City Profile
Gillette, Wyoming
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Gillette, Wyoming, often called the 'Energy Capital of the Nation,' is a city deeply intertwined with the extraction and processing of natural resources, particularly coal and natural gas. Its history is marked by rapid growth driven by the boom-and-bust cycles of the energy industry, attracting a workforce seeking opportunities in mining and related sectors. Despite its industrial roots, Gillette offers a frontier spirit and a strong sense of community, appealing to those who appreciate wide-open spaces and a more traditional American lifestyle. The city is situated in the northeastern part of Wyoming, surrounded by the high plains and offering access to outdoor recreational activities. In 2024, Gillette had a population of approximately 33,431 residents.
Wyoming, known as "The Equality State," is characterized by its vast, open landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains and high-elevation prairies, fostering a lifestyle deeply connected to nature and a strong sense of community. The state's economy is primarily driven by mineral extraction, particularly coal, natural gas, oil, and trona, alongside a significant tourism industry centered around national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton, and agriculture, mainly livestock and hay. Living in Wyoming generally offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, with no state income tax. The climate is typically semi-arid and continental, featuring dry, windy conditions with significant temperature extremes, long winters, and short growing seasons, while the lifestyle embraces a slower pace, self-reliance, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
How this 74/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 75 / 100 | 75.0 | 30% | 22.5 |
| Affordability | No usable reading — dataset average used | 75.1 | 25% | 18.8 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $81,316 Income needed to live here: no usable reading Unemployment rate: 2.5% | 93.8 | 20% | 18.8 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1% Job growth rate: no usable reading | 50.0 | 15% | 7.5 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 10% | 6.8 |
| Overall score | 74.3 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=71), last refreshed
29 September 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
Gillette's cost of living is generally considered to be close to the national average, though specific costs can fluctuate with the energy market. Housing, while more affordable than in many larger metropolitan areas, can see price shifts tied to local employment trends. The median home value in Gillette was $264,500 in 2024, and the median household income was $81,316 in 2024. Utilities and transportation costs are typical for a city of its size and location in the Mountain West region. Residents often find that while some expenses are comparable to national averages, others, like groceries, might be slightly higher due to its remote location.
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The economy of Gillette is predominantly driven by the energy sector, with coal mining, coalbed methane gas production, and power generation forming the backbone of its employment landscape. Major employers include Peabody Energy, Arch Coal, and Campbell County School District. Beyond energy, the city also supports sectors like transportation, retail trade, and healthcare, which serve the local population and the broader Campbell County region. In 2024, the primary industries for residents were Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction (3,626 people), Retail Trade (2,325 people), and Health Care & Social Assistance (2,249 people).
The average salary in Gillette is $65,000 per year.
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Transportation in Gillette is primarily car-dependent, as is common in many cities in Wyoming and the Mountain West. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting and daily errands. The average commute time in Gillette is 19 minutes, which is shorter than the national average of 26.4 minutes. Gillette has an exceptionally drivable score of 100/100.
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