Editing Platte County, Wyoming

{{Short description|County in Wyoming, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
| county             = Platte County
| state              = Wyoming
| ex image           = WheatlandWY PlatteCountyCourthouse.jpg
| ex image cap       = [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Platte County, Wyoming|Platte County Courthouse]]
| seal               = 
| flag               = Flag of Platte County, Wyoming.svg
| founded            = February 21, 1911 (authorized)<br/>1913 (organized)
| seat wl            = Wheatland
| largest city       = Wheatland
| city type          = town
| area_total_sq_mi   = 2111
| area_land_sq_mi    = 2084
| area_water_sq_mi   = 27
| area percentage    = 1.3%
| population_as_of   = 2020
| population_total   = 8605
| pop_est_as_of      = 2023
| population_est     = 8546 {{loss}}
| density_sq_mi      = auto
| web                = plattecountywyoming.com
| time zone          = Mountain
| named for          = [[North Platte River]]
| district          = At-large}}

'''Platte County''' is a [[county]] located in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Wyoming]]. As of the [[2020 United States census]], the population was 8,605.<ref name=QF>{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/56/56031.html|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=January 25, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606214953/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/56/56031.html|archive-date=June 6, 2011}}</ref> Its [[county seat]] is [[Wheatland, Wyoming|Wheatland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref>

==History==
Platte County was created February 21, 1911, with land detached from [[Laramie County, Wyoming|Laramie County]] and organized in 1913.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/WY_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm|title=Wyoming: Individual County Chronologies|website=Wyoming Atlas of Historical County Boundaries|publisher=The [[Newberry Library]]|editor-last=Long|editor-first=John H.|date=2004|access-date=August 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150803014725/http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/WY_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm|archive-date=August 3, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The county was named for the [[North Platte River]], which flows through the northeastern part of the county.<ref>{{cite book|last=Urbanek|first=Mae|title=Wyoming Place Names|publisher=Mountain Press Pub. Co.|location=Missoula MT|year=1988|isbn=0-87842-204-8}}</ref>

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau|US Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|2111|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|2084|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|27|sqmi}} (1.3%) is water.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/counties_list_56.txt|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=August 18, 2015|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files}}</ref> It is the third-smallest county in Wyoming by area.

===Adjacent counties===
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
*[[Niobrara County, Wyoming|Niobrara County]] (northeast)
*[[Goshen County, Wyoming|Goshen County]] (east)
*[[Laramie County, Wyoming|Laramie County]] (south)
*[[Albany County, Wyoming|Albany County]] (west)
*[[Converse County, Wyoming|Converse County]] (northwest)
{{div col end}}

===National protected area===
*[[Medicine Bow National Forest]] (part)

===Major highways===
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
*[[Image:I-25.svg|20px]] [[Interstate 25 (Wyoming)|Interstate 25]]
*[[Image:US 26.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Highway 26 (Wyoming)|U.S. Highway 26]]
*[[Image:US 87.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Highway 87 (Wyoming)|U.S. Highway 87]]
*[[Image:WY-34.svg|20px]] [[Wyoming Highway 34]]
{{div col end}}
*

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
| 1920 = 7421
| 1930 = 9695
| 1940 = 8013
| 1950 = 7925
| 1960 = 7195
| 1970 = 6486
| 1980 = 11975
| 1990 = 8145
| 2000 = 8807
| 2010 = 8667
| align-fn = center
| footnote = US Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=US Decennial Census|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=August 18, 2015}}</ref><br/>1870–2000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eadiv.state.wy.us/demog_data/pop2000/cntycity_hist.htm|title= Historical Decennial Census Population for Wyoming Counties, Cities, and Towns|publisher=Wyoming Department of Administration & Information, Division of Economic Analysis|access-date=January 25, 2014}}</ref> 2010–2016<ref name=QF/>
| 2020 = 8605
| estyear = 2023
| estimate = 8546
| estref = <ref>{{Cite web |title=QuickFacts |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/plattecountywyoming/PST045223 |access-date=March 24, 2024 |website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>
}}

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States Census]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=May 14, 2011|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> there were 8,807 people, 3,625 households, and 2,494 families in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|4|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people|}}. There were 4,528 housing units at an average density of {{convert|2|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the county was 96.18% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.16% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.50% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.17% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.02% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.69% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.27% from two or more races. 5.28% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. 31.7% were of [[German people|German]], 13.4% [[Irish people|Irish]], 11.3% [[English people|English]] and 7.5% [[United States|American]] ancestry.

There were 3,625 households, out of which 30.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.90% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 6.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.20% were non-families. 27.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.92.

The county population contained 25.40% under the age of 18, 6.60% from 18 to 24, 24.30% from 25 to 44, 27.30% from 45 to 64, and 16.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 97.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $33,866, and the median income for a family was $41,449. Males had a median income of $31,484 versus $19,635 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $17,530. About 8.50% of families and 11.70% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 15.90% of those under age 18 and 12.20% of those age 65 or over.

