Moving to Guernsey, Wyoming

Guernsey, Wyoming is a small city located in the southeastern corner of the state. The city is situated in the foothills of the Laramie Mountains, making it a picturesque place to live or to visit. The climate in Guernsey is semi-arid with cool winters and hot summers. Average temperatures range from 20 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months.

The history of Guernsey dates back to 1874 when it was founded as a trading post for trappers, traders and settlers heading west on the Oregon Trail. By 1880, Guernsey had become an important stop for travelers on their way to California and other destinations. In 1888, Guernsey was officially incorporated as a city and has remained so ever since.

Politically, Guernsey is part of Wyoming’s Second Congressional District and is represented by Republican Liz Cheney in Congress. In local government, Guernsey has a mayor-council form of government with five council members elected at-large by citizens every two years.

The economy of Guernsey relies largely on agriculture and tourism with several small businesses dotted throughout town. Many residents work in nearby towns such as Douglas or Casper which are larger cities offering more employment opportunities than what can be found within Guernsey itself.

Schools in Guernsey are managed by Platte County School District #1 which consists of one elementary school (Grades K-3), one middle school (Grades 4-7), and one high school (Grades 8-12). There are also several private schools located within Platte County that offer additional educational options for students living in or near Guernsey.

As far as landmarks go, there are several notable attractions located around town including Fort Fetterman State Historic Site, Register Cliff State Historic Site, Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site and Independence Rock State Historic Site – all of which provide tourists with an opportunity to learn about the area’s rich history while exploring these landmark sites. Additionally, there are numerous recreational activities available such as hiking trails at nearby Pathfinder Reservoir or fishing along the North Platte River which flows through town.

Population: 1,147. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,118 (-2.5% change)
Males: 563 (49.1%), Females: 584 (50.9%)

Platte County

Zip code: 82214

Demographics

Median resident age: 40.2 years
Median household income: $30,758
Median house value: $67,700

Population by Race

Races in Guernsey:

  • White Non-Hispanic (88.0%)
  • Hispanic (8.1%)
  • Other race (3.7%)
  • Two or more races (3.3%)
  • American Indian (3.1%)

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

Ancestries: German (40.3%), Irish (21.6%), English (16.4%), United States (7.7%), Dutch (5.9%), Swedish (4.3%).

Elevation: 4366 feet

Land area: 1.1 square miles

Map of Guernsey, WY

Population by Education

Guernsey, Wyoming is a small town located in Platte County in the southeastern corner of Wyoming. The town has an estimated population of 1,065 people, according to the 2019 United States Census. The median age of the population is 35 years old and the median household income is $47,917. The racial makeup of Guernsey is 97.5% White, 0.4% African American, 0.3% Native American and Alaska Native, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander and 1.6% from other races. The most prominent religions practiced by residents are Christianity and Mormonism with smaller numbers practicing Judaism and Islam as well. Education is important to Guernsey residents with over 65 percent having obtained a high school diploma or higher degree. The median value for homes in Guernsey is $98,900 with over 82 percent of households owning their homes. The town has a small business district with a variety of locally owned stores and restaurants. Guernsey is also the home of the Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo, which is held annually in August. The fair features livestock shows, rodeo events, carnival rides, and other entertainment for visitors of all ages. Residents of Guernsey also enjoy camping, fishing and hunting in the nearby area.

For population 25 years and over in Guernsey

  • High school or higher: 86.4%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 11.5%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 5.5%
  • Unemployed: 6.8%
  • Mean travel time to work: 10.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Guernsey town

  • Never married: 18.1%
  • Now married: 61.0%
  • Separated: 0.9%
  • Widowed: 7.9%
  • Divorced: 12.1%

1.6% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -3 (-0.3%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Guernsey:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Guernsey:

  • CHEYENNE (about 77 miles; CHEYENNE, WY; Abbreviation: CYS)
  • WESTERN NEB. RGNL/WILLIAM B. HEILIG FIELD (about 85 miles; SCOTTSBLUFF, NE; Abbreviation: BFF)
  • LARAMIE REGIONAL (about 93 miles; LARAMIE, WY; Abbreviation: LAR)

Other public-use airports nearest to Guernsey:

  • CAMP GUERNSEY (about 3 miles; GUERNSEY, WY; Abbreviation: 7V6)
  • PHIFER AIRFIELD (about 20 miles; WHEATLAND, WY; Abbreviation: EAN)
  • THOMAS MEMORIAL (about 26 miles; GLENDO, WY; Abbreviation: 76V)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Guernsey:

  • UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING (about 83 miles; LARAMIE, WY; Full-time enrollment: 9,665)
  • CASPER COLLEGE (about 116 miles; CASPER, WY; Full-time enrollment: 2,564)
  • CHADRON STATE COLLEGE (about 127 miles; CHADRON, NE; Full-time enrollment: 2,144)
  • UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO (about 129 miles; GREELEY, CO; Full-time enrollment: 10,983)
  • AIMS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 130 miles; GREELEY, CO; Full-time enrollment: 3,722)
  • COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY (about 135 miles; Fort Collins, CO; Full-time enrollment: 22,684)
  • UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER (about 156 miles; BOULDER, CO; Full-time enrollment: 25,355)

Schools

Public high school in Guernsey:

  • GUERNSEY-SUNRISE HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 86; Location: 172 WEST BURLINGTON; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Guernsey:

  • GUERNSEY-SUNRISE ELEMENTARY (Students: 125; Location: 555 SOUTH WYOMING STREET; Grades: KG – 06)
  • GUERNSEY-SUNRISE JUNIOR HIGH (Students: 48; Location: 172 WEST BURLINGTON; Grades: 07 – 08)