How Wyoming compares
Ranked against the other 49 states on the figures we hold. Rates that combine state and local components — sales tax, the minimum wage where it varies by region — are shown on this page but not ranked, because a single number would misstate them.
| Figure | WY | Nationally | In its region |
|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationUS Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates, July 1, 2025 | 588,753 | 50th highest of 50 | 11 of 11 |
| GDP ($bn)Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2025 | 52.6 | 49th highest of 50 | 11 of 11 |
| Median household incomeUS Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, 2024 | $75,532 | 32nd highest of 50 | 10 of 11 |
| Unemployment rateBureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (seasonally adjusted, preliminary), September 2026 | 3.0% | 7th lowest of 50 | 2 of 11 |
| Foreign-born shareUS Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, 2024 | 3.5% | 47th highest of 50 | 10 of 11 |
| Property tax ratechecked Nov 2026; confirm with the Wyoming legislature | 0.55% | tied 7th lowest of 50 | 4 of 11 |
| Deposit return window (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the Wyoming legislature | 15 | tied 7th lowest of 50 | 3 of 11 |
| Eviction notice (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the Wyoming legislature | 3 | tied 31st highest of 50 | 7 of 11 |
- State income tax: no9 of 50 states answer the same way
- At-will employment: yesthe same in all 50 states — it does not set Wyoming apart
- Paid sick leave required: no30 of 50 states answer the same way
- Paid family leave: no38 of 50 states answer the same way
- Workers' comp required: yes49 of 50 states answer the same way
- Rent control permitted: no46 of 50 states answer the same way
- Annual report required: yes43 of 50 states answer the same way
Statistical figures: US Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025) · US Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (2024) · Bureau of Economic Analysis (2025) · Bureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (seasonally adjusted, preliminary) (September 2026) · SBA Office of Advocacy, 2025 Small Business Profiles (2025). Tax, wage, business and tenancy figures are recorded from state sources and were last checked on 2026-11-05 — confirm anything you are about to act on with the Wyoming legislature.
How long you have in Wyoming
The periods that decide whether something is on time. Days are calendar days unless the underlying rule says otherwise.
- Return a security deposit within
- 15 days
- Eviction notice before filing
- 3 days
- LLC formation processed in
- 3–5 days
- Overtime starts after
- 40 hrs/week (FLSA)
AI Legal Insights — Wyoming
AI-generated · Updated July 2026
Wyoming imposes no state income tax and maintains an at-will employment framework with no mandated paid sick or family leave. Its low property tax rate (0.55%) and modest sales tax (4%) create a relatively light regulatory burden for businesses and individuals.
The state offers a $100 LLC filing fee, no corporate income tax, and a 3.4% unemployment rate, making it attractive for startups and small enterprises. With 59,000 small businesses and a GDP of $44 billion, Wyoming's economy is driven by energy, tourism, and agriculture.
Foreign-born residents comprise only 3.1% of Wyoming's population of 584,057, reflecting limited immigration inflows. The state's sparse population and rural character mean immigration-related legal issues are less frequent but still governed by federal law.
- ›Specify Wyoming as the governing law and venue to avoid ambiguity in disputes.
- ›Include clear at-will employment language if hiring staff, noting the absence of state-mandated leave.
- ›Consider adding an arbitration clause to reduce litigation costs in Wyoming's courts.
AI-generated insights · Verify with a licensed attorney before relying on this information.
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Employment Laws
Wyoming labor regulations
Wyoming has no personal or corporate income tax, and its employment rules largely follow federal law. Most workers are covered by the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr; the state's own minimum of $5.15/hr applies only to the few employers not covered by the FLSA. There is no paid sick leave or paid family leave mandate for private-sector workers. Workers' compensation is provided through a state-run fund rather than private insurers.
| Law | WY Rule | Federal Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr federal rate for FLSA-covered employers; state minimum $5.15/hr for employers not covered by the FLSA | $7.25/hr |
| Overtime | After 40 hrs/week at 1.5× rate (follows FLSA) | FLSA: after 40 hrs/week |
| Paid Sick Leave | No state mandate | None (federal) |
| Paid Family Leave | No state mandate | FMLA: 12 weeks unpaid |
| Workers Comp | Required for employers in occupations the state classifies as extra-hazardous (most industries); coverage only through the state Workers' Compensation Division | Federal employees: yes |
| At-Will Employment | Yes; limited exceptions for public policy violations and implied contracts | Default nationwide |
| Final Paycheck | Within 5 working days after the employee quits or is discharged | Next regular payday |
| Meal Breaks | No state mandate for adult employees | No federal requirement |
| Child Labor | State law restricts the hours and types of work for minors, in addition to federal rules | FLSA child labor rules apply |
- The Wyoming Fair Employment Practices Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age (40+), disability, or pregnancy.
