WyomingPop. 33,431Small cities
Is Gillette a Good Place to Live? Gillette, Wyoming: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Gillette ranks #379 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #72 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Wyoming. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
Gillette by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Gillette's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Gillette?
Gillette's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $976/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $339,181, 9% below the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
| Measure | Gillette | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 91.6#265 of 1,308 | 92.7 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $339,181#491 of 1,187 | $371,854 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,311/mo#173 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $264,500#436 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $976/mo#187 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 14.4%#39 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Gillette housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Gillette is in the Gillette, WY metro.
Wyoming housing market →Is Gillette safe?
Gillette recorded 221 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 328 and 23% above Wyoming's 180. That ranks #397 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #73 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gillette Police Department. Property crime runs 1,379 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Gillette | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 221#397 of 1,085 | 180 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,379#408 of 1,085 | 1,038 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Gillette?
The median household in Gillette earns $81,316, 2% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Wyoming ($75,532). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Gillette | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $81,316#596 of 1,312 | $75,532 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 9.8%#482 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Gillette?
The median resident of Gillette is 34.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 24.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #977 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Gillette | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 34.2 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 24.8%#977 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 73.2% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Gillette's schools and health?
Gillette's 14 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $17,610 spent per pupil. 35.8% of adults are obese and 9.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Gillette | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 81.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.8#261 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $17,610#368 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 35.8%#840 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.1%#231 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.5%#754 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 12.9%#944 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,223 students are enrolled in Gillette's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Gillette?
The average commute in Gillette is 18.8 minutes (Wyoming 19.7); 0.7% of workers take transit and 3.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Gillette scores 9 of 20 (below average walkable), #835 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.9°F and winters 25.6°F, with 13.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Gillette | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 18.8 min#245 of 1,312 | 19.7 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6.6%#788 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 81.4% | 72.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.7% | 1.1% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.1% | 3.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 3.7% | 9.7% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9#835 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36.1 | 14.3 | 0.3 |
| Feb | 37.3 | 14.9 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 48 | 23.3 | 0.8 |
| Apr | 55.3 | 29.8 | 1.6 |
| May | 65.1 | 39.1 | 2.6 |
| Jun | 77 | 47.9 | 2 |
| Jul | 87 | 55.7 | 1.5 |
| Aug | 85.7 | 53.8 | 1 |
| Sep | 74.7 | 44.2 | 1 |
| Oct | 58.5 | 32.4 | 1.4 |
| Nov | 45.5 | 21.8 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 36.2 | 14.7 | 0.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Gillette Campbell Co Airport.
| Measure | Gillette | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 45.8°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 67.9°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 25.6°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 13.6 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Gillette Campbell Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Gillette?
Campbell County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Campbell County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 53% of US counties.
| Measure | Gillette | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#651 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Campbell County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Campbell County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.032% | 98% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.026% | 91% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0096% | 78% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0037% | 32% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.058% | 19% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Gillette compare with similar-size cities?
Gillette is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #72 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 33,431.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gillette, WYPop. 33,431 | #379 | 60.4 | $81,316 | $976/mo | 221 | 18.8 min |
| Leawood, KSPop. 33,809 | #22 | 72.6 | $185,625 | $1,983/mo | 71 | 20.9 min |
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #513 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 | 13.7 min |
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #1204 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 | 22.9 min |
| Gadsden, ALPop. 33,374 | #1217 | 44.4 | $40,345 | $808/mo | 398 | 20.7 min |
| Dover, NHPop. 33,364 | #122 | 67.6 | $94,829 | $1,607/mo | 64 | 22.7 min |
| Bluffton, SCPop. 33,157 | #235 | 63.6 | $111,281 | $2,256/mo | 62 | 28.3 min |
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #9 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data | 23.9 min |
| Sherwood, ARPop. 33,070 | #743 | 54.3 | $81,328 | $1,101/mo | 611 | 24.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Gillette compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Gillette ranks #4 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 60.4 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 8% above the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 23% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical Wyoming home.
