Goshen County is Wyoming’s agricultural heartland — a long rectangle of irrigated river valley and open range along the North Platte River at the eastern edge of Wyoming, bordering Nebraska. It produces more beef cattle than any other Wyoming county and is home to the Torrington Livestock Commission, the largest livestock auction barn in Wyoming and one of the third to fifth largest in the entire United States, drawing cattle from a nine-state region and buyers from across the nation. The county’s identity is built on the land, the river, and the historic trails — the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express Trails all passed through what is now Goshen County, and Fort Laramie National Historic Site sits just outside the county’s western edge.
Torrington (~6,249), the county seat, serves as the regional commercial and educational hub. Eastern Wyoming College (EWC, ~1,400 students) and Banner Health Community Hospital are the county’s largest non-agricultural employers alongside the Goshen County School District. The closure of the Western Sugar Cooperative sugar beet factory in 2019 was a significant economic blow — it had operated since 1923 and employed hundreds of workers — and the county continues to adjust to that loss through agriculture diversification and educational sector growth. Median household income in Torrington (~$47,902) is among the lower end of Wyoming’s county seats, reflecting the agricultural economy’s wage structure.
All residential landlord-tenant matters in Goshen County are governed by Wyoming Statutes §§ 1-21-1001 through 1-21-1211. Eviction actions (FED) are filed in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Torrington. No rent control exists anywhere in Wyoming.
Lingle (~380), Guernsey (~1,000 — in Platte Co.), Fort Laramie (~220), Yoder (~135)
County Population
~12,600 (stable)
Median HH Income
~$47,902 (Torrington — lower end for WY)
Median Rent
~$800/mo
Agriculture
#1 beef cattle county in Wyoming; major grain, beans, sugar beets (factory closed 2019)
Livestock Auction
Torrington Livestock Commission — largest barn in WY, 3rd–5th largest in US, 9-state draw
Major Employers
Eastern Wyoming College, Goshen County School District, Banner Health Community Hospital, county & state government, agriculture/ranching sector
Rent Control
None
Landlord Rating
4/10 — affordable market, stable ag/education/healthcare base, but lower incomes and limited upside; good for low-cost buy-and-hold
⚖️ Eviction At-a-Glance (Wyoming)
Nonpayment Notice
3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit
Lease Violation (curable)
3-Day Notice to Cure or Quit
Illegal Activity / Non-curable
3-Day Unconditional Notice to Quit
Month-to-Month Termination
30-Day Written Notice (1 full rental period)
Court Action
Forcible Entry & Detainer (FED) — District Court
Court
Eighth Judicial District Court, Goshen County
Courthouse Address
2125 E. A St, Suite 236, Torrington, WY 82240
Court Phone
(307) 532-2155
Mailing Address
PO Box 818, Torrington, WY 82240
Court Hours
Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Eviction Enforcement
Sheriff only (Writ of Restitution required)
Goshen County Local Ordinances & Landlord Rules
Local rules that apply alongside Wyoming state law
Category
Details
Rental Registration
Wyoming has no state-level landlord licensing. Torrington does not require blanket rental registration for long-term residential rentals. Code enforcement is complaint-driven. Wyoming lodging tax applies to short-term rentals. The Fort Laramie National Historic Site area draws some tourism-related STR demand, particularly in summer.
Rent Control
None. Wyoming has no rent control anywhere in the state. Goshen County rents (~$800/mo) are among the most affordable in Wyoming, reflecting the county’s lower income profile. Month-to-month rent increases require one full rental period’s written notice.
Security Deposit
No statutory cap in Wyoming. Must disclose if any portion is nonrefundable. Return within 30 days of termination/eviction OR 15 days after receiving forwarding address (whichever later); extended 30 days if damages. No interest required. Utility deposit: return within 10 days. Standard 1 month practice in this market.
