Goshen County
County
United States Post Office (Torrington, Wyoming)
United States Post Office (Torrington, Wyoming)
Flag of Goshen County
Flag
Map of Wyoming highlighting Goshen County
Location within the U.S. state of Wyoming
Map of the United States highlighting Wyoming
Wyoming's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 42°05′N 104°22′W / 42.09°N 104.36°W / 42.09; -104.36
Country United States
State Wyoming
FoundedFebruary 21, 1911 (authorized)
1913 (organized)
Named forLand of Goshen
SeatTorrington
Largest cityTorrington
Area
 • Total2,232 sq mi (5,780 km2)
 • Land2,225 sq mi (5,760 km2)
 • Water6.8 sq mi (18 km2)  0.3%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total12,498
 • Density5.6/sq mi (2.2/km2)
Time zoneUTC−7 (Mountain)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−6 (MDT)
Congressional districtAt-large
Websitegoshencounty.org

Goshen County (/ˈɡoʊʃən/, GOH-shən) is a county in the U.S. state of Wyoming. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 12,498.[1] Its county seat is Torrington.[2] The eastern boundary of the County borders the Nebraska state line.

Goshen County produces more cattle than any other Wyoming county. In 1997, the county had a total of 688 farms and ranches, averaging 1,840 acres. As of 2007, this had declined slightly to 665 farms and ranches in the county.[3]

History

Goshen County was created in 1911 from a portion of Laramie County. Its government was organized in 1913.[4] This area was part of territories, at one time or another, claimed by: Spain, France, Great Britain, Mexico, and the Republic of Texas. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 permanently established the claim of the United States to the area.[3]

By the 1820s, the North Platte River had become a route for westward-bound fur traders and trappers. By the 1840s this route became part of the Oregon Trail or Mormon Trail. By the late 1850s, it was the route for regularly scheduled east–west stagecoaches carrying passengers and the U.S. mail, and for the short-lived Pony Express carrying mail from Missouri to California (April 1860 to November 1861). By October 1861, transcontinental telegraph lines had been completed along the route. From September 1876 to February 1887, a north–south, Cheyenne-Deadwood stage coach line ran through the county from Cheyenne to the gold fields of the Dakota Territory.[3]

The county was apparently named for Goshen Hole, a valley in the southwest part of the county. John C. Frémont camped in that area on July 14, 1843, and recorded that name in his journal, during an expedition on the Oregon Trail.[5] At least four conflicting stories are available for the origin of the name "Goshen Hole". The Land of Goshen in Egypt, mentioned in the 45th chapter of the Genesis in the Bible, has been suggested as the most likely. And, John Hunton, who was ranching in the area by the 1870s, was told by Seth Ward, the post sutler at Fort Laramie, that the area was named for the Biblical land. The name of Goshen Hole first appeared on a map years later, in 1888.[3]

Geography

According to the US Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,232 square miles (5,780 km2), of which 2,225 square miles (5,760 km2) is land and 6.8 square miles (18 km2) (0.3%) is water.[6] The county is situated in the High Plains east of the Rocky Mountains.

Adjacent counties

National protected area

Climate

Dry stream on North Platte River in Goshen County during May 2002 drought conditions.

Situated on the North Platte River, Goshen County has a semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSk.)

