guidance during their academic career.

There are numerous landmarks located around Rock Springs that make it unique among other cities in Wyoming including White Mountain Petroglyphs which feature ancient drawings carved into sandstone rock formations dating back centuries ago; Historic Train Depot which was once used by Union Pacific Railroad; Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop that allows visitors to observe wild mustangs roaming free on public land; Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area which offers spectacular views from its high cliffs overlooking Flaming Gorge Reservoir; Fossil Butte National Monument where visitors can explore ancient fossils preserved in limestone deposits; Red Desert Visitor Center offering guided tours through one of North America’s largest desert ecosystems; Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge providing habitat for hundreds of species of birds and animals; Pilot Butte State Park featuring lush meadows surrounded by tall pine trees perfect for camping or hiking; Red Desert Roundup Rodeo showcasing some of the best rodeo talent from all over Wyoming each year; plus many more attractions that make Rock Springs an ideal destination for tourists looking for outdoor adventure!

Population: 18,708. Estimated population in July 2024: 18,772 (+0.3% change)
Males: 9,315 (49.8%), Females: 9,393 (50.2%)

Sweetwater County

Zip codes: 82901.

Demographics

Median resident age: 34.5 years
Median household income: $42,584
Median house value: $103,900

Population by Race

Races in Rock Springs:

  • White Non-Hispanic (86.8%)
  • Hispanic (9.0%)
  • Other race (3.0%)
  • Two or more races (2.2%)
  • American Indian (1.6%)
  • Black (1.1%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: English (18.3%), German (16.5%), Irish (10.9%), Italian (8.2%), United States (7.0%), Norwegian (4.7%).

Land area: 18.4 square miles

Map of Rock Springs, WY

Population by Education

Rock Springs, Wyoming is a small rural town with a population of about 23,000 people. It is located in Sweetwater County and is known for its rich history and culture. The majority of the population are white, followed by Hispanic and Native American residents. The median age of residents in Rock Springs is 37 years old, with a median household income of approximately $50,000 per year. Education is highly valued in Rock Springs and there are several public schools located within the city limits as well as private schools for those who choose to do so. The economy of Rock Springs is mainly based on the oil industry, with many jobs related to oil extraction and refining. Other industries include tourism, agriculture, retail, and healthcare services. There are also many outdoor activities available in Rock Springs such as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, biking, rafting and more. Residents enjoy the beautiful natural environment that surrounds them while having access to all the amenities of modern living.

For population 25 years and over in Rock Springs

  • High school or higher: 87.7%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 18.1%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 4.9%
  • Unemployed: 6.2%
  • Mean travel time to work: 18.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Rock Springs city

  • Never married: 24.9%
  • Now married: 55.6%
  • Separated: 1.8%
  • Widowed: 5.1%
  • Divorced: 12.6%

3.1% Foreign born (1.3% Latin America, 0.8% Asia, 0.8% Europe).

Population change in the 1990s: -428 (-2.2%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Rock Springs:

  • MEMORIAL HOSPITAL SWEETWATER COUNTY (1200 COLLEGE DR/PO BOX 1359)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Rock Springs:

  • ASHLEY VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER (about 78 miles; VERNAL, UT)
  • SOUTH LINCOLN MEDICAL CENTER (about 85 miles; KEMMERER, WY)
  • LANDER VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER (about 89 miles; LANDER, WY)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Rock Springs:

  • ROCK SPRINGS-SWEETWATER COUNTY (about 12 miles; ROCK SPRINGS, WY; Abbreviation: RKS)
  • RIVERTON REGIONAL (about 114 miles; RIVERTON, WY; Abbreviation: RIW)
  • YAMPA VALLEY (about 159 miles; HAYDEN, CO; Abbreviation: HDN)

Other public-use airports nearest to Rock Springs:

  • GTR GREEN RIVER INTERGALACTIC SPACEPORT (about 21 miles; GREEN RIVER, WY; Abbreviation: 48U)
  • DUTCH JOHN (about 48 miles; DUTCH JOHN, UT; Abbreviation: 33U)
  • MANILA (about 52 miles; MANILA, UT; Abbreviation: 40U)

Colleges and Universities

College/University in Rock Springs:

  • WESTERN WYOMING COMMUNITY COLLEGE (Full-time enrollment: 1,527; Location: 2500 COLLEGE DR; Public; Website: www.wwcc.cc.wy.us)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Rock Springs:

  • MESA STATE COLLEGE (about 180 miles; GRAND JUNCTION, CO; Full-time enrollment: 4,415)
  • UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY (about 185 miles; LOGAN, UT; Full-time enrollment: 16,384)
  • UNIVERSITY OF UTAH (about 190 miles; SALT LAKE CITY, UT; Full-time enrollment: 19,866)
  • WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY (about 191 miles; OGDEN, UT; Full-time enrollment: 12,112)
  • BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY (about 194 miles; PROVO, UT; Full-time enrollment: 29,977)
  • COLORADO MOUNTAIN COLLEGE (about 194 miles; GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO; Full-time enrollment: 3,400)
  • UTAH VALLEY STATE COLLEGE (about 195 miles; OREM, UT; Full-time enrollment: 14,182)

Schools

Public high schools in Rock Springs:

  • ROCK SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 1,132; Location: 1375 JAMES DRIVE; Grades: 09 – 12)
  • INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 120; Location: 1300 LOWELL AVENUE; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Rock Springs:

  • ROCK SPRINGS EAST JUNIOR HIGH (Students: 674; Location: GOBEL STREET; Grades: 07 – 08)
  • WHITE MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY (Students: 591; Location: FOOTHILL BOULEVARD; Grades: 05 – 06)
  • WALNUT ELEMENTARY (Students: 336; Location: 1115 WALNUT STREET; Grades: KG – 04)
  • WESTRIDGE ELEMENTARY (Students: 314; Location: 3501 DEWAR DRIVE; Grades: KG – 04)
  • OVERLAND ELEMENTARY (Students: 305; Location: 3400 FOOTHILLS BOULEVARD; Grades: KG – 04)
  • DESERT VIEW ELEMENTARY (Students: 291; Location: 1900 DESERT BLVD.; Grades: KG – 04)
  • NORTHPARK ELEMENTARY (Students: 232; Location: 1 N. PARK DR.; Grades: KG – 04)
  • ROOSEVELT LEARNING CENTER (Students: 19; Location: 440 DEWAR DRIVE; Grades: 05 – 12)

Private primary/middle school in Rock Springs:

  • HOLY SPIRIT PARISH SCHOOL (Students: 81; Location: 210 A ST.; Grades: PK – 6)

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