| City | Rank in WY | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson, WYPop. 10,756 | #1 | 70.9 | $118,991 | $2,100/mo | 178 |
| Ranchettes, WYPop. 5,949 | #2 | 65.0 | $121,445 | $831/mo | no data |
| Laramie, WYPop. 32,234 | #3 | 61.1 | $55,613 | $925/mo | 93 |
| Gillette, WYPop. 33,431 | #4 | 60.4 | $81,316 | $976/mo | 221 |
| Cody, WYPop. 10,276 | #5 | 60.1 | $72,570 | $1,051/mo | 124 |
| Green River, WYPop. 11,581 | #6 | 59.9 | $84,747 | $921/mo | 123 |
| Douglas, WYPop. 6,420 | #7 | 59.7 | $83,147 | $841/mo | 124 |
| Cheyenne, WYPop. 65,239 | #8 | 59.5 | $78,839 | $1,118/mo | 299 |
| Casper, WYPop. 58,839 | #9 | 57.6 | $70,218 | $1,009/mo | 320 |
| Powell, WYPop. 6,503 | #10 | 57.2 | $63,523 | $764/mo | 273 |
| Buffalo, WYPop. 4,572 | #11 | 56.8 | $62,629 | $1,019/mo | 106 |
| Evanston, WYPop. 11,800 | #12 | 56.5 | $76,516 | $805/mo | 163 |
| Worland, WYPop. 4,794 | #13 | 55.7 | $63,357 | $703/mo | 252 |
| Sheridan, WYPop. 19,285 | #14 | 55.5 | $62,867 | $936/mo | 110 |
| Lander, WYPop. 7,432 | #15 | 55.0 | $74,813 | $896/mo | part year |
| Rawlins, WYPop. 8,129 | #16 | 53.9 | $64,773 | $741/mo | 114 |
| Rock Springs, WYPop. 23,127 | #17 | 53.1 | $69,168 | $928/mo | 145 |
| Torrington, WYPop. 6,182 | #18 | 52.5 | $47,902 | $901/mo | 321 |
| Riverton, WYPop. 10,856 | #19 | 45.8 | $55,208 | $921/mo | 817 |
| South Greeley, WYPop. 4,631 | #20 | 40.6 | $56,844 | $1,376/mo | no data |
All 20 Wyoming cities we track, by overall score. Wyoming statewide: median income $75,532, violent crime 179.9 per 100,000.
How is Gillette's score calculated?
Gillette scores 60.4 out of 100, #379 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Wyoming's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Gillette. Similar-size median 52.9.
59.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Gillette's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
82.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Gillette. Similar-size median 52.2.
55.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Gillette's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
64.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Gillette's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
79.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Gillette. Similar-size median 46.7.
57.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Gillette. Similar-size median 44.2.
44.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Gillette. Similar-size median 47.3.
41.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Gillette's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
52.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Gillette's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Gillette has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Gillette
Is Gillette, WY a good place to live?
Gillette ranks #379 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #72 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Wyoming. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
What is the cost of living in Gillette?
Gillette's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $976/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $339,181, 9% below the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
What is the crime rate in Gillette?
Gillette recorded 221 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 328 and 23% above Wyoming's 180. That ranks #397 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #73 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gillette Police Department. Property crime runs 1,379 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Gillette?
The median household in Gillette earns $81,316, 2% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Wyoming ($75,532). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Gillette?
Median rent in Gillette is $976/mo (Census), #187 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,311/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 14.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Gillette?
The typical home value in Gillette is $339,181, down 4.3% in a year, against $371,854 for Wyoming and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $264,500.
How are the public schools in Gillette?
Gillette's 14 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $17,610 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Gillette?
The average commute is 18.8 minutes, #245 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.7 minutes across Wyoming. 6.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Gillette?
Gillette averages 45.8°F over the year, 67.9°F in summer and 25.6°F in winter, with 13.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Gillette walkable?
Gillette scores 9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #835 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Gillette at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Campbell County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 53% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Gillette?
Campbell County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Gillette?
Gillette has 33,431 residents. The median resident of Gillette is 34.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 24.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #977 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Gillette compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Gillette ranks #4 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 60.4 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 8% above the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 23% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical Wyoming home.
What cities are similar in size to Gillette?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Gillette's population of 33,431 are Leawood, KS (#22 overall), Helena, MT (#513 overall), Chester, PA (#1204 overall), Gadsden, AL (#1217 overall), and Dover, NH (#122 overall). Gillette is #379.