At the Center of It All: Why Casper Is a Strategic Hub for Business

At Advance Casper, we believe legacy is built through intentional growth. That’s why our economic development efforts are rooted in nurturing our local community, diversifying the business landscape, and expanding opportunity across every corner of Natrona County.

From supporting expansion and relocation efforts to connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to thrive; our work is about more than development – it’s about shaping a resilient, opportunity-rich tomorrow while protecting the character of the community we love.

For growing businesses, location matters – and Casper delivers. Our central position in the Mountain West (combined with unparalleled tax benefits, a strong workforce, strategic infrastructure, and unmatched livability) makes Casper a smart, cost-effective choice for companies ready to scale or relocate.

Casper isn’t just a place to do business; it’s a community where businesses and families alike can succeed. With a collaborative business ecosystem, supportive networks, and a lifestyle that attracts and retains talent, Casper is open for business and positioned at the center of it all.

Downtown Casper from the air

Strategic Location in the Mountain West

Casper’s geographic location is one of its greatest business advantages. Centrally positioned in the heart of Wyoming and the Mountain West, Casper serves as a natural hub for companies managing distribution and workforce mobility across the region and beyond. For relocating businesses, this translates to lower distribution costs, shorter shipping times, and faster market access compared to many other locations.

Highway Access

Casper sits directly on the I-25 corridor, the major north–south route linking Canada to Mexico, with quick connections to I-80 (east–west). This makes it ideal for manufacturers, logistics firms, and e-commerce companies seeking seamless connections to Denver, Salt Lake City, Billings, and other key regional markets.

Rail Connections

Central Wyoming’s freight rail network supports bulk shipping for key industries such as: energy, minerals, manufacturing, and agriculture. This rail access allows companies to move high-volume products reliably, efficiently, and cost-effectively – a significant advantage for businesses that depend on large-scale logistics.

Air Service

The Casper–Natrona County International Airport provides both passenger and freight services with daily connections to major hubs like Denver and Salt Lake City. This connectivity adds a critical layer of efficiency and convenience for time-sensitive industries (such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and specialized logistics) ensuring products and people can move quickly when it matters most.

Proximity to Regional Markets

Casper is within a day’s drive of more than 10 million consumers across the Mountain West and Rocky Mountain regions. This strategic proximity gives companies regional reach while keeping operational costs lower.

For companies in distribution, logistics, manufacturing, or other supply-chain-intensive industries; Casper’s central position in the Mountain West delivers measurable advantages. Lower transportation costs, faster access to regional markets, and the ability to streamline both freight and workforce movement mean businesses can operate more efficiently and competitively. When paired with the region’s strong infrastructure, rail and air connectivity, and business-friendly costs; Casper’s location offers the kind of strategic edge that growing companies often struggle to find in larger, higher-cost metropolitan hubs.
 
 

A Business Friendly Climate

Wyoming consistently ranks among the most business-friendly states in the nation, and Casper exemplifies why. Companies that relocate or expand here find a stable, predictable environment that frees them to focus on growth rather than red tape. Three factors in particular set Casper apart – tax advantages, trade efficiencies, and targeted investment incentives – each designed to help businesses scale:

Unparalleled Tax Benefits 

Wyoming’s tax structure is one of the most competitive in the country:

  • No corporate or personal income tax – more capital stays in your business to invest in people, facilities, and innovation.
  • Competitive property and sales taxes – predictable and manageable for both growing firms and established enterprises.
  • Streamlined regulations – a pro-growth approach that removes unnecessary barriers and accelerates permitting and expansion.

Foreign Trade Zone

Casper’s designation as a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) gives manufacturers and importers a meaningful edge in today’s global economy. By lowering or deferring customs duties and tariffs on imported raw materials and intermediate goods, the FTZ reduces overall supply chain costs and makes local production more competitive. It also streamlines import and export processes, helping businesses that ship products across borders operate more efficiently and respond faster to customer demand.

Opportunity Zone

Casper’s Opportunity Zone further strengthens the case for investing and expanding in the region. This federally designated zone offers attractive capital-gains tax incentives that encourage private investment in new facilities, redevelopment projects, and business expansion within targeted areas of the city. By directing resources into Casper’s urban core, the Opportunity Zone fuels revitalization, supports long-term economic growth, and aligns public and private efforts to create new opportunities for companies and the community alike.

These advantages free companies to focus on what drives progress – reinvesting in innovation, improving operations, and building a skilled workforce – rather than losing resources to unnecessary overhead.

 

Black Hills Energy

A Strong Workforce Ready to Build

A business is only as strong as the people behind it. That’s why Casper’s workforce draws on Wyoming’s long-standing tradition of technical skill, resilience, and adaptability – strengthened today by forward-thinking training programs and partnerships that prepare workers for the industries of the future:

Casper College

Casper College and the region’s robust network of technical programs provide a steady pipeline of skilled workers in energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and emerging technologies. These programs are designed in partnership with local industries, ensuring that graduates enter the workforce ready to meet the practical needs of employers and help drive innovation in critical sectors.

Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Career and Technical Education (CTE) partnerships equip students with practical, real-world skills that align directly with industry needs. By collaborating closely with local employers, these programs ensure graduates enter the workforce prepared to step into roles across energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and emerging technologies – closing skills gaps and strengthening the local talent pipeline.

Casper’s workforce advantage goes beyond a reliable pipeline of skilled graduates – it’s also about the people choosing to build their careers and lives here. A growing number of professionals are relocating to Casper, drawn by its balance of opportunity, livability, and work–life harmony. For companies scaling in sectors that depend on skilled trades, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial grit; this combination delivers talent and a committed, adaptable workforce ready to help businesses thrive.

 

A Diverse & Growing Business Landscape

Casper’s economy may be rooted in energy, but it’s far from one-dimensional. Over the past decade, the city has evolved into a vibrant hub that blends its energy heritage with growth in advanced manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, tech start-ups, and outdoor recreation services.

This diversity is powered by a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem – led by Advance Casper, the Wyoming Small Business Development Center, and initiatives like the Casper Start-Up Challenge – that connects both founders and established companies to mentors, capital, and collaborative networks. These resources give relocating businesses the support they need to accelerate their transition and growth.

Casper’s Foreign Trade Zone and expanding business park developments further strengthen its appeal, offering manufacturers and supply-chain-driven companies a strategic, cost-effective base of operations with room to scale.

For businesses exploring relocation, this combination of a diverse economic base, supportive ecosystem, and growth-ready infrastructure creates a solid foundation for success. Companies that move here are not only entering a market; they’re joining a forward-looking community committed to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

 

Tree lighting at David Street Station

Livability That Attracts & Retains Talent

We know that relocation decisions hinge as much on quality of life as they do on cost and infrastructure. Thankfully Casper delivers on both. Nestled in the heart of the state, Casper offers unbeatable access to outdoor adventure, a culture defined by cowboy spirit, and a business climate built for innovation and bold ideas. With low operating costs, a pro-growth mindset, and a community that takes care of their own; Casper is a place to come home (and come alive). 

The city offers an affordable cost of living compared to major urban centers, helping employees and their families enjoy more space and a higher standard of living without the financial pressures of larger markets.

Plus, Casper’s safe, welcoming neighborhoods, strong schools, and reliable access to healthcare create a sense of stability that families value. The city’s vibrant arts, culture, and dining scene adds to its appeal, fostering a sense of community and enhancing overall livability.

Beyond the cityscapes, Casper is surrounded by natural beauty and immediate access to outdoor recreation; from world-class fly fishing on the North Platte River to hiking, skiing, and camping on Casper Mountain.

The quality of life in Casper makes it easier for companies to attract and retain top talent, providing long-term stability for growing teams and ensuring that both employees and employers reach their full potential.

 

Scottsdale Mint relocated to Casper to expand their business

Success Story That Proves What’s Possible

Casper’s advantages aren’t just theory – they’re demonstrated by companies that have chosen to relocate and expand here. One standout example is Scottsdale Mint, a premier U.S. private mint whose move to Casper underscores the city’s strength as a hub for advanced manufacturing and global trade.

When Scottsdale Mint looked to expand operations, they needed a location that offered more than space. They needed a pro-business climate, access to global markets, and a skilled workforce. They found all three in Casper.

Relocating much of its production from Arizona, the company transformed a former downtown printing facility into a 70,000-plus-square-foot state-of-the-art minting and vaulting operation. Casper’s Foreign Trade Zone gives the company a competitive edge by lowering costs on imported raw materials and finished products, while the city’s central location streamlines distribution to clients worldwide.

Their relocation is bringing skilled jobs and investment to the region and showing that Casper can support even highly specialized, security-sensitive manufacturing. Scottsdale Mint’s success highlights the real advantages of choosing Casper as a place to grow.

 

Grow With Us 

For companies seeking not just a new address but a new advantage, Casper stands ready. Here, a strategic location meets a pro-business climate, a skilled workforce, and a quality of life that draws and keeps top talent. Relocating to Casper extends beyond a move – it’s a decision to position your company where it can compete, innovate, and grow for the long term.

At Advance Casper, we believe legacy is built through intentional growth. We’re here to guide you through every step of your journey – connecting you to resources, partners, and opportunities that help your business not just start strong, but shape the future.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions, more information of further support. We’re here to grow with you and for you!

Learn More About Advance Casper

To learn more visit organizations website and don’t miss next year’s event. If you’re interested in becoming a part of our Advance Casper membership community, sign up here.