Niobrara County, Wyoming

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Niobrara County
U.S. county
Location within the U.S. state of Wyoming
Wyoming's location within the U.S.
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	Wyoming
Founded	1911
Seat	Lusk
Area
• Total	2,628 sq mi (6,810 km2)
• Land	2,627 sq mi (6,800 km2)
• Water	1.1 sq mi (3 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	2,254
• Density	0.9/sq mi (0.3/km2)
Website	www.niobraracounty.org

Niobrara County is a county located in the eastern part of the U.S. state of Wyoming. As of the 2020 census, the population was 2,254, making it the least populous county in Wyoming. The county seat is Lusk, which is also the largest town in the county.

History

Niobrara County was created in 1911 from parts of Converse County. It was named after the Niobrara River, which runs through the county. The county has a rich history of ranching and mining, which have been the primary economic activities since its establishment.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,628 square miles (6,810 km²), of which 2,627 square miles (6,805 km²) is land and 1.1 square miles (2.8 km²) (0.04%) is water. The county is characterized by its rolling plains and sparse population.

Adjacent counties

• Weston County (north)
• Fall River County, South Dakota (northeast)
• Sioux County, Nebraska (east)
• Goshen County (south)
• Platte County (southwest)
• Converse County (west)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 2,254 people, 1,053 households, and 612 families residing in the county. The population density was 0.9 people per square mile (0.3/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of other races.

Economy

The economy of Niobrara County is largely based on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and farming. There is also some mining activity, including the extraction of oil and natural gas.

Communities

Towns

• Lusk
• Manville
• Van Tassell

Unincorporated communities

• Keeline
• Node

Government and infrastructure

The county government is based in Lusk, which houses the main administrative offices and the county courthouse. The county is governed by a board of commissioners, which oversees various departments and services.

Education

Niobrara County is served by Niobrara County School District Number 1, which provides public education from elementary through high school.

Transportation

Major highways that run through the county include U.S. Route 18, U.S. Route 20, and Wyoming Highway 270. The county is also served by the Lusk Municipal Airport.

See also

• List of counties in Wyoming
• Niobrara River
• Lusk, Wyoming
• Converse County, Wyoming

External links

• Niobrara County official website