City Town Info

Jackson, WY


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Jackson, Wyoming

Introduction to Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson is situated in the beautiful, high elevation Jackson Hole Valley in Teton County. The Snake River flows through the valley. The city serves as a primary gateway for tourists visiting the popular destinations, Grand Teton National Park, National Elk Refuge and Yellowstone National Park.

The town is well known for skiing. The nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the largest resorts in the nation. The town is a popular destination for celebrities. Tourism is a major factor for the economy.

History

Indian tribes including the Shoshoni, Blackfeet, Crow, Gros Ventre and the Bannock utilized the Jackson Hole Valley for hunting during the summer. During the early 1800's, John Colter, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition entered the valley during his return from the "Far West." Soon, fur trappers were arriving and the trapper David Jackson gave the valley his name. The popularity of the silk hat in 1845 caused a significant decline in the fur trade.

In 1872 Yellowstone became the first national park in the world. Soon, hunters searching for big game arrived in the region and the Jackson Hole area became well known. During the 1890's towns were established. The cattle industry was the primary factor for the economy. By 1937 a ski tow was constructed at Teton Pass and skiing became part of the valley.

Attractions

  • The annual Jackson Hole Writers Contest.
  • The Town Square features arches made from a vast number of elk antlers and includes numerous shops and art galleries.
  • Jackson Hole Museum.
  • National Museum of Wildlife Art is a prominent venue.
  • Old West Days.
  • Hot Air Balloon Festival.
  • The Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum includes exhibits of Native Americans, archeology and geology.
  • Ripley's Believe it or Not! Concept Attractions.

Activities

Jackson is a popular skiing destination. The Snow King Resort is located in town and provides opportunities for alpine, telemark and Nordic skiing. Night-lit skiing is also available. The prominent Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and the Grand Targhee Resort are close by. Residents and visitors enjoy the numerous locations for ice skating and viewing the vast amount of elk while taking a sleigh ride in the National Elk Refuge. There are numerous trails for snowmobiling.

During the summer, hiking, climbing, canoeing, fly fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, hunting and camping are popular activities. Leisurely trips as well as white water rafting adventures take place on the Snake River. Bicycle tours are available in the beautiful Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks and the Bridger Teton and Targhee National Forests. Visitors can take a covered wagon excursion and enjoy the scenic views.

Entertainment and Nightlife

The town is known for its active nightlife. The Silver Dollar Bar & Grill is situated in the historic Wort Hotel and offers visitors an Old West saloon experience. The Snake River Brew Pub is known for its lively atmosphere. The Off Square Theatre Company is a noteworthy venue. The Historical Jackson Hole Playhouse offers Old West productions as well as Broadway musicals.

The Targhee Bluegrass Festival and the Micro-Brew Festival are popular events. The Shoot Out Gang performs nightly in downtown. The Grand Teton Music Festival offers classical music. The Jackson Hole Film Festival and the Fall Arts Festival are notable events. The city features numerous upscale boutiques, art galleries, day spas and restaurants.

High Points

Jackson strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Wyoming):

CategoryTrophy
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. Peers)
Top 1%trophyJackson Walking and Biking to Work
Well-Paid Single Men
(vs. State)
Top 2%trophyJackson Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)
Top 2%trophyJackson Well-Paid Single Women
Short Commute Times
(vs. Peers)
Top 3%trophyJackson Short Commute Times
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)
Top 4%trophyJackson College Educated Adults
Median Family Income
(vs. State)
Top 11%Jackson Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
(vs. State)
Top 11%Jackson People in Middle Class or Better
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 13%Jackson Racial Diversity
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)
Top 15%Jackson Public Transportation Use
Low Rate of Poverty
(vs. State)
Top 15%Jackson Low Rate of Poverty

Comparative Profile of Jackson, WY

Comparing Jackson to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Wyoming (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Male Share of the Population1010
Well-Paid Single Men910
Well-Paid Single Women710
Racial Diversity59
Children Under 5 Years Old24
Age of the Population21
Senior Citizens11
Female Share of the Population11

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Average Household Size35
Portion of People Married11

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults910
People Above Poverty79
Median Family Income79
People in Middle Class or Better69

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Walking and Biking to Work1010
Short Commute Times109
Public Transportation Use89
Working at Home86

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals1010
Seasonal and Vacation Housing108
Housing Recently Built910
People Living Alone66
Affordability of Property Taxes61
Affordability of Rents31

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime43
Low Property Crime43

Detailed pages on related topics: Jackson travelJackson mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

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