Johnson County, Wyoming

WY-192

WY-193

WY-196

Johnson County, Wyoming
County
Location within the state of Wyoming
Country	United States
State	Wyoming
Founded	1875
County Seat	Buffalo
Area
• Total	4,175 sq mi (10,810 km2)
• Land	4,171 sq mi (10,800 km2)
• Water	4.0 sq mi (10 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	8,569
• Density	2.1/sq mi (0.79/km2)
Time zone	UTC-7
• Summer (DST)	UTC-6

Johnson County is a county located in the north-central part of the U.S. state of Wyoming. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,569. The county seat is Buffalo. The county was created in 1875 and organized in 1881.

History

Johnson County was established in 1875 and named after E. P. Johnson, a lawyer and early settler in the region. The county has a rich history, including the infamous Johnson County War, a range war between large cattle ranchers and smaller settlers in the late 19th century.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 4,175 square miles (10,810 km²), of which 4,171 square miles (10,800 km²) is land and 4.0 square miles (10 km²) (0.1%) is water.

Adjacent counties

• Sheridan County (north)
• Campbell County (east)
• Converse County (southeast)
• Natrona County (south)
• Washakie County (west)
• Big Horn County (northwest)

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 8,569 people, 3,800 households, and 2,400 families residing in the county. The population density was 2.1 people per square mile (0.81/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of other races.

Communities

City

• Buffalo

Town

• Kaycee

Unincorporated communities

• Linch
• Mayoworth

Economy

The economy of Johnson County is primarily based on agriculture, mining, and tourism. The county is known for its scenic landscapes, including parts of the Bighorn Mountains and the Cloud Peak Wilderness.

Education

Johnson County is served by Johnson County School District Number 1, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school in Buffalo, as well as a K-12 school in Kaycee.

Transportation

Major highways that run through Johnson County include:

• Interstate 25
• Interstate 90
• U.S. Route 16
• U.S. Route 87

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Johnson County, Wyoming
• Johnson County War