While millions of Americans live in bustling cities, one extraordinary place in Wyoming challenges everything we think we know about community survival. Buford, Wyoming—officially listed as having zero permanent residents—continues to thrive as a commercial hub along Interstate 80, generating substantial revenue and attracting curious visitors from around the world.
From railroad boom to population bust in 150 years
Founded in 1866 during the Transcontinental Railroad construction, Buford once housed 2,000 residents at 8,000 feet elevation, making it the highest railroad settlement in America. The town’s strategic position as a supply depot made it vital for workers braving the harsh Wyoming terrain.
However, economic shifts proved devastating. When the military outpost relocated to Laramie and rail traffic was rerouted, Buford’s population plummeted. By the 1980s, only a handful of residents remained, and the post office closed in 2004.
Don Sammons became the sole resident after his family left, maintaining the town until 2012 when he sold it for $900,000 to Vietnamese businessman Phạm Đình Nguyên. This marked the end of Buford’s “population 1” era, but not its commercial viability.
How zero residents still generates thousands in revenue
Strategic interstate positioning drives success
Located at Interstate 80 Exit 335, Buford captures transient traffic between major cities. The fuel station remains operational despite no permanent residents, serving truckers and travelers who appreciate some of Wyoming’s lowest gasoline prices.
The addition of a diesel fuel island in 2024 demonstrates remarkable adaptability to market demands. This micro-community proves that location trumps population when it comes to commercial sustainability.
Novelty marketing creates unexpected revenue streams
Buford’s reputation as “America’s Smallest Town” attracts curiosity-driven visitors seeking unique experiences. The convenience store previously sold imported Vietnamese coffee and memorabilia, capitalizing on its unusual status.
This approach mirrors successful strategies used by other unique American destinations. Heritage tourism experiences that connect Americans to their history have proven increasingly popular, with 73% of visitors seeking authentic cultural connections.
Lessons from America’s most unusual business model
Current owner Mintu Pradher is expanding residential capacity through Airbnb renovations, recognizing that temporary residents can sustain permanent commerce. This counterintuitive approach—investing in a town with zero population—demonstrates innovative thinking about rural revitalization.
The strategy particularly makes sense during winter highway closures, when stranded travelers need lodging. Buford’s elevation creates harsh conditions but also provides scenic mountain vistas that appeal to adventure-seeking tourists.
Similar revival stories are emerging across America. Conservation success stories proving seemingly impossible comebacks show how strategic investment can resurrect declining communities.
What other struggling towns can learn immediately
Leverage geographic advantages over demographics
Highway proximity matters more than resident count for certain business models. Towns along major interstates can survive on transient commerce while traditional population-dependent businesses fail.
Embrace uniqueness as marketing advantage
Buford’s “smallest town” status attracts visitors who might otherwise drive past. Other declining communities could identify their unique characteristics—highest elevation, oldest building, unusual history—and market accordingly.
Adapt infrastructure to changing markets
The diesel fuel island addition shows responsive business management. Monitoring traffic patterns and adjusting services accordingly keeps revenue flowing despite demographic challenges.
Compare this to other single-resident towns like Monowi, Nebraska, where personal dedication maintains community identity even without commercial viability.
The surprising future of micro-communities
Buford represents a new model for rural survival: commercial sustainability without permanent population. As remote work enables flexible living arrangements, micro-communities offering unique experiences and strategic locations may attract temporary residents willing to pay premium prices for extraordinary stays.
This Wyoming ghost town turned profitable business proves that creative thinking and strategic positioning can revive seemingly hopeless situations, offering hope for hundreds of struggling rural communities across America.