Editing Hot Springs County, Wyoming

{{Short description|County in Wyoming, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
| county             = Hot Springs County
| state              = Wyoming
| seal               = 
| flag               = Flag of Hot Springs County, Wyoming.gif
| founded            = February 21, 1911 (established)<br />1913 (organized)
| seat wl            = Thermopolis
| largest city       = Thermopolis
| city type          = town
| area_total_sq_mi   = 2006
| area_land_sq_mi    = 2004
| area_water_sq_mi   = 2.3
| area percentage    = 0.1%
| population_as_of   = 2020
| population_total   = 4621
| pop_est_as_of      = 2023
| population_est     = 4661 {{gain}}
| density_sq_mi      = auto
| web         = www.hscounty.com
| ex image           = Hot Springs County Courthouse, Thermopolis, WY.jpg
| ex image cap       = Hot Springs County Courthouse
| time zone          = Mountain
| district           = At-large
| named for          = [[Hot springs]] in the area }}

'''Hot Springs County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Wyoming]]. As of the [[2020 United States census]], the population was 4,696,<ref name="QF">{{Cite web |title=State & County QuickFacts |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/56/56017.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606214809/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/56/56017.html |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=January 25, 2014 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}</ref> making it the second-least populous county in Wyoming. Its [[county seat]] is [[Thermopolis, Wyoming|Thermopolis]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Find a County |url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 |access-date=June 7, 2011 |publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> The county is named for the [[hot spring]]s located in [[Hot Springs State Park]].

==History==
Hot Springs County was created on February 21, 1911, with areas annexed from [[Big Horn County, Wyoming|Big Horn]], [[Fremont County, Wyoming|Fremont]], and [[Park County, Wyoming|Park]] counties. It was organized in 1913.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004 |editor-last=Long |editor-first=John H. |title=Wyoming: Individual County Chronologies |url=http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/WY_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150803014725/http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/WY_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm |archive-date=August 3, 2015 |access-date=August 19, 2015 |website=Wyoming Atlas of Historical County Boundaries |publisher=The [[Newberry Library]]}}</ref>

Hot Springs County was named for the [[hot springs]] located in the county seat of [[Thermopolis, Wyoming|Thermopolis]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Urbanek |first=Mae |title=Wyoming Place Names |publisher=Mountain Press Pub. Co. |year=1988 |isbn=0-87842-204-8 |location=Missoula MT}}</ref>

In the [[2008 United States presidential election]], Hot Springs County was the only county in the entire [[Mountain States|Mountain West]] outside of [[Arizona]] where [[John McCain]] beat [[George W. Bush]]'s percentage of the county vote from the [[2004 United States presidential election|2004 election]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Quinn |first=Sean |date=December 10, 2008 |title=The Mountain West: America's New Swing Region |url=http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/12/mountain-west-americas-new-swing-region.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211180218/http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/12/mountain-west-americas-new-swing-region.html |archive-date=December 11, 2008 |access-date=December 10, 2008 |publisher=[[Fivethirtyeight.com]]}}</ref>

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau|US Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|2006|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|2004|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|2.3|sqmi}} (0.1%) is water, which gives it nearly twice the land area of [[Rhode Island]] and a slightly larger land area than [[Delaware]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 22, 2012 |title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files |url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/counties_list_56.txt |access-date=August 5, 2015 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}</ref> It is the smallest county in Wyoming by area and the largest county in the US that is a state's smallest county.

Hot Springs County includes the southern portion of Wyoming's [[Big Horn Basin]], and is surrounded by mountains. Most of the [[Wind River Canyon]], with the [[Owl Creek Mountains]] on the west and [[Bridger Mountains (Wyoming)|Bridger Mountains]] on the east is in Hot Springs County, while the [[Bighorn Mountains]] ring the east portion on the county and the [[Absaroka Range]] is to the west. A small portion of the [[Shoshone National Forest]] is in the western part of the county.

