Located in the high-altitude Red Desert, Rock Springs is a rural town in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, built on coal mining and diversity. In 1868, steam engines of the Union Pacific Railroad were powered by the mines. This led to a job boom, and folks from all backgrounds and areas flocked here for work—hence, the nickname, “city of 56 nationalities,” which still rings true in the area’s various restaurants and cultural events. Today, trona mining is a major industry in the city with employers like Tronox and TATA Chemical North America. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the local community college also provide many jobs in the area. Allison Volcic, Industry Relations Manager for Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism, says people mostly move here for steady work but stay for the outdoor oasis and friendly atmosphere. “People here are just so welcoming and accommodating,” she says. “You’ll find a friend immediately. You can be in the grocery store in line, and someone will start talking to you.”
Rock Springs is a city with unique local history and breathtaking landscape.
Rock Springs celebrates its coal mining history with this amazing statue downtown.
1/2
Old and new housing with a chance of more development
Rock Springs has a combination of older and newer homes. Some houses are close to the town center, while others are on the outskirts on large plots of land. Early 20th-century cottages and brick bungalows are mostly found downtown, and modern ranch-style, traditional and split-level homes from the late 20th century and after are spread throughout the west side. More housing developments are scheduled to pop up in the northern part of Rock Springs, thanks to the introduction of a new power plant in 2023. “It seems like it is always expanding,” Volcic says. “When I’ve looked, rentals go quickly, and so do home sales.” The median price for single-family homes is $289,500, slightly higher than the Sweetwater County figure of $251,410.
Split-level, ranch-style, and bungalows are common home styles in Rock Springs.
Newer modern ranch-style homes are found on the west side of Rock Springs.
1/2
Get togethers in Bunning Park and zooming through Killpecker Sand Dunes
With 26 parks, athletic fields and millions of acres of surrounding public land, Rock Springs offers tons of high desert recreation. Bunning Park is a local gathering spot for summer concerts on its small outdoor stage and various fundraiser walks. Youth soccer leagues play and practice at the expansive Century West Park, which has a playground and wading pool scheduled to be replaced with a new splash pad in 2026. Folks in Rock Springs take advantage of the vast open spaces outside of their city. “Hunting is a huge thing here. If you’re that kind of sportsman, it’s paradise,” says J.J. Syvrud, parks and recreation director who’s lived in the city for 40 years. The Tipton Hunter Management Area is home to big game animals like elk and antelope several miles east of the city. Mountain biking the 3-mile Mustang Loop in town, fishing in the bright blue Flaming Gorge Reservoir several miles south and riding ATVs in the Killpecker Sand Dunes 35 miles north are popular activities here, according to Syvrud. During winter, families utilize the Rock Springs Family Recreation Center for its volleyball court, indoor driving range and ice-skating arena.
Community events are held at Bunning Park in Rock Springs during the summer.
The Rock Springs Family Recreation Center features an ice arena, swimming pool, basketball courts, and more.
1/2
New high school coming near Rock Springs High
Rocks Springs is zoned for the Sweetwater County School District 1, which scores an overall C grade from Niche and has 14 schools. Because Wyoming is a “School Choice” state, families can apply for outside school districts like Sweetwater County School District 2 in nearby Green River. Rock Springs High is the most populated school in the city. It has been recognized for its Community-Based Instruction Program, which gives students alternative learning courses in math and daily living skills. The city is scheduled to build a new high school at the RSHS site with funding from the state budget. For any post-grad plans, Western Wyoming Community College offers STEM, manufacturing and healthcare programs.
Rock Springs High School is home of the Tigers.
Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs offers over 100 degree and certificate programs.
1/2
Embracing many cultures through International Day
People from all backgrounds emigrated to Rock Springs for work in the late 19th century, and the influence of dozens of cultures can still be felt today. Food trucks selling Turkish and Asian food are coming to the city, and folks can visit the Rock Springs Historical Museum to learn more about the town’s heritage and coal-mining history. “It’s quite cultural for being a smaller town and not a huge city,” Volcic says. The city hosts its annual International Day at Bunning Park in July to celebrate its “home of 56 nationalities” slogan. Various cultures are represented through food, exhibits and live performances; visitors can also try over 20 imported beers from across the globe. Multiple murals are also placed near downtown, and the Art Underground Gallery has dozens of pieces on the pedestrian underpass near the train tracks. Residents gather in Bunning Park in the summer for Blues N’ Brews concert.
Rock Springs is known as the home of 56 nationalities due to the immigrants who came to work in the coal mines.
Rock Springs original city hall was converted to the Rock Springs Historical Museum in 1992.
1/2
Mom-and-pop shops downtown and retail chains to the west
Downtown is the epicenter for small businesses, clothing stores and eateries in Rock Springs. Large signs on brick buildings and storefronts can be seen while walking on the wide sidewalks, and different kinds of European pubs, Mexican restaurants and classic American diners dot the area. Between 2025 and 2027, the Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency (URA) plans to develop more creative programs; from July to September, locals can sort through homemade crafts and fresh produce at the Main Street Market. Otherwise, people can grocery shop at Walmart Supercenter or Albertsons. White Mountain Mall is on the far west side of town and has several retail chains like Maurices and T.J. Maxx.
Downtown Rock Springs is home to local businesses like The Bike and Trike.
Albertsons, Walmart, and Smith's are great options for groceries in Rock Springs.
1/2
Driving-dependent town divided by I-80
Driving is the main form of transportation in Rock Springs. Interstate 80 cuts through the center of town, giving access to Green River 20 miles southwest. The interstate can get busy at certain times of the day, especially during the summer months. For senior citizens, reservable STAR Transit buses provide door-to-door service on weekdays near the city's southwest side. Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County and Aspen Mountain Medical Center are two major medical centers in the area. Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport is about 10 miles east via I-80 and offers routes to western cities like Denver and Salt Lake City.
Low crime and moderate fire risks
Rock Springs’ crime reports and statistics for 2024 are not readily available, but FBI crime data showed the city had a lower crime rate for violent and property crimes than the state throughout 2023. Volcic says there doesn’t seem to be a lot of criminal activity in the city except for the occasional drug or alcohol-related crimes. “Truthfully, I’ve lived here for 45 of 50-some years, and I’ve never experienced anything myself,” she says.
Because Rock Springs is in a high desert, wildfires can be a risk, mostly near the southeast pocket.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
