About Us

Located in beautiful Star Valley, Afton presently (as of this writing - 07/22/11) has a population of 1,950 and sits at 6239 feet above sea level.

Native Americans and Fur Trappers first inhabited Star Valley.  The Valley soon became a stop for Mormon settlers looking for better opportunities for their families.

(LDS) Apostle Moses Thatcher, while seeking new places suitable for home for the Mormon people, visited this Valley about 1878 or 1879.  He stood on a vantage point overlooking the Valley and saw that it was good. "I hereby name this valley 'Star Valley'," he said, "Because it is the star of all valleys".  Indian John (Jim) acted as guide on this journey.  (Source:  The Star Valley Historical Society web site,  History of Star Valley page). 

Afton is centrally located in Star Valley at the mouth of Swift Creek Canyon.  Afton as a community had no name or identity until the fall of 1880. In 1879, the valley was dedicated as a home for LDS colonists. The authorities, after a survey, advised the people to move across the valley to the foot of the east mountains and make their home there, the present site of Afton.

Charles D. Cazier, who was chosen to preside over the few saints in the valley, had a town site surveyed to contain 30 blocks, each comprising 10 acres - selling for one dollar. The survey was done using a carpenter's square and a rope. When officially surveyed later, it was in error by only a few feet.

President William Budge, of the Bear Lake Stake (LDS Church), a native of Scotland, suggested that the new town be called Afton, because the roaring, tumbling stream gushing out of the mountains was the very antithesis of the placid stream he remembered of Sweet Afton fame.

Afton was incorporated in 1902 and A.V. Call was elected as the first mayor.

For more history of Afton and surrounding Star Valley visit the Star Valley Historical Society web site.

General Information

Elevation:       6,239 Feet

Population:     1,911  (as of 2010 US Census) 

Incorporated:  1901

Population per Age Group

(according to 2010 US Census)

Age Group                                                  Population                              Percent of Total

Under 5 Years                                              174                                             9.1%

5 to 9 Years                                                 166                                             8.7%

10 to 19 Years                                              327                                            17.2%

20 to 24 Years                                              88                                              4.6%

25 to 34 Years                                              242                                            12.6%

35 to 39 Years                                              105                                            5.5%

40 to 49 Years                                              207                                           10.9%

50 to 54 Years                                              115                                            6.0%

55 to 59 Years                                              107                                            5.6%

60 to 69 Years                                              194                                           10.2%

70 to 79 Years                                              103                                            5.4%

80 to 84 Years                                               35                                             1.8%

85 Years and Over                                         48                                             2.5%

Lincoln County, Wyoming 2010 Census Information

Population, 2010                                                        18,106

Population, percent change 2000 to 2010                       24.2%

Population, 2000                                                         14,573