A small demographic shift is happening in Wyoming behind the scenes, despite the state’s reputation for vast, sparsely populated landscapes.
There is a noticeable uptick in the state’s Black population, which is largely concentrated in a handful of major cities. If you are curious about the location of this expansion, you have come to the right place.
Black populations in these emerging cities in Wyoming will be profiled, along with the factors that have contributed to their rapid population rise.
Settle down for an exciting journey that will show you the changing face of Wyoming’s urban landscape.
Rawlins
Rawlins is home to 8,287 people from many walks of life. It may be small, but it’s home to a minority group—2.4% of the 200+ residents are African American.
An 11.17% increase from 2010 to the present in this figure is noteworthy and may indicate both an increasing presence and maybe shifting dynamics within the organization.
Rawlins’ cultural landscape and socioeconomic structure are profoundly affected by changes in the population, leading to a varied spectrum of experiences and opinions inside the town.
Cheyenne
Cheyenne is a vibrant city with a diverse population, boasting 64,795 residents. In all, 1,671 people identify as African American, making up 2.58% of the population.
Notably, there has been a noticeable increase of 36.19 percent since 2010, indicating a growing presence in the city.
The changing demographics of Cheyenne highlight the city’s diversified population and its ongoing transformation into a cosmopolitan hub.
Also Read: Residents on the Run: 5 Wyoming Towns Residents Are Leaving Quickly
Laramie
Laramie is a diverse city with 31,735 people. African Americans make up 311 people, or 0.98 percent of the overall population. Still, the African American population has clearly been declining since 2010, with a percentage shift of 16.62 percent.
Despite this downturn, Laramie is still a vibrant, inclusive city that offers opportunities for everyone to thrive and contribute to its rich cultural tapestry.
Torrington
Of the 6,161 people that call Torrington home, only about 0.78 percent identify as African American. This vibrant town boasts a varied spectrum of backgrounds and experiences, and the 48 African Americans who live here just add to that.
Torrington is home to people from many various cultural backgrounds, which helps to foster an accepting and diverse community.
The town’s diversity and openness to individuals of all walks of life are exemplified by the tiny but significant African American community.
Riverton
Among the 10,733 people that call Riverton home, there is a small but noticeable African American population—97 individuals, or 0.9% of the total.
Riverton is not a particularly big city, but there has been a 12.61% drop in the percentage of African Americans living there since 2010. This transition has not had a significant impact on the community’s dynamic nature or welcoming attitude.
Conclusion
The expanding Black populations of Rawlins, Cheyenne, and Riverton represent Wyoming’s changing demographics and culture. These cities are diversity hubs that showcase Black communities’ distinct experiences and contributions. Laramie and Torrington struggle to sustain Black populations, but the overall trend is toward inclusivity and multiculturalism.
As these communities grow, Wyoming’s identity and appreciation of its broad past are strengthened. These cities’ growth shows inhabitants’ perseverance and strength, making Wyoming more lively and friendly.
Reference: Resident population distribution of Wyoming in 2021, by race and ethnicity