Lincoln County is Wyoming’s most geographically split county in terms of economic character — and one of its most interesting for landlords. The county contains two distinct communities with almost nothing in common beyond their county lines: Kemmerer, the county seat on the county’s western end, a historic coal town of approximately 2,972 residents that is preparing for one of the most dramatic economic transformations in Wyoming history; and Star Valley, the scenic mountain valley on the county’s eastern end anchored by Afton (~1,900) and extending through Thayne, Teton, and Alpine, which has been one of Wyoming’s fastest-growing areas thanks to spillover from Jackson Hole’s housing crisis.
In Kemmerer, the TerraPower Natrium nuclear demonstration project received its Nuclear Regulatory Commission construction permit in March 2026 and broke ground in April 2026 — the first new nuclear power plant construction in the United States in a generation. The $4 billion project, backed by the U.S. Department of Energy and Bill Gates, expects a construction workforce of 1,500–2,000 workers at peak, beginning to arrive in 2026 and completing the plant around 2031. For a city of 2,972, this represents a potential doubling of population temporarily. The housing supply question in Kemmerer is urgent and real — and it creates the most dramatic near-term landlord opportunity in Lincoln County.
In Star Valley, the dynamic is different: workers priced out of Jackson Hole’s impossible housing market have increasingly settled in Afton, Thayne, and Alpine, commuting over the pass or working remotely. This overflow has pushed Star Valley home prices and rents sharply upward over the past decade, with per capita income growth of 77% between 2018 and 2024 — the 26th fastest growth among 3,116 US counties.
All residential landlord-tenant matters in Lincoln County are governed by Wyoming Statutes §§ 1-21-1001 through 1-21-1211. Eviction actions (Forcible Entry and Detainer / FED) are filed in the Third Judicial District Court in Kemmerer. No rent control exists anywhere in Wyoming. No just-cause eviction requirement applies.
Afton (~1,900, Star Valley hub), Alpine (I-89/US-26 junction), Thayne, Teton
County Population
~20,000 (+7.2% since 2010, one of WY’s fastest)
Natrium Nuclear
Groundbreaking April 2026; 1,500–2,000 construction workers; completion ~2031
Star Valley
Jackson Hole overflow market; per capita income grew 77% 2018–2024 (26th fastest US county)
Major Employers
PacifiCorp/Naughton power plant (transitioning), TerraPower Natrium (construction), Lincoln County School Districts #1 & #2, Star Valley Medical Center, county government, ranching & agriculture, tourism
Rent Control
None
Landlord Rating
Kemmerer: 5/10 now → 8+/10 by 2027 (nuclear surge). Star Valley: 7/10 — sustained overflow demand from Jackson Hole. Two very different markets within one county.
⚖️ 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
Third Judicial District Court, Lincoln County
Courthouse Address
925 Sage Ave, Suite 202, Kemmerer, WY 83101
Court Phone
(307) 877-9056
Mailing Address
PO Drawer 510, Kemmerer, WY 83101
Court Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Afton Circuit Court
421 Jefferson St #101, Afton; (307) 886-9271 (smaller civil matters)
Eviction Enforcement
Sheriff only (Writ of Restitution required)
Lincoln County Local Ordinances & Landlord Rules
City and county rules that apply alongside Wyoming state law
Category
Details
Rental Registration
Wyoming has no state-level landlord licensing or rental registration requirement. Neither Kemmerer nor Afton requires a blanket rental registration for standard long-term residential rentals. Code enforcement is complaint-driven. Short-term rental operators must comply with applicable local zoning and Wyoming lodging tax requirements. The Star Valley communities (particularly Alpine, at the gateway to Jackson Hole) have a meaningful short-term rental market driven by overflow from Teton County and highway travelers on US-26/89.
Rent Control
None. Wyoming has no rent control anywhere in the state. Month-to-month rent increases require one full rental period’s written notice. Kemmerer rents have risen sharply since TerraPower’s 2021 announcement, with some reports of asking prices doubling on certain properties even before construction workers arrive. Star Valley rents have risen substantially with Jackson Hole overflow migration.
