Dayton is a town in Sheridan County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 822 at the 2020 census. The town was incorporated in 1906.
History
Dayton was a stage stop on the Bozeman Trail. It was named after Joe Dayton Thorn (1861-1942) in 1882 because he was one of the founding fathers of the city. The town claims to have had Wyoming's first rodeo held here in the 1890s. By the early 1900s the town had grown substantially, with three general stores, four saloons, a flour mill, and a stucco factory.
Geography
Dayton is at the confluence of the Tongue and Little Tongue Rivers. It is on U.S. Route 14, just east of the Big Horn Mountains.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has an area of , all land.
Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Dayton has a warm-summer humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.
Demographics
2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 757 people, 308 households, and 210 families living in the town. The population density was . There were 336 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the town was 93.9% White, 4.2% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.0% of the population.
There were 308 households, of which 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.1% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.8% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.00.
The median age in the town was 44.5 years. 25.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.4% were from 25 to 44; 33.9% were from 45 to 64; and 15.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.7% male and 50.3% female.
2000 census
As of the census In 2026 the mayor was Clifford Reed.
Arts and culture
The studio cabin of Hans Kleiber has been moved to Main Street. It is a three day event that includes a parade and the "Cow Pie Classic" golf tournament. Other activities have been a rubber duck race, wheelbarrow and sack race, pickleball tournament, and water fight.
Education
Public education in the town of Dayton is provided by Sheridan County School District #1. Dayton and Ranchester, Wyoming share schools.