GILLETTE, Wyo. - Federal census figures show Gillette's population has grown by 32 percent in the past eight years while surrounding Campbell County has grown by 23 percent.

Estimates released this week put Gillette's population at 26,871 last year, up from 20,288 in 2000.

The county's population was 41,473 in 2008, up from 33,698 eight years ago.

The population estimates are used to determine how much cities and counties get in sales tax revenue, among other things.

Philippe Chino, executive director of the Campbell County Economic Development Corp., says the new figures will help pitch the area to retailers.

He says a young and growing population with disposable income is especially attractive to companies.