Wyoming's approximately 50,000 veterans benefit from a $3,000 property tax exemption, zero state income tax (making VA compensation and military retirement pay go further), free tuition at the University of Wyoming for qualifying dependents, strong veterans hiring preference in state government, and some of the best hunting and outdoor recreation in the nation.
Wyoming has approximately 50,000 veterans and consistently provides meaningful state benefits despite its small population. The Equality State offers a property tax exemption on assessed value, strong veterans hiring preference in state government, education benefits at the University of Wyoming, and — like South Dakota and a handful of other states — no state income tax, making it a financially favorable state for veterans.
The Wyoming Veterans Commission (WVC) administers state programs and provides free VA claims assistance through offices in Cheyenne and across the state.
Wyoming provides a $3,000 reduction in assessed property value for qualifying veterans on their primary residence under Wyoming Statute § 39-13-105. The assessed value reduction translates to direct property tax savings.
Wyoming's property tax rates average approximately $5–$8 per $1,000 of assessed value (Wyoming uses a 9.5% assessment ratio for residential property). The $3,000 assessed value reduction translates to approximately $15–$25 in direct annual tax savings for most Wyoming veterans. While modest, it's available to all qualifying veterans regardless of disability status and compounds over time.
Note: Some Wyoming counties may offer additional veteran exemptions above the state minimum — contact your specific county assessor for current amounts.
The unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who qualified for the exemption may continue to receive it as long as they remain a Wyoming resident and occupy the property as their primary residence.
Wyoming is one of only nine states with no state income tax, providing a significant financial advantage for veterans:
Wyoming provides tuition waivers at the University of Wyoming (Laramie) and Wyoming community colleges for dependents of veterans who:
Eligible dependents (spouses and children, typically up to age 22 for children) receive free tuition and required fees at qualifying WY public institutions. Apply through the University of Wyoming's financial aid or veterans services office.
Wyoming grants in-state tuition rates at the University of Wyoming and all WY community colleges to honorably discharged veterans regardless of how long they have resided in Wyoming — easing the transition for veterans relocating to the state.
Members of the Wyoming Army and Air National Guard qualify for the Wyoming National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program, covering tuition at Wyoming public institutions. Guard members who are also veterans may stack state and federal education benefits for maximum coverage.
Wyoming provides strong veterans preference in state government employment under Wyoming Statute § 19-14-102:
Wyoming state government is one of the larger employers in the state given the relatively small private sector workforce. Veterans preference provides a meaningful competitive advantage in state hiring processes.
Wyoming veterans with service-connected disabilities receive reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses. 100% disabled veterans may qualify for free or significantly discounted licenses for WY's world-class big game hunting. Contact Wyoming Game and Fish Department for current fee schedules.
Wyoming provides specialty disabled veteran license plates with reduced or waived registration fees for qualifying veterans. 100% P&T veterans may qualify for the most favorable rates. Contact Wyoming DOT for plate options and current fees.
Wyoming veterans are served by the Cheyenne VA Medical Center and CBOCs in Casper, Gillette, Riverton, Rock Springs, Sheridan, and Evanston — providing coverage across Wyoming's vast geography. Telehealth services are particularly important for WY's rural veterans.
The Wyoming Veterans Commission administers emergency financial assistance for WY veterans in financial hardship. Aid can cover utilities, food, housing, and medical expenses. Contact WVC at (307) 777-5351 for eligibility.
The standard $3,000 exemption is available to qualifying veterans who served honorably during recognized war periods — regardless of disability status. Veterans with higher disability ratings may qualify for additional local programs. Always ask your county assessor about any enhanced exemptions available for your specific VA rating level.
Yes — Wyoming consistently ranks well for veteran retirees due to: no state income tax (military retirement pay is entirely untaxed), low population density (less traffic, shorter VA wait times in some areas), excellent hunting and outdoor recreation, and relatively low cost of living. The main drawback is distance from major VA medical centers for complex specialty care, though Cheyenne VAMC and telehealth options help mitigate this.
Yes. Wyoming's in-state tuition for veterans applies immediately upon establishing Wyoming residency — veterans don't need to wait the standard one-year residency period that applies to non-veteran students. Bring your DD-214 and proof of Wyoming residency to the University of Wyoming admissions or registrar's office to confirm in-state tuition classification.
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Start Your Free Claim Review →Use the claim.vet disability calculator or our state benefits comparison tool to see how Wyoming stacks up. Visit the full Wyoming state benefits page for more. When you're ready, start your claim review free.