- Wyoming does not have a state WARN Act; only the federal WARN Act (generally 100+ employees, 60 days' notice) applies.
- Wyoming is one of a few states with a monopolistic workers' compensation fund — employers cannot buy private workers' comp coverage for Wyoming employees.
- Most workers are covered by the federal $7.25 minimum wage; the state's $5.15 rate matters only for small, purely local businesses outside FLSA coverage.
- Employers in oil, gas, coal, and other mining are subject to additional federal safety rules under MSHA and OSHA.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor state minimum wage table · state labor agencies (checked Nov 2026)
Landlord-Tenant Laws
Wyoming rental regulations
Wyoming rental law generally favors landlords. There is no rent control and no statutory cap on security deposits, and eviction for nonpayment begins with a 3-day notice to quit. Deposits must be returned, with an itemized list of any deductions, within 30 days after the tenancy ends or 15 days after the landlord receives the tenant's forwarding address, whichever is later. The Residential Rental Property Act sets basic duties for both landlords and tenants.
| Topic | WY Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit | No statutory cap; the lease must state whether any part of the deposit is non-refundable |
| Deposit Return | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends or 15 days after receiving the tenant's forwarding address, whichever is later, with an itemized list of deductions |
| Rent Control | No rent control anywhere in the state |
| Eviction Notice (Non-Payment) | 3-day notice to quit before filing an eviction (forcible entry and detainer) action |
| Eviction Process | Eviction cases are filed in circuit court and are handled on an expedited schedule |
| Habitability | Landlord must keep the unit safe and sanitary and maintain electrical, plumbing, heating, and other facilities; the tenant must give written notice of problems first |
| Tenant Remedies | A tenant must be current on rent to bring a habitability claim after giving the landlord written notice and a reasonable time to fix the problem |
| Late Fees | Allowed if stated in the lease; no specific statutory cap |
Both landlords and tenants have enforceable rights under Wyoming law. Document all communications and keep copies of your lease agreement. Use AI review to spot risky clauses before signing.
Starting a Business
Wyoming LLC formation guide
Wyoming has no personal income tax and no corporate income tax, a 4% state sales tax (about 5.56% on average with local taxes), and low LLC fees. Forming an LLC costs $100, and the annual report has a $60 minimum fee (or 0.02% of Wyoming assets, if higher). Wyoming created the first LLC statute in the U.S. in 1977, and many out-of-state owners use Wyoming LLCs for their privacy and charging-order protections. Energy and mining are central to the state economy, and small businesses employ 65.2% of the private workforce.
Step-by-step LLC formation
- 1Choose a business name — must include "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company"; check availability at wyobiz.wyo.gov
- 2File Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State online at wyobiz.wyo.gov
- 3Pay the $100 LLC filing fee
- 4Designate a registered agent with a physical Wyoming address (P.O. boxes not permitted)
- 5Obtain an EIN from the IRS at irs.gov — free and required for banking and tax registration
- 6Register for Wyoming sales and use tax with the Wyoming Department of Revenue if selling taxable goods or services
- 7File the annual report each year by the first day of your anniversary month — $60 minimum (or 0.02% of Wyoming assets, if greater) at wyobiz.wyo.gov
- 8If you hire, register with the Department of Workforce Services for unemployment insurance and workers' compensation (if required for your industry)
- 9Open a business bank account using your EIN and filed formation documents
- 10Check local license requirements with your city or county
Every LLC also needs a free EIN from the IRS (Form SS-4). Apply online at irs.gov — takes about 15 minutes and is required to open a business bank account.
Popular IRS Forms
Most-filed federal forms for Wyoming taxpayers
Fill these out online with plain-English guidance — every field explained, no accountant required. Download as a ready-to-file PDF when done.
The main annual federal income tax return every taxpayer files.
Fill out free →Give your SSN or EIN to a client before getting paid as a contractor.
Fill out free →Report $600+ paid to independent contractors during the year.
Fill out free →Tell your employer how much federal tax to withhold from pay.
Fill out free →Report income and expenses from a sole proprietorship or LLC.
Fill out free →Report payroll taxes withheld from employees each quarter.
Fill out free →Get an automatic 6-month extension to file your 1040.
Fill out free →The year-end wage statement employers issue to each employee.
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Federal Offices
United States government offices in Wyoming
Walk-in assistance by appointment only. Call (844) 545-5640 to schedule, or book online at irs.gov.
Free Legal Aid
Wyoming legal assistance organizations
These organizations provide free or reduced-cost civil legal services to qualifying Wyoming residents.
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