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States Census]], there were 8,667&nbsp;people, 3,838&nbsp;households, and 2,505&nbsp;families in the county.<ref name=DC>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US56031|title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data|access-date=January 12, 2016|publisher=US Census Bureau|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213021331/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US56031|archive-date=February 13, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|4.2|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people|}}. There were 4,667 housing units at an average density of {{convert|2.2|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US56031|access-date=January 12, 2016|title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County|publisher=US Census Bureau|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213190046/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US56031|archive-date=February 13, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> The racial makeup of the county was 95.4% white, 0.4% Asian, 0.4% American Indian, 0.3% black or African American, 0.1% Pacific islander, 2.0% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 6.7% of the population.<ref name=DC/> In terms of ancestry, 45.3% were [[Germans|German]], 21.1% were [[English people|English]], 17.3% were [[Irish people|Irish]], and 6.2% were [[Americans|American]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US56031|title=Selected Social Characteristics in the US – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates|access-date=January 12, 2016|publisher=US Census Bureau|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213012344/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US56031|archive-date=February 13, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Of the 3,838&nbsp;households, 24.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.7% were non-families, and 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.76. The median age was 47.5 years.<ref name=DC/>

The median income for a household in the county was $42,947 and the median income for a family was $51,759. Males had a median income of $55,757 versus $29,366 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,185. About 6.1% of families and 10.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 18.2% of those under age 18 and 3.5% of those age 65 or over.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US56031|title=Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates|access-date=January 12, 2016|publisher=US Census Bureau|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213013504/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US56031|archive-date=February 13, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Communities==
===Towns===
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Chugwater, Wyoming|Chugwater]]
* [[Glendo, Wyoming|Glendo]]
* [[Guernsey, Wyoming|Guernsey]]
* [[Hartville, Wyoming|Hartville]]
* [[Wheatland, Wyoming|Wheatland]] (county seat)
{{div col end}}

===Census-designated places===
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Chugcreek, Wyoming|Chugcreek]]
* [[El Rancho, Wyoming|El Rancho]]
* [[Lakeview North, Wyoming|Lakeview North]]
* [[Slater, Wyoming|Slater]]
* [[Westview Circle, Wyoming|Westview Circle]]
* [[Y-O Ranch, Wyoming|Y-O Ranch]]
* [[Whiting, Wyoming|Whiting]]
{{div col end}}

===Unincorporated communities===
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Bordeaux, Wyoming|Bordeaux]]
* Diamond<ref>[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Diamond,+WY+82210/@41.6652511,-105.0067829,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x8765d7d7afbf2a39:0x2ed1cdcf1482b83a!2sPlatte+County,+WY!3b1!8m2!3d42.0505555!4d-104.8454619!3m4!1s0x8765fdb9faa9cafd:0x159cf8fdddd58de!8m2!3d41.665218!4d-104.9980545 ''Diamond WY''  Google Maps (accessed 13 January 2019)]</ref>
* [[Dwyer, Wyoming|Dwyer]]
* [[Dwyer Junction, Wyoming|Dwyer Junction]]
* [[Uva, Wyoming|Uva]]
* Wendover<ref>[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Wendover,+WY+82214/@42.3274618,-104.879892,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x8765d7d7afbf2a39:0x2ed1cdcf1482b83a!2sPlatte+County,+WY!3b1!8m2!3d42.0505555!4d-104.8454619!3m4!1s0x87642fb9e4242857:0xb2700b6dc7d8260f!8m2!3d42.3275854!4d-104.8713684 ''Wendover WY''  Google Maps (accessed 13 January 2019)]</ref>
{{div col end}}

===Ghost towns===
* [[Sunrise, Wyoming|Sunrise]]

==Notable people==
*[[Jim Geringer]], [[List of Governors of Wyoming|governor of Wyoming]]
*[[Robert Mills Grant]], Wyoming [[Wyoming House of Representatives|State Representative]]

==Politics==
Platte County has been a statewide bellwhether since its creation in 1912. No candidate in history has ever carried Wyoming without winning Platte County.
{{PresHead|place=Platte County, Wyoming|whig=no|source1=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Atlas of US Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David |website=uselectionatlas.org |access-date=April 5, 2018}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP/Whig vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|3,874|780|111|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|3,898|890|135|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|3,437|719|373|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|3,136|1,223|172|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|2008|Republican|3,002|1,407|151|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|3,149|1,328|97|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|2,925|1,249|199|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1996|Republican|2,155|1,631|622|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1992|Republican|1,668|1,398|985|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|2,253|1,482|73|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|2,813|1,232|75|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|2,642|1,555|421|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1976|Republican|1,844|1,593|13|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|2,200|925|2|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|1,613|1,035|319|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|1,470|1,890|0|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|1,771|1,558|0|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|1,848|1,499|0|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|2,148|1,364|12|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|1,366|1,465|22|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1944|Republican|1,776|1,544|0|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|1,758|1,849|15|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|1,546|1,730|130|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|1,430|1,893|301|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|2,206|932|118|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|1,383|436|972|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|1,405|694|40|Wyoming}}
{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|806|1,276|115|Wyoming}}
{{PresFoot|1912|Democratic|500|785|480|Wyoming}}

==See also==
*[[National Register of Historic Places listings in Platte County, Wyoming]]
*[[Wyoming]]
**[[List of cities and towns in Wyoming]]
**[[List of counties in Wyoming]]
**[[Wyoming statistical areas]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Platte County, Wyoming}}
* 
* [http://www.russpickett.com/history/wyplat.htm Those who died from Platte County during World War II]

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = Platte County, Wyoming
|Northeast = [[Niobrara County, Wyoming|Niobrara County]]
|East      = [[Goshen County, Wyoming|Goshen County]]
|South     = [[Laramie County, Wyoming|Laramie County]]
|West      = [[Albany County, Wyoming|Albany County]]
|Northwest = [[Converse County, Wyoming|Converse County]]
}}

{{Platte County, Wyoming}}
{{Wyoming}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Coord|42.13|-104.96|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-WY_source:UScensus1990}}

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