The [[Wind River Indian Reservation]] extends into southern Hot Springs County.

===Adjacent counties===
*[[Washakie County, Wyoming|Washakie County]] – northeast
*[[Fremont County, Wyoming|Fremont County]] – south and southwest
*[[Park County, Wyoming|Park County]] – northwest and north

===National protected area===
*[[Shoshone National Forest]] (part)

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1920= 5164
|1930= 5476
|1940= 4607
|1950= 5250
|1960= 6365
|1970= 4952
|1980= 5710
|1990= 4809
|2000= 4882
|2010= 4812
|2020= 4621
|estyear=2023
|estimate=4661
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2023">{{Cite web |title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-counties-total.html |access-date=March 24, 2024 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=US Decennial Census<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Decennial Census |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |access-date=August 5, 2015 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}</ref><br />1870–2000<ref>{{Cite web |title=Historical Decennial Census Population for Wyoming Counties, Cities, and Towns |url=http://eadiv.state.wy.us/demog_data/pop2000/cntycity_hist.htm |access-date=January 25, 2014 |publisher=Wyoming Department of Administration & Information, Division of Economic Analysis}}</ref> 2010–2016<ref name=QF/>
}}

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States Census]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Census website |url=https://www.census.gov |access-date=May 14, 2011 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}</ref> there were 4,882 people, 2,108 households, and 1,353 families in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|2|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people}}. There were 2,536 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1.3|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the county was 95.96% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.35% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 1.52% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.25% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.63% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.29% from two or more races. 2.38% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. 23.3% were of [[German people|German]], 17.0% [[English people|English]], 12.2% [[Irish people|Irish]], 8.2% [[United States|American]] and 6.0% [[norwegian people|Norwegian]] ancestry.

There were 2,108 households, out of which 25.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.30% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 7.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.80% were non-families. 31.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.82.

The county population contained 22.00% under the age of 18, 5.90% from 18 to 24, 23.30% from 25 to 44, 28.70% from 45 to 64, and 20.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 92.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $29,888, and the median income for a family was $39,364. Males had a median income of $27,030 versus $18,667 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $16,858. About 8.60% of families and 10.60% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 12.10% of those under age 18 and 7.90% of those age 65 or over.

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States Census]], there were 4,812&nbsp;people, 2,185&nbsp;households, and 1,362&nbsp;families in the county.<ref name="DC">{{Cite web |title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US56017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213013150/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US56017 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=January 12, 2016 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|2.4|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people|}}. There were 2,582 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1.3|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US56017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213185619/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US56017 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=January 12, 2016 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}</ref> The racial makeup of the county was 95.8% white, 1.5% American Indian, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% black or African American, 0.1% Pacific islander, 0.5% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 2.2% of the population.<ref name=DC/> In terms of ancestry, 30.1% were [[Germans|German]], 15.3% were [[Irish people|Irish]], 15.1% were [[English people|English]], 8.4% were [[Scotch-Irish American|Scotch-Irish]], and 8.3% were [[Americans|American]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Selected Social Characteristics in the US – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US56017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213011556/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US56017 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=January 12, 2016 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}</ref>

Of the 2,185&nbsp;households, 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 37.7% were non-families, and 32.6% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.70. The median age was 48.6 years.<ref name=DC/>

The median income for a household in the county was $42,469 and the median income for a family was $54,709. Males had a median income of $41,186 versus $26,990 for females. The per capita income for the county was $25,269. About 6.8% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 12.2% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US56017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213030409/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US56017 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=January 12, 2016 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}</ref>

==Communities==
[[File:South Fork Owl Creek WY.jpg|South Fork of Owl Creek|thumb|right]]

===Towns===
* [[East Thermopolis, Wyoming|East Thermopolis]]
* [[Kirby, Wyoming|Kirby]]
* [[Thermopolis, Wyoming|Thermopolis]] (county seat)