Climate data for Torrington, Wyoming
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 70
(21) 		75
(24) 		85
(29) 		91
(33) 		100
(38) 		105
(41) 		111
(44) 		105
(41) 		101
(38) 		92
(33) 		83
(28) 		77
(25) 		111
(44)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 39.5
(4.2) 		45.0
(7.2) 		52.0
(11.1) 		61.2
(16.2) 		71.0
(21.7) 		82.4
(28.0) 		89.1
(31.7) 		87.3
(30.7) 		77.7
(25.4) 		65.4
(18.6) 		49.2
(9.6) 		41.0
(5.0) 		63.4
(17.5)
Daily mean °F (°C) 24.9
(−3.9) 		30.0
(−1.1) 		37.5
(3.1) 		46.0
(7.8) 		56.2
(13.4) 		66.3
(19.1) 		72.3
(22.4) 		70.2
(21.2) 		59.8
(15.4) 		47.6
(8.7) 		34.0
(1.1) 		26.2
(−3.2) 		47.6
(8.7)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 10.3
(−12.1) 		14.9
(−9.5) 		23.0
(−5.0) 		30.7
(−0.7) 		41.3
(5.2) 		50.2
(10.1) 		55.5
(13.1) 		53.1
(11.7) 		41.9
(5.5) 		29.7
(−1.3) 		18.8
(−7.3) 		11.3
(−11.5) 		31.7
(−0.2)
Record low °F (°C) −39
(−39) 		−33
(−36) 		−26
(−32) 		−17
(−27) 		11
(−12) 		29
(−2) 		39
(4) 		32
(0) 		14
(−10) 		−9
(−23) 		−23
(−31) 		−43
(−42) 		−43
(−42)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.31
(7.9) 		0.40
(10) 		0.70
(18) 		1.68
(43) 		2.54
(65) 		2.09
(53) 		1.78
(45) 		1.19
(30) 		1.27
(32) 		0.95
(24) 		0.57
(14) 		0.36
(9.1) 		13.84
(351)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 4.8
(12) 		4.9
(12) 		4.9
(12) 		3.2
(8.1) 		0.1
(0.25) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.4
(1.0) 		2.1
(5.3) 		4.8
(12) 		6.8
(17) 		32
(79.65)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 inch) 4.3 3.5 5.3 7.5 9.8 8.7 7.6 6.3 5.9 4.7 4.0 3.9 71.5
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 inch) 3.8 2.8 2.5 1.3 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.8 2.4 3.6 17.6
Source 1: NOAA (normals, 1971–2000) [7]
Source 2: The Weather Channel (Records) [8] NOAA NNDC Climate Data [9]

On June 5, 2009, a weather research team known as VORTEX2 observed and measured the full life cycle of a tornado in eastern Goshen County.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
19208,064—
193011,75445.8%
194012,2073.9%
195012,6343.5%
196011,941−5.5%
197010,885−8.8%
198012,04010.6%
199012,3732.8%
200012,5381.3%
201013,2495.7%
202012,498−5.7%
2022 (est.)12,562[10]0.5%
US Decennial Census[11]
1870–2000[12] 2010[13] 2020[14]

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States Census,[15] of 2000, there were 12,538 people, 5,061 households, and 3,426 families in the county. The population density was 6 people per square mile (2.3 people/km2). There were 5,881 housing units at an average density of 3 units per square mile (1.2 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 93.83% White, 0.20% Black or African American, 0.86% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 3.65% from other races, and 1.14% from two or more races. 8.83% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 38.2% were of German, 10.4% English, 8.0% American and 8.0% Irish ancestry.

There were 5,061 households, out of which 28.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% were married couples living together, 7.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.30% were non-families. 27.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.90.

The county population contained 24.20% under the age of 18, 9.40% from 18 to 24, 24.30% from 25 to 44, 24.80% from 45 to 64, and 17.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 98.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,228, and the median income for a family was $40,297. Males had a median income of $27,713 versus $17,584 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,965. About 9.70% of families and 13.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.30% of those under age 18 and 12.50% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 13,249 people, 5,311 households, and 3,466 families in the county.[16] The population density was 6.0 people per square mile (2.3 people/km2). There were 5,972 housing units at an average density of 2.7 units per square mile (1.0 units/km2).[17] The racial makeup of the county was 94.5% white, 0.8% American Indian, 0.6% black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 2.4% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 9.7% of the population.[16] In terms of ancestry, 38.3% were German, 15.5% were Irish, 15.3% were English, and 5.1% were American.[18]

Of the 5,311 households, 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.7% were non-families, and 30.0% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.82. The median age was 43.6 years.[16]

The median income for a household in the county was $42,590 and the median income for a family was $51,978. Males had a median income of $38,247 versus $25,277 for females. The per capita income for the county was $23,753. About 7.2% of families and 13.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.3% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.[19]

Communities

City

Towns

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Government and infrastructure

The Goshen County Fairgrounds are west of Torrington on U.S. Hwy 26/85. The fairground facilities host many events throughout the year, including an annual Goshen County Fair and numerous rodeo events.[21]

The Wyoming Department of Corrections Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution (WMCI) is located east of Torrington on County Road 72 (Sheep Creek Rd.)[22][23][24] The WMCI, a facility of the Wyoming Department of Corrections, serves as an intake center for men not serving death sentences. The grand opening occurred on January 6, 2010.[25]

Goshen County voters have been reliably Republican for several decades. Since 1936, in only one national election did they select the Democratic Party candidate (as of 2020).

