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Quality of Life in Cody, WY
A high quality of life with strong walkability, manageable living costs, healthy neighborhood signals, and solid amenity access.
What does Quality of Life tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
What does this tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
Cost of Living
4% above national average
The Real Cost of Living in Cody, WY for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $17k | $31k |
| Comfortable | $69k | $102k |
| Luxury | $117k+ | $182k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $138k+ | $214k+ |
67%
The Area Signal
A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.
Hobbies
Explore the areaGroceries
2 within 10 miles
Gas
3 within 10 miles
Hospital
1 within 20 miles
Airport
SLC — Salt Lake City International
Post Office
Critical Amenities
Quality-of-Life Analysis
Cody, Wyoming, presents a distinctive quality-of-life profile shaped by its role as the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park and its status as a relatively affluent, family-oriented community. The town attracts a mix of long-time ranchers, park and tourism industry workers, and remote professionals drawn to the mountain lifestyle, resulting in a cost of living that is slightly above the national average but notably lower than in Jackson Hole or Bozeman. With a cost-of-living index of 104 (where 100 equals the U.S. average), Cody offers a more attainable version of the Rocky Mountain West experience without sacrificing access to world-class outdoor recreation.
Cost of living, housing affordability, and how Cody compares to nearby towns
Housing in Cody is the primary driver of its above-average cost of living, though it remains far more affordable than other gateway communities in the region. The median home value sits at $357,300, which is significantly lower than Jackson’s median exceeding $1 million and Bozeman’s median above $700,000, but higher than the Wyoming state median of roughly $290,000. Renters face a median monthly cost of $1,039, which is manageable compared to the $1,800+ averages found in Teton County. The average commute time of 18.5 minutes is notably short, reflecting Cody’s compact layout and lack of severe traffic congestion—a stark contrast to the hour-long commutes common in the Greater Yellowstone area during peak tourist season. Utility costs and grocery prices are slightly elevated due to the town’s relative isolation, but the absence of a state income tax helps offset these expenses for most households.
Local amenities, schools, and what daily life is like for families
Daily life in Cody revolves around a strong sense of community, a robust public school system, and year-round access to outdoor activities. Park County School District #6 serves the area with consistently high ratings, and the presence of Northwest College’s Cody Center provides local higher education and workforce training options. The town’s amenities punch above its weight for a population of roughly 10,000: the Buffalo Bill Center of the West complex houses five museums, the Cody Nite Rodeo runs nightly during summer, and the Beck Lake Recreation Area offers mountain biking, fishing, and disc golf within city limits. Residents regularly commute to Powell (20 minutes east) for additional shopping and services, while the drive to Yellowstone’s East Entrance takes about 50 minutes. The local economy is anchored by tourism, healthcare (Cody Regional Health is a major employer), and energy-sector jobs, creating a stable but seasonally variable employment base. Winters are long and cold, with average January highs around 30°F, which limits some outdoor activities but also keeps tourism crowds manageable outside of summer.
Cody is best suited for individuals and families who prioritize outdoor recreation, community involvement, and a slower pace of life over urban amenities and career diversity. Remote workers and retirees find the combination of no state income tax, reasonable home prices, and high-quality healthcare appealing, while families benefit from the safe neighborhoods and strong schools. Those who thrive here are typically self-reliant, comfortable with cold winters, and willing to drive 90 minutes to Billings, Montana, for major shopping or air travel. The town’s conservative political leanings and tight-knit social fabric mean newcomers should be prepared to actively engage in community life—whether through volunteering at the rodeo, joining a local church, or participating in school events—to fully integrate into Cody’s quality of life.
Crime in Cody, WY
Lower crime rates than 92% of comparable U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Crime Analysis
Cody, Wyoming, presents a notably safe environment compared to national averages, with violent crime rates significantly below the U.S. norm. The city's overall crime picture is shaped by its relatively small population and its role as a hub for tourism and energy work in Park County. While property crime rates are higher than the state average, they remain well below the national median, making Cody a community where most residents report feeling secure in their daily routines.
Crime in context
Cody's violent crime rate stands at 124.3 incidents per 100,000 residents, a figure that is roughly 65% lower than the national average and also below the Wyoming state average. This places Cody in a favorable position compared to many similarly sized Western towns. The property crime rate of 640.7 per 100,000 is higher than the Wyoming state average but remains approximately 40% lower than the national property crime rate. These figures are drawn from FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data and reflect a community where serious violent offenses like homicide and aggravated assault are rare events. The contrast is particularly sharp when comparing Cody to large metropolitan areas, where progressive prosecutorial policies often correlate with higher recidivism and reduced public safety; Cody's local justice system operates under a more traditional framework that prioritizes accountability.
What residents experience
For those living in Cody, the most common safety concerns revolve around property crimes such as theft from vehicles and burglary, particularly during the busy summer tourist season. The city's economy, driven by Yellowstone tourism and the energy sector, brings a transient population that can contribute to these opportunistic crimes. However, residents consistently describe a community where unlocked doors are still common and children can play outside without constant supervision. The Cody Police Department maintains a visible presence and benefits from strong community engagement, which helps keep clearance rates for reported crimes above national averages. Unlike in jurisdictions with lenient sentencing philosophies, Cody's legal environment does not routinely release repeat property offenders back onto the streets, which directly supports the sense of security residents report.
Neighborhood-level variation
Safety in Cody is relatively uniform across the city, though some patterns exist. The downtown core and areas near the Buffalo Bill Center of the West see higher foot traffic and occasional petty theft, while the residential neighborhoods south of the Shoshone River and west of 14th Street are considered particularly quiet. The South Fork and Wapiti Valley areas, just outside city limits, experience even lower crime rates due to their rural character and limited accessibility. Newcomers should note that the most significant safety variable in Cody is not neighborhood choice but seasonal activity: property crime ticks upward during tourist months, while winter brings a marked drop in all crime categories. Overall, Cody offers a level of personal safety that is increasingly rare in the United States, especially when compared to large metro areas where progressive district attorneys have deprioritized prosecution of property and drug crimes.
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-06-21T12:31:12.000Z
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