Moving to Chugwater, Wyoming

Chugwater, Wyoming is located in the southeastern corner of the state, near the Colorado border. The area is part of the High Plains region and is known for its flat terrain, wide open spaces, and breathtaking views. The climate in Chugwater can be described as semi-arid with hot summers and cold winters. The town has an interesting history which dates back to 1868 when it was established as a stop on the Union Pacific Railroad. It was later incorporated in 1885 and has since been home to a variety of businesses, including ranching and farming.

The politics of Chugwater are generally conservative with most residents voting Republican. The economy in Chugwater is primarily based on agriculture, with livestock being one of the main sources of income for local farmers. Additionally, there are several small businesses that serve both locals and visitors alike.

Education in Chugwater is provided by Platte County School District #1 which includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. These schools offer a variety of educational opportunities for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Finally, there are several landmarks that make Chugwater unique such as the Pioneer Museum which houses artifacts from early settlers to the area; The Red Barn which was built in 1931; and Medicine Bow National Forest where visitors can camp or hike among beautiful mountain scenery. There are also several parks where visitors can enjoy activities like fishing or bird watching throughout the year.

Population: 244. Estimated population in July 2024: 231 (-5.3% change)
Males: 128 (52.5%), Females: 116 (47.5%)

Platte County

Zip code: 82210

Demographics

Median resident age: 34.3 years
Median household income: $23,750
Median house value: $56,800

Population by Race

Races in Chugwater:

• White Non-Hispanic (91.8%)
• Hispanic (4.9%)
• Two or more races (2.9%)
• American Indian (1.2%)
• Other race (0.8%)

Ancestries: Irish (41.4%), German (26.6%), English (18.0%), Scotch-Irish (5.3%), Dutch (4.9%), French (4.1%).

Elevation: 5300 feet

Land area: 3.0 square miles

Population by Education

Chugwater, Wyoming is a small town located in the southeastern corner of the state. As of 2019, the population was estimated to be around 300 people. The majority of residents are white, with a small Hispanic or Latino population as well. Most of the residents are employed in agriculture-related jobs such as farming or ranching. The town has two schools that serve students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. There is also a small library and a post office that serves the community. Chugwater is known for its beautiful views and wide open spaces, making it an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. There are also several local businesses including a cafe, general store, and gas station that cater to tourists visiting the area. While there may not be much else to do in Chugwater, it’s still a great place to call home for those who enjoy living in a rural setting with plenty of space to explore and relax.

For population 25 years and over in Chugwater

• High school or higher: 92.4%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 17.4%
• Graduate or professional degree: 0.7%
• Unemployed: 7.4%
• Mean travel time to work: 25.8 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Chugwater town

• Never married: 21.9%
• Now married: 61.2%
• Separated: 0.0%
• Widowed: 4.5%
• Divorced: 12.4%

0.0% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +50 (+25.8%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Chugwater:

• PLATTE COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 25 miles; WHEATLAND, WY)
• UNITED MEDICAL CENTER (about 43 miles; CHEYENNE, WY)
• COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 51 miles; TORRINGTON, WY)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Chugwater:

• CHEYENNE (about 42 miles; CHEYENNE, WY; Abbreviation: CYS)
• LARAMIE REGIONAL (about 67 miles; LARAMIE, WY; Abbreviation: LAR)
• WESTERN NEB. RGNL/WILLIAM B. HEILIG FIELD (about 87 miles; SCOTTSBLUFF, NE; Abbreviation: BFF)

Other public-use airports nearest to Chugwater:

• PHIFER AIRFIELD (about 22 miles; WHEATLAND, WY; Abbreviation: EAN)
• CAMP GUERNSEY (about 35 miles; GUERNSEY, WY; Abbreviation: 7V6)
• TORRINGTON MUNI (about 51 miles; TORRINGTON, WY; Abbreviation: TOR)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Chugwater:

• UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING (about 68 miles; LARAMIE, WY; Full-time enrollment: 9,665)
• UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO (about 94 miles; GREELEY, CO; Full-time enrollment: 10,983)
• AIMS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 95 miles; GREELEY, CO; Full-time enrollment: 3,722)
• COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY (about 100 miles; Fort Collins, CO; Full-time enrollment: 22,684)
• UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER (about 121 miles; BOULDER, CO; Full-time enrollment: 25,355)
• CASPER COLLEGE (about 129 miles; CASPER, WY; Full-time enrollment: 2,564)
• FRONT RANGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 131 miles; WESTMINSTER, CO; Full-time enrollment: 6,858)

Schools

Public high school in Chugwater:

• CHUGWATER HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 45; Location: 500 5TH STREET; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Chugwater:

• CHUGWATER ELEMENTARY (Students: 35; Location: 406 5TH ST.; Grades: KG – 06)
• CHUGWATER JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 16; Location: 1150 PINE; Grades: 07 – 08)