Jackson Hole | USA Wyoming

Jackson Hole is a high-altitude valley in Teton County, situated between the Teton Range to the west and the Gros Ventre Range to the east. Defined by its proximity to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, it is a global epicenter for elite mountain sports, luxury real estate, and international finance. It serves as the primary economic driver for the region and remains one of the wealthiest enclaves in the United States.

Historical Timeline

Inhabited by the Shoshone, Bannock, Blackfoot, and Crow peoples. "Hole" was a term used by early mountain men (such as David Edward Jackson) to describe high valleys surrounded by mountains. A critical historical event occurred in 1920, when the town of Jackson elected the first all-female town council in the U.S. In 1950, Grand Teton National Park was expanded to include much of the valley floor after a massive land donation by John D. Rockefeller Jr. By 2026, the valley operates under the "Jackson Hole Sustainable" framework to manage extreme tourism pressure and housing affordability.

Demographics & Population

The 2026 population of the town of Jackson is approximately 10,900 (valley total ~24,000). The demographics are White (78%), Hispanic or Latino (16%), and Asian (1.5%). The economy is driven by Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, Real Estate, and High-Wealth Asset Management.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Jackson Hole is a 77-km long valley; the "town" is located at the southern end.

Jackson Town Square: The commercial and social center; famous for its four elk-antler arches and wooden boardwalks.

Teton Village: Located 19 km northwest at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort; the primary luxury lodging hub.

Wilson: A rustic, high-end residential community at the foot of Teton Pass.

Moose: The administrative gateway to Grand Teton National Park.

Kelly: A quiet residential area on the eastern edge near the National Elk Refuge.

Top City Landmarks

Grand Teton National Park: Featuring the 4,199-m Grand Teton peak and glacier-fed lakes.

National Elk Refuge: A 24,700-acre sanctuary where thousands of elk winter; offering horse-drawn sleigh tours.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: Renowned for "Corbet’s Couloir" and the Aerial Tram, which ascends 1,262 vertical meters in nine minutes.

National Museum of Wildlife Art: Built into a hillside overlooking the elk refuge, housing works by Audubon and Warhol.

Million Dollar Cowboy Bar: A historic downtown landmark featuring saddles as barstools and a floor made of 1921 silver dollars.

Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve: A 1,106-acre refuge within the park focused on sensory-based nature experiences.

Transportation Network

Movement is automotive and cycling-centric. The valley is served by US-191, US-89, and WY-22. START Bus provides efficient public transit between the town and Teton Village. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the only commercial airport in the U.S. located entirely within a National Park. Teton Pass (WY-22) is a critical link to Idaho but is subject to frequent closures for avalanche control.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is very high. Crime is negligible. Environmental hazards are the primary concern: Grizzly bear and moose encounters, extreme cold (-35°C), avalanches, and high-altitude sickness (elevation 1,901 m).

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Internet speeds are high, with fiber-optic availability via Silver Star Communications. Mobile service is strong in developed areas but non-existent in the backcountry. Card acceptance is universal. Wyoming has no state income tax. Teton County levies a 6% total sales tax.

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from -18°C to -4°C in winter and 6°C to 27°C in summer. The valley experiences extreme temperature inversions. Air quality is pristine but can be compromised by wildfire smoke in late summer.

Culture & Social Norms

The standard tipping percentage is 20-25%. A "Refined-Rugged" greeting is standard. Dress codes are "Mountain-Chic" (expensive technical gear paired with designer Western wear). The city is culturally defined by Conservation, Technical Alpinism, and the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: $6.50 (USD)

1 Standard Lunch: $28.00 (USD)

1 National Park Entrance: $35.00 (per vehicle).

Nearby Day Trips

Yellowstone National Park: (The South Entrance is 92 km north).

Grand Targhee Resort: (70 km west in Alta, WY; known for deep powder).

Granite Hot Springs: (55 km south; a natural thermal pool in the Bridger-Teton National Forest).

Facts & Legends

Jackson Hole has the highest per-capita income in the United States. Historically, it was a preferred hideout for outlaws due to its geographic isolation. A local legend involves "The Headless Horseman of Teton Pass," a 19th-century mail carrier rumored to be seen on stormy winter nights. Another legend concerns the "Jackson Hole Secret Tunnels," alleged high-security bunkers built beneath the mountains for global financial elites during the late 20th century.