Security Deposit
No statutory cap in Wyoming. Must disclose in writing if any portion is nonrefundable. Return within 30 days of termination/eviction OR 15 days after receiving tenant’s forwarding address (whichever later). Extended by 30 days if damages. No interest required. Utility deposits: return within 10 days. For nuclear construction workers in Kemmerer: 1.5–2 months’ rent deposit is reasonable given project-phase turnover risk. For Star Valley long-term tenants: standard 1 month.
⚛️ Natrium Nuclear — The Kemmerer Transformation
The TerraPower Natrium project is Wyoming’s most significant energy investment since the development of the Powder River Basin coal mines. The $4 billion liquid sodium-cooled fast reactor, backed by the U.S. Department of Energy (50% funding) and Bill Gates ($1 billion personal contribution), received its NRC construction permit in March 2026 and broke ground in April 2026. At peak construction (expected approximately 2026–2028), the project expects 1,500–2,000 workers — potentially more than doubling the population of Kemmerer (~2,972) and adjacent Diamondville. For landlords: the Kemmerer housing market has been anticipating this surge for years, with some housing prices already significantly elevated. Vacant homes have been purchased and renovated. Private developers are building new units. But the fundamental supply shortage means rental demand will far outpace available stock during construction peak. Landlords with existing Kemmerer inventory should expect strong pricing power 2026–2028. For construction worker tenants: use short-term leases (6–12 months) aligned with project phases; verify employer contract term; collect 1.5–2 months deposit; include clear lease termination provisions for project completion. TerraPower and project management have indicated preference for workers living in community housing rather than man camps, supporting sustainable tenant demand.
🏔️ Star Valley — Jackson Hole Overflow Market
Star Valley is the long mountain valley on Lincoln County’s eastern side, running roughly 40 miles from Alpine in the north to Afton in the south along US-89. It has historically been a quiet agricultural community; over the past decade it has become one of Wyoming’s fastest-growing areas, driven by workers priced out of Teton County seeking affordable housing within commuting distance of Jackson Hole. The commute from Afton to Jackson is approximately 60–75 minutes over a mountain pass (US-89/26); from Alpine, the commute to Jackson is 45–50 minutes. This commute is grueling but many workers accept it because the alternative is simply being unable to afford housing at all. Per capita income in Lincoln County grew 77% between 2018 and 2024 — reflecting both Jackson Hole wage earners establishing Wyoming domicile and rising asset values throughout the valley. For landlords in Star Valley, the demand driver is clear and structural: as long as Teton County remains unaffordable for workers (which appears to be a permanent condition), Star Valley will absorb overflow demand. Properties in Alpine (closest to Jackson) command the strongest premiums.
Late Fees
No statutory cap. Must be specified in the lease. No mandatory grace period. Late fee risk in Kemmerer during construction is manageable for employed project workers; the risk spikes at project phase completions when workers move on. In Star Valley, Jackson Hole hospitality workers can face income volatility during shoulder seasons (spring, fall). For hospitality commuters, consider seasonal lease structures or higher deposits.
Wyoming FED Eviction Process
Evictions are Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) proceedings filed in the Third Judicial District Court (925 Sage Ave, Suite 202, Kemmerer). For smaller civil matters in Star Valley, the Afton Circuit Court (421 Jefferson St #101, Afton; (307) 886-9271) handles cases under $50,000. After serving appropriate notice, the landlord files a FED complaint. Upon judgment, the court issues a Writ of Restitution. Only the Lincoln 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.
Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1001–1016 (Forcible Entry & Detainer) and 1-21-1201–1211 (Residential Rental Property) — notice requirements and landlord rights applicable in Lincoln 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.
Kemmerer: TerraPower Natrium nuclear plant groundbreaking April 2026; 1,500–2,000 construction workers 2026–2028; completion ~2031. J.C. Penney founding store. Coal legacy. Star Valley (Afton/Alpine/Thayne): Jackson Hole overflow; 77% per capita income growth 2018–2024. Mountain Time. FED in 3rd District Court (Kemmerer). No deposit cap. 3-day notices; 30-day M-t-M. No WY income tax.
