Carbon County, Wyoming
Carbon County stretches across south-central Wyoming and covers a huge area—actually larger than some U.S. states, including Rhode Island. The scenery changes constantly, from open sagebrush flats and striking red rock formations to thick forests and rugged mountain ranges.
Fishing is a big draw here, with plenty of opportunities to cast a line in the county’s rivers and lakes. Rawlins, the county seat, has a rugged frontier character, and the old Wyoming State Penitentiary remains one of its most interesting historic attractions.
Wind is hard to miss in Carbon County, and massive wind turbines put that constant breeze to work. Ranching remains an important part of local life, while tourism continues to grow. Visitors come for the peaceful open spaces, outdoor adventures, and incredible Wyoming night skies.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Carbon County |
| County Seat | Rawlins |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Rawlins, Saratoga, Sinclair, Baggs, Encampment |
| Interstates and Highways | I-80, US-30, WY-70, WY-789 |
| Etymology | Named for the rich coal deposits found in the area |
| FIPS Code | 56-007 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 7,964 sq mi (Land: 7,897 sq mi; Water: 67 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone (MT) |
| State | Wyoming |
| Coordinates | 41.6840° N, 106.9420° W |
| Major Landmarks | Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Seminoe State Park, Wyoming Frontier Prison |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Sweetwater County (West), Fremont County (Northwest), Natrona County (North), Converse County (Northeast), Albany County (East), Jackson County, Colorado (Southeast), Routt County, Colorado (South), Moffat County, Colorado (Southwest) |
| Population | Approximately 15,000 |
