Community Overview

Exploring Our Community

A Mountain Paradise

As your plane descends toward Jackson Hole Airport, you'll be greeted by one of the most breathtaking airport approaches in the United States. The majestic Grand Teton mountains rise dramatically from the valley floor, their jagged peaks standing in stark contrast to the wide-open spaces below. Unlike the gradual ascent of many mountain ranges, the Tetons burst from the earth with no foothills, creating a jaw-dropping tableau that never grows old for residents. The Snake River winds through the valley, its blue waters carving through the landscape alongside patches of dense forest and expansive meadows.

The only commercial airport in the United States located entirely within a national park (Grand Teton National Park)
Consistently ranked among the most spectacular airport approaches in the world
Views of the Teton Range visible immediately upon landing

Crown Jewel of the Mountain West

Jackson sits in Wyoming's northwestern corner, occupying a unique position in the American West. The town serves as the gateway to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, placing you at the doorstep of two of America's most treasured natural landscapes. Unlike many mountain towns that feel remote and disconnected, Jackson combines pristine wilderness with sophisticated amenities, creating a rare blend of natural splendor and cultural richness that few communities can match.

Located in the scenic Jackson Hole valley, surrounded by mountains on all sides
Situated at the crossroads of three distinct ecosystems: alpine, forest, and high desert
One of the few mountain destinations that maintains both winter and summer appeal
Just 60 miles south of Yellowstone National Park's south entrance

National Recognition

Jackson consistently ranks among the most desirable small towns in America, earning accolades for its exceptional quality of life, outdoor recreation, and arts scene. U.S. News & World Report has named Jackson Hole among the "Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA", while Outside Magazine has recognized it as one of the best adventure towns in America. When you tell colleagues or friends you're relocating to Jackson, you'll likely be met with a mixture of envy and admiration.

Consistently ranked among the top small towns in America for quality of life
Named one of the best places to live for outdoor enthusiasts by numerous publications
Featured regularly in travel magazines for its exceptional beauty and character

Fascinating Local Character

Jackson maintains its authentic Western character while embracing sophisticated amenities and cultural offerings. The town's famous elk antler arches frame the four corners of the historic town square, immediately signaling that you've arrived somewhere special. Unlike many resort towns that can feel manufactured, Jackson retains genuine connections to its ranching and pioneer heritage.

Home to the National Elk Refuge, where thousands of elk winter annually
One of the wealthiest small towns in America, attracting notable residents while maintaining its character
The town square features the iconic elk antler arches collected naturally from the nearby refuge
Maintains authentic Western traditions including the longest-running rodeo in the United States

Natural Wonders Within Reach

Few communities in America offer such immediate access to pristine wilderness and iconic landscapes. Within a 20-minute drive from your home in Jackson, you can be standing at the base of the Grand Tetons, kayaking on mountain lakes, or hiking in designated wilderness areas. Yellowstone National Park is just a scenic 60-mile drive away—perfect for quick getaways and regular escapes into raw natural beauty.

Grand Teton National Park begins just 5 miles from downtown Jackson
Yellowstone National Park's south entrance is a 60-mile scenic drive
The Snake River offers blue-ribbon trout fishing and water recreation
Bridger-Teton National Forest provides 3.4 million acres of wilderness exploration

Four Distinct Seasons

Jackson experiences all four seasons, each with its own flavor and set of outdoor adventures. Winters bring world-class powder skiing, while summers offer mild temperatures perfect for hiking, biking, and paddling. Fall glows with golden aspens, and spring fills the region with wildflowers and newborn wildlife. With approximately 207 sunny days per year, there's always a reason to be outdoors.