Lincoln County
Screen Before You Sign
Kemmerer (construction surge): Natrium workers — verify employer (TerraPower direct vs. subcontractor), contract phase/duration; use 6–12 month leases; 1.5–2 mo deposit. Long-term: LCSD #1 teachers/staff, government workers. Star Valley: Jackson Hole commuters — verify year-round vs. seasonal employment; Jackson hospitality = shoulder season income risk; Star Valley Medical Center staff most stable. Income at 3x rent. Run WY court records. No WY income tax.
A Landlord’s Guide to Renting in Lincoln County, Wyoming
Lincoln County is arguably Wyoming’s most economically interesting county in 2026 — a place where two completely distinct investment theses are playing out simultaneously in communities that are less than 70 miles apart but couldn’t be more different in character. In Kemmerer, the county seat, Wyoming’s coal legacy is being literally rebuilt into Wyoming’s nuclear future, with the groundbreaking of the TerraPower Natrium demonstration plant representing the most significant new energy infrastructure investment in the United States in a generation. In Star Valley, the scenic rural communities of Afton, Alpine, and Thayne are absorbing the human overflow of the Teton County housing crisis, transforming from quiet agricultural valleys into increasingly expensive exurbs of one of America’s most exclusive resort communities. These two dynamics run in parallel, with different timelines, different tenant profiles, and different investment strategies.
Kemmerer: From Coal Town to Nuclear Town
Kemmerer was founded in 1899 around coal mining and has weathered multiple energy transitions in its 127-year history. The most transformative arrived in 2021 when TerraPower, the Bill Gates-backed nuclear energy company, selected the former coal plant site at Naughton — just outside Kemmerer — for its Natrium demonstration reactor. The $4 billion project received its NRC construction permit in March 2026 and broke ground in April 2026. The construction workforce is expected to reach 1,500–2,000 workers at peak, with gradual ramp-up through 2026 and peak construction activity in 2027–2028 before tapering toward completion around 2031. When the plant is operational, it will employ hundreds of permanent nuclear plant workers — a new long-term institutional employment base for Kemmerer that would replace and exceed the coal jobs being phased out. For landlords, the investment thesis in Kemmerer is straightforward: a defined, multi-year construction demand surge, followed by permanent plant employment, in a community where the existing housing stock is dramatically undersized for incoming demand. Properties purchased at reasonable pre-surge prices and rented to construction workers at premium rates represent a compelling near-term return profile, with long-term support from permanent plant employment thereafter.
Star Valley: The Jackson Hole Pressure Relief Valve
Star Valley stretches roughly 40 miles along the Salt River from Alpine, at the canyon gateway from Jackson Hole, south through Afton, the valley’s commercial hub. The communities in between — Thayne, Etna, Bedford, Auburn — are small agricultural towns that have been growing as workforce housing for Jackson Hole becomes literally unobtainable for most workers. The commute from Afton to Jackson is approximately 60–75 minutes over a mountain pass on US-89 — a daily commitment that most workers make because the alternative is competing for a $4,000/month Jackson Hole apartment on a hospitality worker’s wages. Alpine, at the junction of US-26 and US-89, is the closest Star Valley community to Jackson and has seen some of the most significant price appreciation. Lincoln County’s per capita income grew 77% between 2018 and 2024 — not because local wages increased dramatically, but because Jackson Hole workers with Jackson Hole salaries established Wyoming domicile in Star Valley to capture the no-income-tax benefit. This dynamic is durable: as long as Teton County remains unaffordable for workers, Star Valley will absorb overflow.
Lincoln County landlord-tenant matters are governed by Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1001–1016 (Forcible Entry & Detainer) and 1-21-1201–1211 (Residential Rental Property). 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; must 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. Late fees: no statutory cap; must be in lease. No landlord entry notice requirement by statute (specify 24 hours in lease). 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 state income tax. Court: Third Judicial District Court, 925 Sage Ave Suite 202, Kemmerer, WY 83101 (PO Drawer 510); phone (307) 877-9056. Also: Afton Circuit Court, 421 Jefferson St #101, Afton, WY 83110; (307) 886-9271 (smaller civil matters). Hours Mon–Fri 8am–5pm MT. Last updated: May 2026.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about landlord-tenant law in Lincoln County, Wyoming and is not legal advice. Project timelines and workforce demand projections are estimates subject to change. Laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with a licensed Wyoming attorney before taking legal action. Last updated: May 2026.
