Median Income
$37,035
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
261/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
43.8%
30% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.2%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Ralston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population128
Median Age63.9 yrs
Density23/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 23%
Veterans15.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$37,035
Per Capita$31,668
Unemployment0.0%
County GDP$524M
Housing
Ownership15.6%
Zillow$394,104
Housing Units123
Rent Burden14.8%
Crime
F
Violent261/100K
Property2,594/100K
Health
Obesity32.2%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking13.7%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain9.3 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation4,571 ft (1,393 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+43.8%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.27
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 32%
Broadband66.4%
EV Stations5
Libraries3
Is Ralston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ralston receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Ralston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ralston is $37,035, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ralston is below the national average at 261 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,594 per 100,000, 32% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 43.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Ralston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 9.3 inches, including 44.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Ralston has a population of 128 with a density of 23 people per square mile, spread across 5.7 square miles. The median age is 63.9 years, 64% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.8% female and 56.3% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (33.6%), with 22.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 15.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 70.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
63.9yrs
Median Age
64% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Ralston is $37,035, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,668 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $913, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 644 business establishments, including 62 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 8.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,035 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,668 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,896 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 644 |
| County GDP | $524M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 62 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,205 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 91.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.3% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $394,104. Fair market rent ranges from $824 for a one-bedroom to $1,044 for a two-bedroom apartment. 15.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 123 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,205 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 14.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $785 |
| 1 Bedroom | $824 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,044 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,399 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,719 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 15.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 15.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 84.4% |
| Housing Units | 123 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,205 |
| 20% above US avg |
In Ralston, 32.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 17.8% report binge drinking. 23.0% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,550. The dentist ratio is 1:1,597. 49.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ralston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.2% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 70.7% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,550 |
| Dentists | 1:1,597 |
| Mental Health | 1:952 |
| Checkup Rate | 64.8% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,238/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Ralston has a violent crime rate of 261 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,594 per 100,000, 32% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ralston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ralston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 260.9/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,593.6/100K |
| 32% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ralston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 9.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 44.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. The city sits at an elevation of 4,571 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.6°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,571 ft (1,393 m) |
| Area | 5.7 sq mi (14.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 23/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7069°N, 108.8854°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Carbon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Yellowstone Regional (COD)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.3"
76% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
1.73"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
295 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.7 on May 27, 2025.
| Mar 30, 2014 |
22 km S of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M4.8 |
142 km |
| Aug 21, 2003 |
53 km N of Kelly, Wyoming |
M4.3 |
146 km |
| May 11, 2022 |
36 km S of Silver Gate, Montana |
M4.2 |
88 km |
| Nov 24, 2000 |
24 km S of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M4.2 |
143 km |
| Aug 28, 1995 |
62 km NNE of Kelly, Wyoming |
M4.2 |
130 km |
| Mar 25, 2008 |
35 km S of Silver Gate, Montana |
M4.2 |
89 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
69 km NNE of Kelly, Wyoming |
M3.8 |
123 km |
| Nov 26, 1998 |
63 km SE of West Yellowstone, Montana |
M3.8 |
135 km |
| Jan 29, 2025 |
24 km SSW of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Mar 29, 2023 |
56 km SSE of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M3.7 |
119 km |
| Sep 24, 1994 |
39 km SSE of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M3.7 |
126 km |
| Mar 30, 2014 |
21 km S of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Jul 17, 2021 |
63 km SSE of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M3.6 |
119 km |
| Jul 20, 1992 |
52 km SSE of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| Mar 30, 2014 |
Wyoming |
M3.6 |
143 km |
| Mar 26, 2014 |
20 km SSW of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| Jul 20, 1992 |
51 km SSE of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M3.5 |
118 km |
| Aug 15, 2019 |
59 km NNE of Kelly, Wyoming |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
21 km SSW of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Nov 24, 2000 |
25 km S of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M3.5 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
42 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 2, 1985 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1978 |
EF2 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1978 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1967 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1964 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1962 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1962 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1958 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2009 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2001 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1997 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1991 |
EF1 |
6 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1986 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1981 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1978 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1976 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF1 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1974 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Yellowstone (145 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Yellowstone |
Caldera(s) |
2,805 m (9,203 ft) |
-1350 |
145 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CLOVERMIST (303,427 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
CLOVERMIST |
303,427 |
81 km |
| 2008 |
GUNBARREL |
69,730 |
50 km |
| 1988 |
CLOVER |
34,035 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
LITTLE VENUS |
33,490 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
ROBERTSON DRAW |
31,132 |
48 km |
| 1996 |
SHEPARD MTN |
17,379 |
80 km |
| 2007 |
BONE CREEK |
12,776 |
98 km |
| 2016 |
WHIT |
12,731 |
50 km |
| 2019 |
FISHHAWK |
10,775 |
85 km |
| 2003 |
BOULDER BASIN II |
10,029 |
81 km |
| 2008 |
CASCADE |
10,017 |
68 km |
| 1999 |
ROOSTER |
9,624 |
76 km |
| 2021 |
CRATER RIDGE |
8,147 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
HOLE IN THE WALL |
6,559 |
48 km |
| 2003 |
LITTLE HORN II |
5,889 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
DEEP LAKE |
5,466 |
42 km |
| 2003 |
NORRIS |
5,284 |
89 km |
| 2002 |
COW CREEK |
5,162 |
96 km |
| 2002 |
RED WAFFLE |
5,060 |
57 km |
| 2005 |
BIG HORN |
4,899 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
1.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
1.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Ralston has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 23°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (1.7") and February the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Ralston. 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 | $955 |
| Toddler | $1,002 |
| Preschool | $854 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $753 |
| Toddler | $772 |
| Preschool | $772 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ralston
What is the population of Ralston?
Ralston has a population of 128 residents and is located in Wyoming. The population density is 23 people per square mile, spread across 5.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.8% female and 56.3% male.
Is Ralston expensive to live in?
Ralston 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 $37,035, 51% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Ralston safe?
Ralston is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 261 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,594 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ralston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ralston?
Ralston has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 9.3 inches, with 44.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Ralston?
The job market in Ralston is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $913. There are 644 business establishments in the area, including 62 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Ralston?
Schools in Ralston score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 43.8% of adults in Ralston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ralston?
The obesity rate in Ralston is 32.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 23.0% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 49.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,550.
What are the demographics of Ralston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ralston is 22.7% White, 33.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 15.6% of the population are military veterans. 19.2% of residents have a disability. 70.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
