Winter brings out the wild in the West – particularly in Gillette, WY, which has some of the largest deer and elk populations in the region. Snowmobilers and cross-country skiers are sure to spot a few during a jaunt through the 1.8 million-acre Thunder Basin National Grassland. If you don't have a snowmobile, that's not a problem. The city does a good job clearing snow and ice from major streets, sidewalks and even bike paths.The economy in Gillette and surrounding Campbell County is thriving thanks to employment gains in construction, machinery manufacturing and sales, so job seekers won't be left out in the cold.
Gillette is a town where a kid can be a kid any time of the year. The Campbell County Parks and Recreation Department indoor Field House hosts youth soccer leagues during the cold months, culminating in the Gillette Edge Winter Blast indoor soccer tournament in February. And Gillette’s CAM-PLEX multi-event facility brings artists, musicians, competitions and performances from around the country to entertain the entire family. Sports fans can follow the Pronghorns of Gillette College as they compete in men's and women's basketball in winter months.
Population: 27,101
Average January low: 10 degrees
Average annual snowfall: 64.7 inches
Median home price: $206,900
Unemployment rate: 4.0 percent