Carbon County, Wyoming

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County in Wyoming, United States

Carbon County

General Information
Name
Native Name
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Settlement Type	U.S. county
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Location
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Population
Total	15533
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Standard	UTC
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Carbon County is a county located in the southern part of the U.S. state of Wyoming. As of the 2020 census, the population was 15,533. The county seat is Rawlins. The county was created in 1868 and organized in 1886.

History

Carbon County was established in 1868 by the Wyoming Territory legislature. It was named for the extensive coal deposits found in the area. The county has a rich history tied to the development of the Union Pacific Railroad, which played a significant role in the settlement and economic development of the region.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 7,964 square miles (20,630 km²), of which 7,898 square miles (20,450 km²) is land and 66 square miles (170 km²) (0.8%) is water. The county is characterized by its diverse landscape, which includes parts of the Medicine Bow National Forest and the Sierra Madre Range.

Adjacent counties

• Natrona County (north)
• Converse County (northeast)
• Albany County (east)
• Laramie County (southeast)
• Weld County, Colorado (southeast)
• Larimer County, Colorado (south)
• Jackson County, Colorado (southwest)
• Routt County, Colorado (southwest)
• Sweetwater County (west)
• Fremont County (northwest)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 15,533 people, 6,307 households, and 4,015 families residing in the county. The population density was 2.0 people per square mile (0.8/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of other races including Native American, African American, and Asian.

Economy

The economy of Carbon County is diverse, with significant contributions from mining, agriculture, and tourism. The presence of coal, oil, and natural gas resources has historically driven the local economy. Additionally, the county's scenic landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities attract tourists year-round.

Communities

Cities

• Rawlins
• Saratoga

Towns

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

Census-designated places

• Arlington
• Leo
• Ryan Park

Unincorporated communities

• Fort Steele
• Savery

Education

Carbon County is served by Carbon County School District Number 1 and Carbon County School District Number 2. These districts provide educational services to the various communities within the county.

Transportation

Major highways that pass through Carbon County include Interstate 80, U.S. Route 30, and U.S. Route 287. The Union Pacific Railroad also runs through the county, providing important freight services.

See also

• List of counties in Wyoming
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Carbon County, Wyoming

External links

• Official website

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