Sheridan, Johnson Counties Below State Average in Cost of Living

The overall cost of living for residents in Sheridan and Johnson Counties is lower than the state average, according to statistics released by the state’s Economic Analysis Division for the fourth quarter of 2019.

The Wyoming Cost of Living Index (WCLI) reports inflation in the state over the previous year by six consumer categories in five regions in the state.

The statewide inflation rate for all items was 2.2% in 4Q2019, and by consumer category were 7.1% for apparel, 4.0% for medical, 2.7% for housing, 1.4% for transportation, 0.9% for food, and -0.4% for recreation and personal care.

Regional inflation rates in the state were 2.5% in the Northwest, 2.5% in the Southeast, 2.3% in the Central, 1.9% in the Northeast, and 1.6% in the Southwest.

Nationally, the inflation rate from December 2018 to December 2019 was 2.3% as reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index.

According to the WCLI, if the state average of consumer prices were 100, the county with the highest cost of living index across the seven categories is Teton County, with an index of 161, meaning their cost of living is 61% higher than state average.

The county with the lowest consumer price index is Washakie County at 89, meaning costs are 8% of state average.

Sheridan County and Johnson Counties have indexes of 99 and 96 respectively.

For the full report, click here:

http://eadiv.state.wy.us/