A new study by 24/7 Tempo has identified Casper as Wyoming’s city with the highest rate of excessive drinking among adults, Laramie Live reports.
According to the report, 19% of adults in Casper consume alcohol at levels considered “excessive.” While notable, this percentage is actually lower than the rates seen in neighboring states’ most affected cities.
For comparison, Fort Collins, Colorado, holds the top spot in that state with 22.2% of adults drinking excessively. In Montana, Missoula ranks as the “drunkest” city with a striking 24.9% of adults drinking excessively — the highest in the region. Other notable figures include Bismarck, North Dakota (23.1%), Rapid City, South Dakota (21.1%), and Lewiston, Idaho (20.3%).
One key factor these cities have in common is the presence of large colleges or universities. Casper is home to Casper College, one of the largest community colleges in the region. Similarly, Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University, and Missoula hosts the University of Montana, one of the nation’s top college towns. Bismarck, Rapid City, and Lewiston all have multiple college campuses, which may contribute to the social drinking culture often associated with college life.
These cities are also known for their thriving brewery and bar scenes, which could play a role in the elevated drinking rates. College towns tend to have a higher density of drinking establishments catering to both students and local residents.
While the numbers in Wyoming and its neighboring states may seem high, they pale in comparison to figures from certain Midwest cities. Dubuque, Iowa, holds the distinction of being the “drunkest city” in America, with 27.4% of adults reporting excessive drinking. Close behind is Wausau-Weston, Wisconsin, at 27.2%, followed by Missoula, Montana, at 24.9%.
The report highlights regional patterns in drinking behavior, with the Midwest often topping the list of areas with the highest rates of excessive drinking. While the reasons for this vary, analysts point to a mix of social, cultural, and economic factors, as well as the prominence of college towns and the accessibility of bars and breweries.