United States presidential election results for Goshen County, Wyoming[26]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 4,878 78.16% 1,203 19.28% 160 2.56%
2016 4,418 76.22% 924 15.94% 454 7.83%
2012 4,178 71.96% 1,458 25.11% 170 2.93%
2008 3,942 66.68% 1,832 30.99% 138 2.33%
2004 4,114 71.19% 1,566 27.10% 99 1.71%
2000 3,922 71.05% 1,439 26.07% 159 2.88%
1996 2,989 54.22% 1,923 34.88% 601 10.90%
1992 2,395 45.04% 1,754 32.98% 1,169 21.98%
1988 3,075 61.44% 1,875 37.46% 55 1.10%
1984 3,776 72.84% 1,364 26.31% 44 0.85%
1980 3,572 67.21% 1,373 25.83% 370 6.96%
1976 2,764 54.86% 2,262 44.90% 12 0.24%
1972 3,629 70.27% 1,515 29.34% 20 0.39%
1968 2,719 57.65% 1,529 32.42% 468 9.92%
1964 2,604 48.65% 2,749 51.35% 0 0.00%
1960 3,178 56.83% 2,414 43.17% 0 0.00%
1956 2,825 57.01% 2,130 42.99% 0 0.00%
1952 3,396 67.14% 1,648 32.58% 14 0.28%
1948 2,029 51.91% 1,843 47.15% 37 0.95%
1944 2,674 63.85% 1,514 36.15% 0 0.00%
1940 2,861 58.89% 1,982 40.80% 15 0.31%
1936 2,047 43.09% 2,639 55.55% 65 1.37%
1932 1,954 42.57% 2,545 55.45% 91 1.98%
1928 2,483 75.29% 777 23.56% 38 1.15%
1924 1,603 56.15% 464 16.25% 788 27.60%
1920 1,496 72.73% 552 26.84% 9 0.44%
1916 770 39.77% 1,096 56.61% 70 3.62%
1912 292 32.52% 318 35.41% 288 32.07%

Transportation

Highways

U.S. Highways

State Routes

Airport

See also

External links

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Goshen County, Wyoming.
  1. ^ "Goshen County, Wyoming". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ a b c d Zimmer, Vickie. "Goshen County WY". The Online Encyclopedia of Wyoming History. Wyoming State Historical Society. Archived from the original on March 26, 2013. Retrieved June 30, 2015. ((cite encyclopedia)): |website= ignored (help)
  4. ^ Long, John H., ed. (2004). "Wyoming: Individual County Chronologies". Wyoming Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. Archived from the original on August 3, 2015. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  5. ^ Urbanek, Mae (1988). Wyoming Place Names. Missoula MT: Mountain Press Pub. Co. ISBN 0-87842-204-8.
  6. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". US Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2015.
  7. ^ "Climatography of the US No.81" (PDF). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 13, 2014. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
  8. ^ "Monthly Averages for Torrington WY". The Weather Channel. Archived from the original on October 24, 2012. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
  9. ^ "Climate Data Online Extremes Products". NOAA. Archived from the original on December 12, 2012. Retrieved June 3, 2012.
  10. ^ "QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  11. ^ "US Decennial Census". US Census Bureau. Retrieved August 5, 2015.
  12. ^ "Historical Decennial Census Population for Wyoming Counties, Cities, and Towns". Wyoming Department of Administration & Information, Division of Economic Analysis. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
  13. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
  14. ^ "Goshen County, Wyoming". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  15. ^ "U.S. Census website". US Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  16. ^ a b c "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  17. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  18. ^ "Selected Social Characteristics in the US – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  19. ^ "Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  20. ^ Rockeagle WY Google Maps (accessed 10 January 2019)
  21. ^ "Goshen County Fairgrounds — Event Venue". Archived from the original on May 11, 2015. Retrieved June 30, 2015.
  22. ^ Torrington city, Wyoming[permanent dead link]. US Census Bureau. Retrieved on December 12, 2010.
  23. ^ "Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution (WMCI)". Archived from the original on July 25, 2011.. Goshen County GIS Department. 2009. Retrieved on December 12, 2010.
  24. ^ "Contact Institutions". Wyoming Department of Corrections. Retrieved August 22, 2010. 7076 Road 55F Torrington, WY 82240
  25. ^ "Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution". Wyoming Department of Corrections. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  26. ^ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  27. ^ "Goshen County Public and Private Airports". www.tollfreeairline.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.

42°05′N 104°22′W / 42.09°N 104.36°W / 42.09; -104.36

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