Hot Springs County's population is 4, 882, and Thermopolis residents number 3,172.

Wyoming has a superior system of public education and a strong work ethic.  According to the US Census (1998), 90% of Wyoming residents aged 25 or more have a high school diploma, which ranks the state 3rd in the nation on that measure.  Thermopolis high school students score above national means on standardized tests.

Hot Springs County Education Data (1990 -- residents aged 25 and over) 
High school graduates . . . 76%
College graduates  . . . . . .  14%

Underemployment is common in Wyoming.  Among the 15-16,000 people in the commuting-distance labor force are about 2,800 underemployed workers -- people whose skills, experience, and education qualify them for jobs that pay more than the jobs they currently have.  About 25% of these workers would take a new job for $9.00/hr or less!

Many well-qualified people stay here or move here to enjoy the lifestyle, despite the scarcity of jobs for which they are qualified.  It is also the case that many Wyoming natives have actually worked with their hands!  This means that they can readily adapt to trades requiring some manual dexterity!  

Many of Wyoming's young people, particularly those highly educated, have been forced to move to the larger towns or to leave the state to find jobs.  Many would like nothing better than to "come home."   Living out of state they often miss the mountains and openness of Wyoming, and Thermopolis natives, even living in-state, miss Thermopolis' climate.  

This offers entrepreneurial businesses a real opportunity to recruit qualified people who would like to return home.  The opportunity is enhanced by the small size of the community and, indeed, of the state.  It's not hard to find out which young people with which skills might like to come home.  The Wyoming Business Council, in cooperation with local communities and the University of Wyoming, is working to establish a data base of Wyoming expatriates and their skills.

Rest assured that Thermopolis' Economic Development Council will make every effort to help you find the right person to fill your need.  If you have questions about human resources call 307.864.2348 or E-mail us at edc@thermopedc.com.  Go to the Contact Us page for full details about how to get in touch with us.