Winter (Nov–Mar): Skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports
Spring (Apr–May): Wildlife viewing and blooming wildflowers
Summer (Jun–Sep): Mild 70s–80s°F temperatures perfect for outdoor recreation
Fall (Sep–Oct): Spectacular foliage, cool temps, and fewer crowds

Economic Vitality

Jackson's economy blends tourism, outdoor recreation, and a growing professional sector. Major employers include St. John's Health, the National Park Service, and luxury resorts like the Four Seasons and Amangani. The area’s year-round appeal helps smooth seasonal swings, and Wyoming’s no-income-tax policy adds a financial bonus to your mountain lifestyle.

World-class ski resorts including Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Luxury hotels and resorts: Four Seasons, Amangani, Hotel Jackson
Remote work and tech sector growth fueled by lifestyle migration
Outdoor industry brands and businesses rooted in Jackson

Convenient Connections

Despite its mountain setting, Jackson is surprisingly accessible. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) offers direct flights to a dozen major cities on Delta, United, and American Airlines. You’ll enjoy the rare luxury of living in a wilderness paradise while maintaining quick access to urban centers for business or leisure.

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) offers direct flights to 12 major cities
Year-round direct flights to Denver, Salt Lake City, and Dallas
Seasonal direct flights to Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and more
Major carriers: Delta, United, American Airlines

A Deliberate Life Choice

People choose Jackson to live a life where natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and community coexist with cultural sophistication. For physicians, the chance to practice high-quality medicine and spend off-hours skiing, biking, or paddling offers a rare balance between professional fulfillment and personal wellbeing. Here, life slows down just enough for you to reconnect—with nature, with others, and with your own purpose.

A community that values quality of life over urban conveniences
The opportunity to incorporate world-class recreation into daily life
A place where natural beauty is part of everyday living
A community rooted in meaningful connections, not anonymity

In Jackson, you'll find yourself part of a rare community where the extraordinary becomes everyday. The combination of dramatic landscapes, abundant recreation, genuine Western character, and sophisticated amenities creates a lifestyle that many physicians dream of—but few ever truly experience.

Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Looking to explore a new destination, but not sure where to start? A travel guide can help you discover the hidden gems and must-see attractions of a new place. Whether you're looking for the best local cuisine, the most scenic views, or the most exciting activities, a good travel guide can provide you with insider knowledge and expert recommendations. With a travel guide in hand, you can make the most of your trip and experience a new place like a local. So why not start planning your next adventure with a travel guide today?

View Guide

History Unveiled: A Journey Through Time

Native American Heritage

Long before European settlers arrived, the Jackson Hole valley served as a seasonal hunting ground and gathering place for numerous Native American tribes, particularly the Shoshone, Bannock, Blackfoot, Crow, Gros Ventre, and Nez Perce. These tribes traveled through the valley following game migrations and gathering the abundant berries and plants. The valley's unique geography created a natural gathering place where different tribes would meet, trade, and conduct ceremonies. Today, this indigenous heritage remains visible in place names, archaeological sites, and cultural traditions that continue to influence the region.

Archaeological evidence shows human presence in the valley dating back more than 10,000 years
The Sheep Eaters, a Mountain Shoshone group, were particularly adept at high-altitude living
Native tribes valued the valley for its diverse wildlife and protected mountain setting
Tribal influences remain in local place names, including the Teton Range (from "Teewinot" meaning "many pinnacles")

Early Exploration and Mountain Men

The first European Americans to document the valley were members of the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1806. Later, the region became a fur trading hub, attracting mountain men like David E. Jackson, the valley’s namesake. These rugged explorers established relationships with native tribes and recorded the beauty of Jackson Hole, helping to cement its place in the American imagination.

Named after David E. Jackson, a partner in the Rocky Mountain Fur Company
The term "hole" was trapper slang for a high valley surrounded by mountains
Mountain men would gather annually at "rendezvous" locations in the region to trade
John Colter, a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, is considered the first white man to see the valley

Settlement and Ranching Era

Permanent settlement began in the late 1880s, when homesteaders and ranchers braved harsh winters and remote conditions to establish communities. Their legacy is still evident in landmarks like the Mormon Row Historic District and the iconic Moulton Barn, a symbol of Jackson’s resilient frontier heritage.

