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Cities and Towns in Carbon County, Wyoming

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Founded in 1868, Carbon County is one of 23 counties in the state of Wyoming. Historically, Carbon County was one of the original five counties. The city of Rawlins is the county seat. With FIPS code of 7, Carbon County has a population of 14,649 and area of 7,897 square miles (20,453 km²).

 

List of all cities in Carbon County, WY alphabetically

  • Baggs, WY
  • Dixon, WY
  • Elk Mountain, WY
  • Encampment, WY
  • Hanna, WY
  • Medicine Bow, WY
  • Rawlins, WY
  • Saratoga, WY
  • Savery, WY
  • Sinclair, WY
  • Walcott, WY

Major Cities and Towns in Carbon County, Wyoming

Rawlins

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 8.28 square miles
  • Population: 8,538 (as of the last census)
  • ZIP Codes: 82301
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Latitude: 41.7910° N
    • Longitude: 107.2348° W

Location and History

Rawlins is the county seat of Carbon County, located in south-central Wyoming along the Interstate 80 corridor. The city was founded in 1868 as a stop on the Union Pacific Railroad. It was named after General John A. Rawlins, a Civil War veteran and chief of staff to Ulysses S. Grant, who was purportedly impressed with the quality of water from a spring in the area. Rawlins developed quickly due to its strategic location along the railroad and later became a central hub for the region’s energy industry, including coal, oil, and natural gas. The city is also home to the Wyoming State Penitentiary, which has been a significant presence since the early 20th century. Rawlins has a rich history tied to the development of the American West and continues to be an important center for transportation, energy, and government services in Wyoming.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Rawlins is served by Carbon County School District #1, which includes Rawlins High School, Rawlins Middle School, and Rawlins Elementary School. Notable landmarks in the city include the Wyoming Frontier Prison, a historic penitentiary that now operates as a museum offering tours and exhibits on the history of incarceration in Wyoming. The Carbon County Museum provides further insights into the region’s history, including exhibits on the area’s Native American heritage, the railroad, and the energy industry. Rawlins is also located near the Continental Divide Trail, providing opportunities for hiking and exploring the rugged Wyoming landscape.

Saratoga

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 3.61 square miles
  • Population: 1,690 (as of the last census)
  • ZIP Codes: 82331
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Latitude: 41.4544° N
    • Longitude: 106.8078° W

Location and History

Saratoga is a small town in Carbon County, located along the North Platte River in southern Wyoming. The town was established in the late 19th century and was originally known as Warm Springs due to the natural hot springs in the area. It was later renamed Saratoga after Saratoga Springs, New York, reflecting its reputation as a spa town. Saratoga quickly became a popular destination for visitors seeking the therapeutic benefits of its hot springs, and the town developed around this tourism industry. Over time, Saratoga also grew as a center for ranching, agriculture, and outdoor recreation. The town’s scenic location, combined with its hot springs, continues to attract tourists and residents alike, making Saratoga a vibrant community with a unique blend of natural beauty and historical charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Saratoga is served by Carbon County School District #2, which includes Saratoga Middle/High School and Saratoga Elementary School. The town’s most iconic landmark is the Hobo Hot Springs, a natural hot spring that is open to the public year-round and serves as a central gathering place for the community. The Saratoga Resort and Spa, located nearby, offers additional amenities and has become a popular destination for relaxation and wellness. The town is also home to the Saratoga Museum, which provides insights into the history of the area, including exhibits on Native American culture, early settlers, and the development of the local economy. The nearby Snowy Range and Medicine Bow National Forest offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and skiing.

Sinclair

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 2.43 square miles
  • Population: 433 (as of the last census)
  • ZIP Codes: 82334
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Latitude: 41.7775° N
    • Longitude: 107.1145° W

Location and History

Sinclair is a small town in Carbon County, Wyoming, located just east of Rawlins. The town was originally established in 1924 as Parco (Producers and Refiners Corporation) and was built by the oil company of the same name to support its oil refinery operations. The town was later renamed Sinclair after the Sinclair Oil Corporation acquired the refinery in 1934. Sinclair is a classic example of a company town, with much of its infrastructure and housing developed by the oil company for its workers. The refinery remains the town’s primary economic driver, and Sinclair continues to play a vital role in Wyoming’s energy industry. Despite its small size, Sinclair has a rich industrial history and is known for its well-preserved Art Deco architecture, particularly in the refinery’s administration building and other company-built structures.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sinclair is served by Carbon County School District #1, with students typically attending schools in nearby Rawlins, such as Rawlins High School. The town’s most notable landmark is the Sinclair Oil Refinery, which has been in continuous operation since the 1920s and remains a key component of the town’s identity. The town also features several historical buildings that reflect its origins as a company town, including the Parco/Sinclair Theatre and the original administration building. The nearby Platte River offers recreational opportunities such as fishing and kayaking, while the proximity to Rawlins provides residents with access to additional services and amenities.

Hanna

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 2.07 square miles
  • Population: 841 (as of the last census)
  • ZIP Codes: 82327
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Latitude: 41.8711° N
    • Longitude: 106.5584° W

Location and History

Hanna is a small town in Carbon County, Wyoming, located along the Union Pacific Railroad in the southeastern part of the state. The town was founded in the late 19th century as a coal mining community, named after Marcus Hanna, a prominent U.S. senator and industrialist. Coal mining was the primary industry in Hanna for many decades, with the town serving as a hub for mining operations in the region. The town’s history is marked by several tragic mining disasters, the most notable occurring in 1903 and 1908, which claimed the lives of many miners. Despite these hardships, Hanna has remained a resilient community. Although the importance of coal mining has diminished over the years, the town continues to maintain its historical connection to the industry while exploring new opportunities for growth.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hanna is served by Carbon County School District #2, which includes Hanna Elementary School and Hanna-Elk Mountain-Medicine Bow Junior/Senior High School. Key landmarks in the town include the Hanna Basin Museum, which preserves the history of coal mining in the area and offers exhibits on the town’s early settlers and the mining industry. The nearby Medicine Bow National Forest provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The town also features several historical sites related to its mining heritage, including old mining equipment and memorials dedicated to the miners who lost their lives in the early 20th century.

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