Where is wyoming on the map

Overview

Wyoming is located in the western region of the United States, nestled within the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. It is bordered by six states: Montana to the north, South Dakota and Nebraska to the east, Colorado and Utah to the south, and Idaho to the west.

As the 44th state admitted to the Union on July 10, 1890, Wyoming is known for its vast open spaces, low population density, and significant natural resources. Its geographic coordinates span from approximately 41° to 45° N latitude and 104° to 111° W longitude, placing it firmly in the Mountain Time Zone.

• Statehood date: Wyoming officially joined the Union on July 10, 1890, becoming the 44th state admitted to the United States.
• Area: The state covers 97,813 square miles, ranking it 10th in size among U.S. states despite having the smallest population.
• Capital: Cheyenne, located in Laramie County, serves as Wyoming’s capital and is situated just 90 miles south of the Wyoming-Nebraska border.
• Population: As of 2023, Wyoming has approximately 584,000 residents, making it the least populous U.S. state.
• Geography: Over 70% of Wyoming lies above 5,000 feet in elevation, contributing to its cold, semi-arid climate and expansive public lands.

How It Works

Understanding Wyoming’s location involves examining its political boundaries, transportation networks, and geographic features that define its regional role.

• Coordinates: Wyoming’s center is located at 43.0760° N, 107.8000° W, placing it in the interior western United States with access to major interstates.
• Bordering States: It shares boundaries with six states—Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho—making it a central hub in the western U.S.
• Time Zone: The entire state lies within the Mountain Time Zone (UTC-7), aligning it with neighboring western states like Colorado and Utah.
• Major Highways: Interstate 25 runs 485 miles north-south through the state, connecting Cheyenne to Casper and Gillette, while I-80 crosses the southern tier east-west.
• Public Lands: About 48% of Wyoming’s land is federally managed, including Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton, and multiple national forests.
• Latitude/Longitude: The southern border lies along 41° N latitude, while the northern reaches up to 45° N, placing it above Colorado and below Montana.

Comparison at a Glance

Wyoming compared to neighboring states reveals key differences in size, population, and economic drivers.

While Wyoming ranks 10th in area, it has the lowest population of any state. Its late 19th-century statehood aligns with western expansion, and its economy relies heavily on energy and tourism, unlike more urbanized neighbors like Colorado.

Why It Matters

Wyoming’s geographic position influences national energy policy, conservation efforts, and transportation infrastructure across the West.

• Energy Production: Wyoming leads the U.S. in coal production, contributing over 35% of national output in 2022, primarily from Powder River Basin mines.
• Tourism: Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in northwest Wyoming, draws over 4 million visitors annually, boosting local economies.
• Transportation: I-80 across southern Wyoming is a critical freight corridor linking the Midwest to the Pacific Coast.
• Climate Impact: High elevation and arid conditions make Wyoming vulnerable to increased drought and wildfire risks due to climate change.
• Political Influence: Despite low population, Wyoming has full representation in Congress, giving it disproportionate electoral influence per capita.
• Conservation: The state hosts key wildlife migration routes for pronghorn and elk, with the Path of the Pronghorn being the longest in the U.S.

From its pivotal role in American energy to its iconic national parks, Wyoming’s location is more than a dot on the map—it's a cornerstone of the western U.S. identity.