Agriculture Sector & Seasonal Workers
Goshen County’s agricultural economy includes a meaningful seasonal workforce, particularly during crop planting (spring) and harvest (fall). Sugar beet harvest historically brought substantial seasonal labor demand; with the 2019 factory closure that peak is reduced, though grain and bean production still drives seasonal employment patterns. Year-round ranch hands and irrigation workers associated with established cattle and crop operations are the most stable agricultural tenant segment. For seasonal agricultural workers, use written term leases with clear start and end dates; avoid month-to-month arrangements that may create ambiguity at the end of the season. Torrington’s position at US-85 and US-26 means it serves as a service center for a wide agricultural region extending into Nebraska, providing some economic base broader than the county alone.
Eastern Wyoming College
Eastern Wyoming College (~1,400 students) is the most stabilizing higher-education presence in Goshen County. EWC faculty, staff, and administrators represent year-round, professional-level employment. Student housing demand is modest but real: some EWC students seek off-campus housing, particularly second-year and non-traditional students. Properties within walking or cycling distance of the EWC campus can serve this niche. Faculty and staff are the more reliable long-term tenant segment, consistent with the pattern at other Wyoming community colleges.
Torrington Livestock Commission
The Torrington Livestock Commission hosts twice-weekly livestock auctions and ranks among the largest cattle auction operations in the United States. The auction draws buyers, sellers, and livestock workers from a nine-state region, creating periodic short-term visitor demand concentrated around sale days. For landlords in Torrington, auction week traffic is not typically large enough to be significant for residential rental demand, but it reflects the fundamental importance of the cattle industry to the local economy — the buyers, ranchers, feedlot operators, and livestock workers who participate in the auction need to house themselves and their employees year-round in the surrounding region.
Wyoming FED Eviction Process
Evictions are Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) proceedings filed in the Eighth Judicial District Court (2125 E. A St, Suite 236, Torrington). After serving appropriate notice, the landlord files a FED complaint. Upon judgment, the court issues a Writ of Restitution. Only the Goshen County Sheriff’s Office may enforce the eviction. No self-help eviction, lockout, or utility shutoff permitted. Domestic violence is an affirmative defense to eviction. Note: this courthouse has slightly earlier hours than most WY courts (7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.).
Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1001–1016 and 1-21-1201–1211 — applicable in Goshen County
⚡ Quick Overview
3
Days Notice (Nonpayment)
3 (all violations)
Days Notice (Violation)
14-30
Avg Total Days
$$70
Filing Fee (Approx)
💰 Nonpayment of Rent
Notice Type3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
Notice Period3 days
Tenant Can Cure?Yes - tenant can pay all rent within 3-day notice period to stop eviction
Days to Hearing3-10 (summons sets return day for hearing; typically within days of filing) days
Days to Writ0-30 days after judgment (court determines; Writ of Restitution issued) days
Total Estimated Timeline14-30 days
Total Estimated Cost$150-350
⚠️ Watch Out
3-day notice for nonpayment. No statutory grace period. Very landlord-friendly state with fast process. Notice must be in writing and left with tenant in person or at usual place of abode. After 3 days, landlord files FED complaint with circuit court ($70 filing fee). Summons sets return day (hearing date). If landlord wins: court issues Writ of Restitution giving tenant 0-30 days to vacate (court discretion - better chance of more time if tenant attends trial). If tenant doesn't attend = likely immediate writ. After writ: only sheriff can physically remove. Landlord can remove property and leave it outside after sheriff executes writ. No statutory cap on security deposits. Lease must state if any deposit portion is nonrefundable. Safe Homes Act: DV victims can break lease with 30 days notice + protection order.
Serve the required notice based on the eviction reason (nonpayment or lease violation).
Wait for the notice period to expire. If tenant cures the issue (where allowed), the process stops.
File an eviction case with the Circuit Court - Forcible Entry and Detainer (WS § 1-21-1001 to 1-21-1016). Pay the filing fee (~$$70).
Tenant is served with a summons and has the opportunity to respond.
Attend the court hearing and present your case.
If you prevail, obtain a writ of possession from the court.
Law enforcement executes the writ and removes the tenant if necessary.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Wyoming eviction laws and does not constitute legal advice.
Eviction procedures can vary by county and may change over time. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements or tenant protections.
For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified Wyoming attorney or local legal aid organization.
