Big Horn County, Wyoming is located in the northwest corner of the state and covers an area of 5,019 square miles. It is bordered by Park County to the north, Johnson County to the east, Sheridan County to the south, and Montana to the west. See Countryaah – Counties in Wyoming. The county seat is Basin and its largest city is Worland.
Big Horn County is home to a variety of landscapes including rolling hills, wide open plains, high desert plateaus and rugged mountain ranges. The county’s highest point is located at Big Horn Peak which rises to an elevation of 11,216 feet above sea level.
The county’s main river system is the Big Horn River which flows through its southern portion before entering Montana. Other notable rivers include Greybull River which flows through Worland; Nowood River which flows through Ten Sleep Canyon; and Shell Creek which flows through Shell Canyon.
The area has a rich history with many Native American tribes having called it home for thousands of years before settlers arrived in the late 1800s. Today it remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who come to enjoy activities such as fishing, hunting, camping and hiking amongst its spectacular scenery.
Overall, Big Horn County has much to offer visitors from its diverse landscape to its abundance of recreational activities. Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation this county has something for everyone.
Demographics of Big Horn County, Wyoming
Big Horn County, Wyoming is home to a population of approximately 11,000 people according to the 2020 census. The majority of the population is spread out over two cities–Basin and Worland. The county has a median age of 38.7 and a median household income of $54,922.
The racial makeup of Big Horn County is primarily white with 87.4% of the population identifying as such. Other races make up the remaining 12.6%. The largest minority group is Native American at 4.5%. Other minority groups include Hispanic/Latino (3%), Asian (1%), Black (1%) and other races (2%).
The county is also home to a variety of religious faiths with Christianity being the most represented at 75%. Non-Christian faiths make up 25% of the population with Islam being the second largest at 3%.
Big Horn County has a high school graduation rate of 87% which is above the national average and in line with state averages for Wyoming. The county’s unemployment rate sits at 4%, which is lower than both state and national averages.
Overall, Big Horn County, Wyoming offers an interesting mix of culture, religion and ethnicity that makes it an attractive place to live. With its low unemployment rate, high graduation rate and diverse population it is clear that this county offers something for everyone.
Places of Interest in Big Horn County, Wyoming
Big Horn County, Wyoming offers a variety of places of interest for visitors and locals alike. Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, this county has something for everyone.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Shell Canyon is a must-see destination. This canyon is home to many Native American tribes and was settled by settlers in the late 1800s. It is a popular destination for fishing, hunting, camping and hiking amongst its spectacular scenery.
For history buffs, Big Horn County also has plenty to offer. The area is rich in pioneer history with an abundance of museums and historic sites including the Big Horn County Historical Museum which houses artifacts from the area’s past.
Big Horn County also boasts some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country with its wide-open prairies, rolling hills and stunning mountain views. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy here such as hiking trails, mountain biking trails, rock climbing routes and more.
The county also has several unique attractions to explore like Hot Springs State Park which features hot springs pools and geysers that can reach temperatures up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, there are numerous lakes in the area offering great opportunities for fishing, swimming and boating.
Overall, Big Horn County offers a wealth of places of interest that will keep visitors entertained for days on end. With its diverse landscape and abundance of activities there is something here for everyone.
Notable People of Big Horn County, Wyoming
Big Horn County, Wyoming is home to many notable people who have had an impact on the area and beyond. Some of these individuals include:
Jim Bridger was a mountain man, trapper and explorer who explored much of the American West including Big Horn County. He is known for his contributions to the mapping of the area and his role in establishing trading posts in this region.
Joseph Meek was another mountain man and explorer who was instrumental in opening up the Oregon Trail to settlers. His adventures in Big Horn County included being a guide for wagon trains and helping to establish trading posts.
Luther Sage “Yellowstone” Kelly was an army scout and guide for General George Crook who helped him map out much of the Big Horn County area during his expedition into Montana. He is known as one of the most important scouts in US history due to his knowledge about Native American tribes living in this region.
Calamity Jane was another famous figure from Big Horn County whose colorful life included working as a stagecoach driver, prospector, nurse, scout and more. She is best known for her friendship with Wild Bill Hickok, whom she supposedly nursed back to health after he was shot by Jack McCall in Deadwood.
Big Horn County also has a rich literary tradition with authors like Owen Wister who wrote The Virginian which romanticized life on the western frontier. Other authors from this region include Ambrose Bierce, Mari Sandoz and Vardis Fisher who wrote about their experiences living in this part of Wyoming.
These are just some of the many notable people from Big Horn County that have contributed to its history.