Demographics

Demographics
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 10,491 square miles, the largest county in Wyoming. Sweetwater County is larger than six states and is the eighth-largest county in the United States. Most of the Great Divide Basin lies within the county, comprising the county's northeast quadrant. As of 2010 census, Sweetwater County is home to 43,806 people.
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Sweetwater County is home to a diverse and rich population of wildlife. The habitat is home to one of Wyoming's great "Sagebrush Seas", a fantastic habitat for the Greater Sage-grouse that calls it home. Flaming Gorge maintains part of the only natural habitats of the Midget Faded Rattlesnake in the world. The vastness of Sweetwater county contributes to a thriving and diverse range of western species that is not limited in it's scope or distribution. Sweetwater County is home to a significant population of wild horses. Mule deer, Antelope, Elk and other game are not uncommon sights, and the beauty of the picturesque views found within are difficult to overstate. 
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Ariel photo showing gas development in Sweetwater County

Sweetwater County maintains a significant amount of mineral wealth as well. Oil and gas development is common, and Sweetwater County is home to one of the largest natural trona deposits in the world. Major coal mining operations and a power plant also call Sweetwater county home.

This natural bounty has been responsible for a robust economy. Sweetwater county has a median household income at $71,525 compared to $57,406 which is the state average.    
 
Despite such extensive mineral exploration, the wide open spaces of the County remain extraordinarily extensive. This is thanks, in no small part, to the agriculture industry and the grazing associations that contribute to it. At last tally in 2012 census of agriculture there were 255 farms in Sweetwater county accounting for 1,665,441 acres, over 7.4 million dollars in crop sales and 13.7 million in livestock sales. 

Due to a generally robust economy, Sweetwater County is on average less susceptible to economic downturn and maintains a generally more resilient revenue stream for the County's tax base.
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Ariel photo showing "Burnt Ranch" in Sweetwater County