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⚠️ Disclaimer: These calculations are estimates based on state statutes and typical court timelines. Actual results vary by county, court backlog, and case specifics. Always verify current requirements with your local courthouse. This is not legal advice.
Torrington (EWC, Banner Health, livestock auction, Nebraska border). WY’s #1 beef cattle county. Largest livestock auction barn in WY. Oregon/Mormon Trail heritage. Fort Laramie NHS nearby. Median rent ~$800. Mountain Time. FED in 8th District Court (7:30am–4pm hours — note earlier close). No deposit cap. 3-day notices; 30-day M-t-M. No WY income tax. Sheriff enforces.
Goshen County
Screen Before You Sign
Best profiles: EWC faculty/staff (year-round), GCSD teachers, Banner Health staff, county government workers, established ranch/farm employees (long-tenure). Agricultural workers: distinguish year-round from seasonal — use term leases for seasonal. Income at 3x rent (note: lower income market, use realistic thresholds). Run WY court records. Small community — word-of-mouth references valuable.
A Landlord’s Guide to Renting in Goshen County, Wyoming
Goshen County is Wyoming’s agricultural anchor — a county whose identity is inseparable from the land it sits on, the river that waters it, and the cattle that have grazed it for more than a century. Ranking first in Wyoming for beef cattle production, the county is both a working agricultural economy and a living piece of western American history. The Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express Trails all crossed what is now Goshen County; Fort Laramie, one of the most significant outposts of the western expansion era, sits just west of the county line and draws history visitors from around the world. For landlords, this context shapes everything: Goshen County is a stable, affordable market where the best investment strategy is patient, relationship-oriented ownership, not appreciation-seeking or rent optimization.
The Livestock Auction and the Agricultural Economy
The Torrington Livestock Commission is Goshen County’s most remarkable economic asset — a livestock auction operation so large that it ranks among the largest in the United States, drawing cattle from nine states and buyers from across the nation. Twice-weekly sales during the active auction season mean a constant flow of ranchers, buyers, livestock haulers, and agricultural professionals through Torrington. This auction economy underscores the importance of the cattle industry to everything in Goshen County: the banks, the feed stores, the equipment dealers, the restaurants, and the housing market all depend, in some measure, on the health of the regional cattle business. For landlords, the ranching and agricultural workforce represents the broadest and most deeply rooted tenant base in the county.
The Sugar Factory and Economic Transition
The closure of the Western Sugar Cooperative sugar beet processing factory in early 2019 ended a 96-year chapter in Torrington’s industrial history. The factory had employed hundreds of workers and supported a broader economic ecosystem of beet growers, transportation contractors, and support businesses. Its loss was significant for the local economy, reducing both employment and the agricultural processing base that supported beet farming in the region. The county has been working to diversify through Eastern Wyoming College workforce programs, agricultural adaptation, and business development, but the adjustment has been ongoing. For landlords, this economic transition is context for the relatively modest median household income in Torrington and underscores the importance of prioritizing stable, institutionally-employed tenants (EWC, school district, hospital) over the broader agricultural labor pool.
Goshen County landlord-tenant matters are governed by Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1001–1016 and 1-21-1201–1211. Nonpayment: 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit. Lease violation (curable): 3-Day Notice to Cure or Quit. Illegal activity / non-curable: 3-Day Unconditional Notice to Quit. Month-to-month termination: 30-Day Written Notice. Security deposit: no statutory cap; disclose if any portion nonrefundable; return within 30 days of termination/eviction or 15 days after receiving forwarding address (whichever later); extended 30 days if damages. Utility deposit: return within 10 days. No rent control. No just-cause eviction. No self-help eviction; no lockout; no utility shutoff. Sheriff-only enforcement. Domestic violence is affirmative defense to eviction. No WY income tax. Court: Eighth Judicial District Court, 2125 E. A St Suite 236, Torrington, WY 82240 (PO Box 818); phone (307) 532-2155. Hours Mon–Fri 7:30am–4:00pm MT (note earlier hours). Last updated: May 2026.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about landlord-tenant law in Goshen County, Wyoming and is not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with a licensed Wyoming attorney before taking legal action. Last updated: May 2026.
