Median Income
$49,851
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$198,500
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.7%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,639
41% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.8%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How Burns Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population365
Median Age54.7 yrs
Density120/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans20.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,851
Per Capita$34,319
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$8,439M
Commute19 min
Housing
A
Home Value$198,500
Rent$1,639
Ownership88.6%
Zillow$415,305
Housing Units190
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity31.8%
Uninsured0.8%
Smoking11.8%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain15.3 in/yr
Elevation5,516 ft (1,681 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.7%
High School+91.7%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score5.83
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute19 min
Broadband95.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Burns a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Burns receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Burns offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Burns is $49,851, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Burns is $198,500, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,639 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
9.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Burns experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.3 inches, including 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Burns has a population of 365 with a density of 120 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age is 54.7 years, 41% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (80.5%), with 6.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 20.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
365
Total Population
2023 Census
54.7yrs
Median Age
41% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Burns is $49,851, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,319 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,172, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,736 business establishments, including 241 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,851 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,319 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,172 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,255 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,736 |
| County GDP | $8,439M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 241 |
| Healthcare | 364 |
| Retail | 356 |
| Manufacturing | 76 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,798 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Burns is $198,500, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $415,305, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $498,500 with homes selling in an average of 53 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,639 (41% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $824 for a one-bedroom to $1,044 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 190 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,798. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $198,500 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $415,305 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $498,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $498,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $157 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 53 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,639 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $785 |
| 1 Bedroom | $824 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,044 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,399 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,719 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.4% |
| Housing Units | 190 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,798 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.91% |
In Burns, 31.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 25.5% have high blood pressure. 11.8% are current smokers. 16.2% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 0.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,576. The dentist ratio is 1:1,158. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Burns vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.5% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.8% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.2% |
| Uninsured | 0.8% |
| 91% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,576 |
| Dentists | 1:1,158 |
| Mental Health | 1:206 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.0% |
| Dental Visits | 70.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,713/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 364 |
Burns experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. 74% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 5,516 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,516 ft (1,681 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (7.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 120/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1909°N, 104.3590°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Laramie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cheyenne Regional/Jerry Olson Field (CYS)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.3"
60% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.42"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 74.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 4 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0490 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 6.2 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.16 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.12 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 13, 2025.
| Jun 1, 2014 |
9 km NNW of Kersey, Colorado |
M3.2 |
83 km |
| Jan 6, 2018 |
7 km SW of Guernsey, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
121 km |
| Mar 30, 2019 |
7 km NE of Greeley, Colorado |
M2.9 |
84 km |
| Dec 19, 2013 |
33 km NE of Rock River, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
137 km |
| Jun 13, 2025 |
7 km SE of Erie, Colorado |
M2.7 |
142 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
2 km SSE of Eaton, Colorado |
M2.6 |
82 km |
| Jun 23, 2014 |
6 km NNE of Kersey, Colorado |
M2.5 |
85 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
573 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 95 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1955 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Jun 9, 1991 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1985 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1979 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 1960 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1960 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1955 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1955 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2018 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2010 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2009 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2008 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2005 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1998 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1996 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1996 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CARTER CANYON (15,828 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
CARTER CANYON |
15,828 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
CO LINE |
10,961 |
56 km |
| 2004 |
PICNIC ROCK |
9,014 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
TRAILER |
8,040 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
HAPPY JACK |
6,585 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
HACKBERRY CA |
6,367 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
5,258 |
68 km |
| 2022 |
SMOKEY |
3,961 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
313 |
3,859 |
60 km |
| 2020 |
HUBBARDS GAP |
3,435 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
BROADCAST BURN |
3,230 |
90 km |
| 2004 |
ROSETTA LANE |
3,164 |
33 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLEBEAR |
3,125 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
BUFFALO CREEK |
2,716 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
VISTA TREND CA |
2,669 |
82 km |
| 2015 |
2 CA MA IRON MOUNTAIN MIDDLE CANYON PRESCRIBED BURN |
2,517 |
89 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,261 |
69 km |
| 2021 |
CROSS CA |
2,247 |
71 km |
| 2017 |
CATTLE DRIVE |
2,200 |
65 km |
| 2024 |
139 FIRE |
2,146 |
39 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Burns has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 27°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.4") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Burns. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139-$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$324 ($185-$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$185 ($93-$324) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,039 ($742-$4,635) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70-$185) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139-$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23-$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46-$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139-$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$556 ($371-$927) |
| Battery Replacement |
$185 ($93-$324) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56-$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46-$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139-$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,489 ($3,708-$11,124) |
| Roof Repair |
$927 ($371-$1,854) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,343 ($5,099-$13,905) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,391 ($464-$3,245) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,905 ($4,635-$27,810) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,635 ($1,854-$9,270) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,391 ($742-$2,781) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($185-$927) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,318 ($927-$4,635) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70-$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46-$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78-$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.24 ($2.32-$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.52 ($2.32-$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.17 ($2.78-$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71-$6.95) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56-$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74-$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28-$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46-$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$185 ($70-$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,854 ($1,112-$3,245) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28-$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,112 ($556-$2,318) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$927 ($464-$1,854) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($185-$649) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23-$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$927 ($371-$2,318) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,588 ($4,635-$27,810) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46-$185) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139-$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$185 ($93-$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $698 |
| Toddler | $674 |
| Preschool | $674 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $645 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $575 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Burns
What is the population of Burns?
Burns has a population of 365 residents and is located in Wyoming. The population density is 120 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Burns expensive to live in?
Burns is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.7 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,851, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $198,500 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,639 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Burns?
Burns has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 15.3 inches, with 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Burns?
The job market in Burns is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,172. There are 4,736 business establishments in the area, including 241 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Burns?
The median home value in Burns is $198,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $415,305. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $498,500, with homes typically selling within 53 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,639. Fair market rent is $824 for a 1-bedroom and $1,044 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,798.
How are the schools in Burns?
Schools in Burns score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.7% of adults in Burns hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Burns?
The obesity rate in Burns is 31.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.8% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 0.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,576.
What is transportation like in Burns?
The average commute in Burns is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Burns?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Burns is 80.5% White, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 20.3% of the population are military veterans. 20.2% of residents have a disability. 99.2% have health insurance coverage.