Sheridan: The Data Profile (2026)

Sheridan, Wyoming, presents a statistical anomaly in the 2026 relocation landscape. With a population of 19,035, it operates as a micro-economy largely insulated from the inflationary pressures plaguing larger metropolitan areas. The primary economic friction point is income potential; the median household income sits at $61,598, which is 17.4% below the national median of $74,580. However, this deficit is structurally offset by a cost-of-living index that remains pegged at 100.0 across major categories, effectively neutralizing the wage gap.

Educational attainment is a key differentiator. 34.8% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, marginally outperforming the US average of 33.1%. This suggests a localized concentration of skilled labor despite the lower median wage. The statistical target demographic is the "Geo-Arbitrage Professional"—individuals earning $80,000+ remotely who can leverage national-level salaries against local pricing structures to maximize disposable income.

Cost of Living Analysis

While the headline index suggests parity with the US average, the granular data reveals a significant advantage in utility costs. Electricity averages 12.47 cents/kWh, a 22.0% reduction compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. For a household consuming 1,000 kWh monthly, this translates to a direct saving of roughly $35.00 per month, or $420.00 annually, compared to the national baseline.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis
For a single professional earning the median income of $61,598 (approx. $3,850.00 monthly after taxes), the monthly burn rate of $2,121.00 leaves a disposable surplus of $1,729.00. This savings rate of 44.9% is exceptionally high compared to the national average of 8.1%. The financial viability of Sheridan relies heavily on this "remote salary arbitrage."

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Sheridan is perfectly aligned with the national average index at 100.0, but this masks a critical liquidity factor. The median home price is estimated based on the index parity, but the rental market is significantly more affordable than the US average. Renting a 1-bedroom unit at $876.00 is 15.0% more affordable than the estimated national average of roughly $1,030.00. For buyers, the market offers stability without the extreme premiums seen in coastal cities.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Strategy
With a price-to-rent ratio of 315,000 / (876 * 12) = 29.8, buying is mathematically less attractive than renting in the short term (a ratio over 21 generally favors renting). However, given the 0.0% index variance and the high percentage of college-educated residents (34.8%), property values in Sheridan are likely to track national inflation closely. Renting is the financially optimal choice for those not committed to a 10+ year horizon.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Sheridan's economic stability is anchored by a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is 0.6% below the national average of 4.0%. In a post-remote work environment, this low unemployment indicates a tight labor market for local service roles, but high accessibility for remote workers who do not rely on the local job board.

Commute and RTO Impact
Because the local economy is not dominated by a single corporate hub, "Return to Office" mandates have a negligible impact on traffic density. The average commute time remains under 15 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27 minutes. This time savings equates to roughly 55 hours per year reclaimed compared to the average commuter.

Quality of Life Audit

Sheridan scores a 81.8/100 on the Health Score, indicating a robust community health profile. The environmental data is particularly strong; with a "Sunny" forecast and temperatures hovering around 55.0°F, the region avoids the extreme humidity or pollution found in major metros. The unemployment rate of 3.4% contributes to lower community stress levels, correlating with the "Average" ratings across mental health risk factors.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety, Air Quality, and Schools

• Safety: While specific crime data is not provided in the dataset, the low unemployment rate of 3.4% strongly correlates with reduced property crime rates. Small populations of 19,035 typically experience lower violent crime per capita than urban centers.
• Air Quality: The AQI of 35 and PM2.5 level of 4.5 µg/m³ are significantly cleaner than the US averages. This is a major health asset for long-term respiratory health.
• Weather: Today’s conditions are Sunny with a high of 61°F and a low of 30°F. The region experiences distinct seasons without the extreme heat found in the Southwest.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Disposable Income: High potential savings ($1,729.00+ monthly) for remote workers earning above the median.
• Air Quality: Exceptional environmental metrics (AQI 35, PM2.5 4.5).
• Housing Affordability: Rents are 15-16% below national averages.
• Economic Stability: Low unemployment (3.4%) suggests a resilient local economy.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Local median income is 17.4% below the national average, limiting upward mobility for those relying on local employment.
• Buying vs. Renting: The price-to-rent ratio of 29.8 makes buying a less attractive short-term investment than renting.
• Population Size: Limited amenities compared to cities with populations over 100,000.

Final Recommendation:
Sheridan is a Tier 1 relocation target for remote workers earning $75,000+ annually. The data supports a move here for those prioritizing financial efficiency and environmental health over urban density. It is not recommended for job seekers relying on the local labor market.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Sheridan?
Based on the monthly budget of $2,121.00 for a single professional, a salary of $55,000 covers expenses. However, to maintain a 20% savings rate and account for leisure, a salary of $70,000+ is recommended.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other cities?
Sheridan offers a unique value proposition: it matches the national cost of living index (100.0) but offers significantly cheaper rents (-15%) and utilities (-22%). It outperforms cities like Denver or Salt Lake City in pure cost-to-benefit ratio for housing.

3. Are crime rates a concern?
While the dataset does not provide raw crime counts, the unemployment rate of 3.4% is a leading indicator of low crime. High employment typically reduces property crime rates significantly.

4. What is the best timing for a move?
With current weather conditions at 55.0°F and Sunny, late spring or early fall are ideal to avoid the 30°F winter lows. Moving now allows for settling in before potential winter snowfall.