Medicine Bow, WY
Population 257 · Wyoming
About Medicine Bow, WY
Medicine Bow is a small community located in Wyoming with a population of 257 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,538 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 65.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Medicine Bow features a median home value of $72,300, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Medicine Bow one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $531, 54% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 197 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (143 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (19 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Medicine Bow shows an unemployment rate of 12.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Medicine Bow have an average one-way commute time of 8.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.4% of Medicine Bow residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 10.5% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 5.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Medicine Bow Ranks in Wyoming
Cost of Living in Medicine Bow, WY
Compared to national averages, Medicine Bow has a median household income of $31,538 (58% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $72,300, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $531 is 54% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wyoming, Medicine Bow's income is 61% below the state average of $80,049, and home values are 76% below the state median of $302,372.
Why Live in Medicine Bow, WY?
Medicine Bow offers affordable housing with a median home value of $72,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $531/month, and short commute times averaging just 8.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,538) that falls below the national average. However, Medicine Bow’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Medicine Bow has a population of 257 with a median age of 65.2 years. Compare Medicine Bow with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wyoming.
Similar Cities Near Medicine Bow
Cities in Wyoming with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homa Hills | 260 | $125,865 | $260,000 | Compare |
| Kaycee | 254 | $46,250 | $187,500 | Compare |
| Kelly | 254 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Rock River | 254 | $62,750 | $128,300 | Compare |
| Hill View Heights | 249 | $155,233 | $231,500 | Compare |
| Glendo | 241 | $0 | $231,100 | Compare |
| Nordic | 273 | $85,855 | $367,500 | Compare |
| Alpine Northwest | 276 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wyoming
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Medicine Bow With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Medicine Bow
What is the population of Medicine Bow, WY?
The population of Medicine Bow, WY is 257 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Wyoming.
What is the median household income in Medicine Bow?
The median household income in Medicine Bow, WY is $31,538 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Medicine Bow?
The median home value in Medicine Bow, WY is $72,300, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Medicine Bow?
The median monthly rent in Medicine Bow, WY is $531, which is 54% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Medicine Bow?
The unemployment rate in Medicine Bow, WY is 12.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Medicine Bow, WY a good place to live?
Medicine Bow offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 257 and a median age of 65.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Medicine Bow, WY?
11.4% of residents in Medicine Bow aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Medicine Bow?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Medicine Bow, WY: median home value is $72,300 (70% below national), median rent is $531/month, and median household income is $31,538. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Medicine Bow?
The poverty rate in Medicine Bow, WY is 30.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Medicine Bow, WY?
Medicine Bow's population is 10.5% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 5.1% of residents are foreign-born.