First permanent settlers arrived in 1884, establishing homesteads and cattle ranches
Mormon Row settlement established in the 1890s by Mormon homesteaders
Families like the Moultons, Chambers, and Feuzes shaped early ranching traditions
Many early structures remain preserved within Grand Teton National Park

Conservation Legacy

Jackson's conservation ethic is one of its defining traits, guided by early 20th-century efforts from leaders like John D. Rockefeller Jr. who secured vast areas for preservation. Unlike extraction-based towns, Jackson developed with a deep respect for the land—an ethos that still guides community values today.

Yellowstone National Park established in 1872, creating conservation awareness in the region
The National Elk Refuge established in 1912 to protect the dwindling elk population
Grand Teton National Park initially established in 1929, expanded significantly in 1950
John D. Rockefeller Jr. purchased over 35,000 acres for conservation between 1927–1943

Tourism and Recreational Development

The growth of national parks transformed Jackson into a gateway for adventure and leisure. With the development of ski resorts like Snow King Mountain and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the region transitioned into a world-class, year-round destination—carefully balancing growth with community values.

Snow King Mountain opened in 1939 as Wyoming’s first ski resort
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort established in 1965, transforming winter tourism
Grand Targhee Resort opened in 1969, offering additional skiing opportunities
Strategic tourism development has preserved community character while creating economic opportunities

Arts and Cultural Evolution

By the 1960s, Jackson began to attract artists, musicians, and creatives inspired by its landscape and light. Institutions like the Grand Teton Music Festival and the National Museum of Wildlife Art solidified its reputation as a cultural destination rivaling much larger cities.

Grand Teton Music Festival founded in 1962, bringing classical music to the mountains
National Museum of Wildlife Art established in 1987, housing over 5,000 works
Center for the Arts opened in 2007, creating a cultural hub for the community
Numerous galleries and studios attract artists from around the world

Growth Management and Community Planning

Since the 1970s, Jackson has embraced innovative planning and conservation strategies to preserve open space, wildlife habitat, and community character. Efforts like the Jackson Hole Land Trust and forward-thinking zoning have helped maintain the valley's beauty amid increasing popularity.

Teton County Comprehensive Plan first adopted in 1978 to guide sustainable development
Jackson Hole Land Trust founded in 1980, protecting over 25,000 acres through conservation easements
Innovative zoning regulations have concentrated development and preserved open space
Community-funded initiatives have purchased development rights to maintain critical viewsheds

Modern Jackson: Tradition Meets Innovation

Modern Jackson reflects a harmonious balance of heritage and progress. While maintaining long-standing traditions like the Jackson Hole Rodeo, the town has embraced sustainability, connectivity, and economic diversification. Community values continue to prioritize quality of life and environmental integrity.

Maintains traditions like the Jackson Hole Rodeo (operating since 1890) while embracing innovation
Strategic economic development has diversified beyond tourism to include technology and professional services
Innovative transportation solutions including public transit and pathway systems reduce environmental impact
Community organizations actively preserve historical structures and cultural traditions

In Jackson, you'll join a community shaped by visionary conservation, pioneer resilience, and forward-thinking development. This unique historical path has produced a town where natural beauty, cultural richness, and sustainable living create an exceptional place to call home—for professionals, families, and future generations alike.

Population & Demographics: Understanding Our Diverse Community

Small Town with Global Connections

Jackson offers a rare combination of small-town intimacy with remarkably diverse and sophisticated connections to the broader world. With a year-round population of approximately 10,000 in the town of Jackson and 23,500 in Teton County, you'll quickly recognize familiar faces at the grocery store, trailheads, and community events. Unlike isolated rural communities, Jackson's position as a global destination means you'll interact regularly with visitors and seasonal residents from around the world, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere rarely found in towns of this size.

