Platte County, Wyoming
Encyclopedia
Platte County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Wyoming
. As of 2010, the population was 8,667. Its county seat
is Wheatland
.
Two important Republican
politicians came from Platte County: former Governor Jim Geringer
, who served from 1995–2003) and former State Representatives Harold Hellbaum
, who served from 1963–1977 and was Speaker
of the House at the end of his tenure.
Platte County was also the birthplace of Larry Birleffi
(1918–2008), the "Voice of the University of Wyoming
Cowboys
" from 1947-1986.
.
The county was named for the North Platte River
, which flows through the northeastern part of the county.
, the county has a total area of 2,111 square miles (5,467 km²), of which 2,085 square miles (5,400 km²) is land and 26 square miles (67 km²) (1.23%) is water.
of 2000, there were 8,807 people, 3,625 households, and 2,494 families residing in the county. The population density
was 4 people per square mile (2/km²). There were 4,528 housing units at an average density of 2 per square mile (1/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.18% White
, 0.16% Black
or African American
, 0.50% Native American
, 0.17% Asian
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
, 1.69% from other races
, and 1.27% from two or more races. 5.28% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 31.7% were of German, 13.4% Irish
, 11.3% English
and 7.5% American
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 3,625 households out of which 30.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.90% were married couples
living together, 6.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.20% were non-families. 27.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.40% under the age of 18, 6.60% from 18 to 24, 24.30% from 25 to 44, 27.30% from 45 to 64, and 16.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 97.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $33,866, and the median income for a family was $41,449. Males had a median income of $31,484 versus $19,635 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $17,530. About 8.50% of families and 11.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.90% of those under age 18 and 12.20% of those age 65 or over.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Wyoming
Wyoming
Wyoming is a state in the mountain region of the Western United States. The western two thirds of the state is covered mostly with the mountain ranges and rangelands in the foothills of the Eastern Rocky Mountains, while the eastern third of the state is high elevation prairie known as the High...
. As of 2010, the population was 8,667. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Wheatland
Wheatland, Wyoming
Wheatland is a town in and the county seat of Platte County in southeastern Wyoming, United States. The population was 3,548 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Wheatland is located at ....
.
Two important Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
politicians came from Platte County: former Governor Jim Geringer
Jim Geringer
James Edward "Jim" Geringer was the 30th Governor of Wyoming.-Early life and education:Geringer was raised on a farm in Wheatland, Wyoming. He attended Kansas State University and was a member of Triangle Fraternity, earning a degree in mechanical engineering. He served for ten years in the...
, who served from 1995–2003) and former State Representatives Harold Hellbaum
Harold Hellbaum
Harold Hellbaum was a prominent farmer, rancher, and businessman in Platte County near Wheatland north of Cheyenne who was a Republican member of the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1963-1977...
, who served from 1963–1977 and was Speaker
Speaker (politics)
The term speaker is a title often given to the presiding officer of a deliberative assembly, especially a legislative body. The speaker's official role is to moderate debate, make rulings on procedure, announce the results of votes, and the like. The speaker decides who may speak and has the...
of the House at the end of his tenure.
Platte County was also the birthplace of Larry Birleffi
Larry Birleffi
Larry V. Birleffi was a Wyoming broadcaster known as the original "Voice of the University of Wyoming Cowboys", having announced all UW football and basketball games from 1947—1986. He helped to build the UW sports program in Laramie and was a vigorous promoter of its athletic teams...
(1918–2008), the "Voice of the University of Wyoming
University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming is a land-grant university located in Laramie, Wyoming, situated on Wyoming's high Laramie Plains, at an elevation of 7,200 feet , between the Laramie and Snowy Range mountains. It is known as UW to people close to the university...
Cowboys
Wyoming Cowboys
Wyoming Cowboys is the name given to the sports teams of the University of Wyoming. The women's teams use the name Cowgirls. The University is a member of the Mountain West Conference and competes in NCAA Division I, fielding 17 NCAA-sanctioned sports. Wrestling is the only varsity sport that is...
" from 1947-1986.
History
Platte County was created February 21, 1911 with land detached from Laramie CountyLaramie County, Wyoming
Laramie County is the most populous of the 23 counties of the U.S. state of Wyoming. The county is located in the southeastern corner of the state. The county's population was 91,738 at the 2010 census. The county seat is Cheyenne, the state capital...
.
The county was named for the North Platte River
North Platte River
The North Platte River is a major tributary of the Platte River and is approximately long counting its many curves, It travels about distance. Its course lies in the U.S...
, which flows through the northeastern part of the county.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 2,111 square miles (5,467 km²), of which 2,085 square miles (5,400 km²) is land and 26 square miles (67 km²) (1.23%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Niobrara County (northeast)
- Goshen County (east)
- Laramie CountyLaramie County, WyomingLaramie County is the most populous of the 23 counties of the U.S. state of Wyoming. The county is located in the southeastern corner of the state. The county's population was 91,738 at the 2010 census. The county seat is Cheyenne, the state capital...
(south) - Albany County (west)
- Converse County (northwest)
Major Highways
Interstate 25
U.S. Highway 26
U.S. Highway 87
Wyoming Highway 34Wyoming Highway 34Wyoming Highway 34 is a Wyoming state road located in Albany and Platte counties. It spans from US 30/287 near Bosler to Interstate 25/U.S. Highway 87 in Wheatland.-Route description:...
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 8,807 people, 3,625 households, and 2,494 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 4 people per square mile (2/km²). There were 4,528 housing units at an average density of 2 per square mile (1/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.18% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.16% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.50% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.17% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.69% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.27% from two or more races. 5.28% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 31.7% were of German, 13.4% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
, 11.3% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
and 7.5% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 3,625 households out of which 30.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.90% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 6.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.20% were non-families. 27.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.40% under the age of 18, 6.60% from 18 to 24, 24.30% from 25 to 44, 27.30% from 45 to 64, and 16.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 97.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $33,866, and the median income for a family was $41,449. Males had a median income of $31,484 versus $19,635 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $17,530. About 8.50% of families and 11.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.90% of those under age 18 and 12.20% of those age 65 or over.
Towns
- ChugwaterChugwater, WyomingChugwater is a town in Platte County, Wyoming, in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the town population was 244.-History:In a 2005 promotion to attract new people to the town, building lots were offered for $100 provided the new owner built a house within a year and lived in it for at least...
- GlendoGlendo, WyomingGlendo is a town in Platte County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 229 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Glendo is located at ....
- GuernseyGuernsey, WyomingGuernsey is a town in Platte County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 1,147 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Guernsey is located at ....
- HartvilleHartville, WyomingHartville is a town in Platte County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 76 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Hartville is located at ....
- WheatlandWheatland, WyomingWheatland is a town in and the county seat of Platte County in southeastern Wyoming, United States. The population was 3,548 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Wheatland is located at ....
Census-designated places
- ChugcreekChugcreek, WyomingChugcreek is a census-designated place in Platte County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 132 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Chugcreek is located at ....
- Lakeview NorthLakeview North, WyomingLakeview North is a census-designated place in Platte County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 77 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Lakeview North is located at ....
- SlaterSlater, WyomingSlater is a census-designated place in Platte County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 82 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Slater is located at ....
- Westview CircleWestview Circle, WyomingWestview Circle is a census-designated place in Platte County, Wyoming, in the United States. The population was 67 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Westview Circle is located at ....
- Y-O RanchY-O Ranch, WyomingY-O Ranch is a census-designated place in Platte County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 242 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Y-O Ranch is located at ....