===Census-designated places===
* [[Lucerne, Wyoming|Lucerne]]
* [[Owl Creek, Wyoming|Owl Creek]]

===Unincorporated communities===
* Embar<ref>[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Embar,+WY+82443/@43.7138436,-108.6824823,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x534cbd9fe0abfecb:0x9e422bf911e69467!2sHot+Springs+County,+WY!3b1!8m2!3d43.658734!4d-108.326784!3m4!1s0x534cc1826c5ff131:0x7686366f8f1c3ad!8m2!3d43.7137977!4d-108.6736679 ''Embar WY''  Google Maps (accessed 10 January 2019)]</ref>
* [[Grass Creek, Wyoming|Grass Creek]]
* [[Wedding of the Waters, Wyoming|Wedding of the Waters]]

===Ghost Towns===
* [[Gebo, Wyoming|Gebo]]

==Government and infrastructure==
The [[Wyoming Department of Health]] Wyoming Pioneer Home, a nursing home for elderly people, is located in [[Thermopolis, Wyoming|Thermopolis]].<ref>[http://wdh.state.wy.us/pioneerhome/index.html Wyoming Pioneer Home] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821022856/http://wdh.state.wy.us/pioneerhome/index.html|date=August 21, 2007}}. [[Wyoming Department of Health]]. Retrieved December 12, 2010</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wyoming Pioneer Home |url=https://thermopolischamber.org/list/member/wyoming-pioneer-home-232 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=thermopolischamber.org}}</ref> The facility was operated by the [[Wyoming Board of Charities and Reform]] until that agency was dissolved as a result of a state constitutional amendment passed in November 1990.<ref>[http://doc.state.wy.us/about/index.html About the Department of Corrections]. [[Wyoming Department of Corrections]]. Retrieved August 22, 2010.</ref>

Hot Springs County voters have been reliably Republican for many decades. In only one national election since 1948 did the county select the Democratic Party candidate (as of 2024).
{{PresHead|place=Hot Springs County, Wyoming|whig=no|source1=<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leip |first=David |title=Atlas of US Presidential Elections |url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS |access-date=April 5, 2018 |website=uselectionatlas.org}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP/Whig vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|2,082|488|50|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|1,999|482|96|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|1,939|400|247|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|1,895|523|97|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|2008|Republican|1,834|619|93|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|1,812|623|45|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|1,733|544|75|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1996|Republican|1,348|779|309|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1992|Republican|978|740|681|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|1,490|800|34|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|1,943|672|31|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|1,602|745|208|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1976|Republican|1,413|958|8|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|1,678|689|0|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|1,273|705|166|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|1,228|1,380|0|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|1,659|1,144|0|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|1,663|977|0|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|1,573|856|3|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|791|928|45|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|877|969|0|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|913|1,266|15|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|796|1,419|104|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|742|1,466|145|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|1,220|940|45|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|1,011|231|969|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|1,212|529|135|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|523|760|118|Wyoming}}
{{PresFoot|1912|Democratic|273|343|390|Wyoming}}

==See also==

*[[National Register of Historic Places listings in Hot Springs County, Wyoming]]
*[[Clayton Danks]]
*[[Wyoming]]
**[[List of cities and towns in Wyoming]]
**[[List of counties in Wyoming]]
**[[Wyoming statistical areas]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Hot Springs County, Wyoming}}
* [http://www.hscounty.com/ Hot Springs County official website]

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = Hot Springs County, Wyoming
|East      = [[Washakie County, Wyoming|Washakie County]]
|South     = [[Fremont County, Wyoming|Fremont County]]
|Northwest = [[Park County, Wyoming|Park County]]
}}

{{Hot Springs County, Wyoming}}
{{Wyoming}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Coord|43.71|-108.44|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-WY_source:UScensus1990}}

[[Category:Hot Springs County, Wyoming| ]]
[[Category:1913 establishments in Wyoming]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1913]]