Wyoming’s New Ranking On Missing Persons List Is #12

The number of missing people across the U.S. is crazy. According to World Population Review, there are more than 23,500 open cases of people missing nationwide, with more that go missing each day.

According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons (NamUS) database, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 600,000 people go missing annually. Approximately 4,400 unidentified bodies are recovered each year. Nationwide, there are roughly 6.5 missing persons for every 100,000 people.

Wyoming is #12 for missing persons per 100,000 people, five lower spots than just five years ago. Interestingly, the number missing from here hasn't changed, but the number in other states has increased.

Wyoming has 9.26 missing people per 100,000. Montana is just behind Wyoming at #13, with 9.13 missing per 100,000.

Looking further into the numbers, you'll notice that states with larger populations, like California, Texas, and Florida, have much larger numbers of missing people.

You should follow the Missing People of Wyoming Facebook Group if you haven't done so. Nearly every day, there are updates on older or new missing person cases. Sometimes, the news is good, with the missing person being found safe. Other times, the news isn't good, and the worst thing has happened.

You can also visit the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) website to get the latest updates on missing people in Wyoming. Cases date back to 1974 and are current as of late August 2024.

If you know someone who has gone missing, taking quick action can make a difference. This checklist can help you understand what to do step-by-step.