Town of Jackson population: approximately 10,000 year-round residents
Teton County population: approximately 23,500 permanent residents
Seasonal population fluctuations can more than double these numbers during peak periods
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) designation for Jackson (Teton County) with steady growth trends

Growth and Demographic Trends

Jackson has experienced measured growth over recent decades, with Teton County's population increasing approximately 15% between 2010 and 2020. This growth has been carefully managed through thoughtful planning, preserving the town's character while welcoming new residents. The population includes a healthy mix of age groups, from young professionals to active retirees, drawn by lifestyle, safety, and outdoor access.

Steady 1–2% annual population growth over the past decade
Balanced age distribution with growing numbers of young professionals and families
Increasing number of telecommuters and location-independent professionals
Strong retention of residents drawn by quality of life and community connection

Cultural Diversity and International Flavor

Despite its small size and mountain location, Jackson boasts surprising cultural diversity. The community includes a significant Latino population, international residents, and seasonal visitors, all contributing to a globally aware, inclusive culture that enriches daily life.

Latino population comprises approximately 15% of permanent residents
Seasonal workforce draws employees from across the US and internationally
Distinguished visitors and second homeowners from around the world
International festivals and cultural celebrations throughout the year
Multiple language services available through community organizations

Community Character

The people of Jackson reflect a unique blend of Western independence, environmental values, and adventurous spirit. Fourth-generation ranching families live alongside Olympic athletes, conservationists, and entrepreneurs, creating a warm, accepting community that values people for who they are—not just what they do.

Strong work ethic and self-reliant attitude reflecting Western heritage
Outdoor-oriented lifestyle with high levels of community participation
Friendly, unpretentious atmosphere despite the area's wealth and prestige
Community that values environmental stewardship and civic engagement

Economic Profile

Residents of Jackson enjoy high income levels relative to the state and national averages, though economic diversity remains. While high-net-worth individuals are drawn by Wyoming’s tax advantages, middle-income professionals and service workers form the backbone of the community—and as a physician, you’ll find exceptional quality of life and purchasing power.

Median household income approximately $85,000, significantly above state average
Diverse economy with tourism, healthcare, professional services, and government sectors
Low unemployment rate (typically below 3%) even during non-peak seasons
Wyoming's absence of state income tax enhances earning potential

Educational Attainment

With over 55% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher, Jackson is among the most educated communities in Wyoming. This creates a thoughtful, informed citizenry that supports arts, education, and engaged civic dialogue.

Over 55% of adult residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher
Strong support for educational excellence and lifelong learning
Active intellectual community through library programs, lectures, and workshops
Engaged citizenry participating in community planning and decision-making

Professional Opportunities

Despite its small size, Jackson offers diverse career options for two-physician families or spouses with professional backgrounds. Healthcare, conservation, public service, and a growing remote-work culture ensure strong professional and economic resilience.

Major employers include St. John's Health, National Park Service, and Teton County School District
Growing professional services sector including legal, financial, and technology firms
Numerous conservation organizations with headquarters or significant offices in Jackson
Entrepreneurial ecosystem supporting small business development
Increasing remote work opportunities connecting local professionals to global markets

Social Fabric and Community Connections

Unlike in many cities where physicians are socially siloed, Jackson fosters deep, authentic community integration. Through outdoor adventures, events, and volunteer work, you'll find meaningful personal and professional connections in every corner of town.

Extensive volunteer opportunities with over 200 nonprofit organizations
Vibrant community events calendar including concerts, festivals, and cultural celebrations
Strong civic engagement with accessible local government
Multi-generational activities and programs fostering connections across age groups

In Jackson, you'll enjoy the benefits of small-town connection with global perspective. Whether you're chatting with a neighbor at the farmers market or exchanging stories with a visitor from across the globe, you’ll experience a rare social dynamic—rooted in familiarity yet open to the world.