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Teton County

county

Teton County, located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. As of 2020, the population was 23,331. The county is home to the iconic Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, and a significant portion of Yellowstone National Park. Jackson, the county seat and only incorporated town, serves as a vibrant hub for tourism and the arts. Economy in Teton County is largely driven by tourism, with major employment sectors including hospitality, recreation, and real estate. The county is known for its high per capita income, which reached almost half a million dollars ($471,751) in 2023, making it one of the wealthiest counties in the United States. This is attributed to investment income and the presence of high-net-worth individuals. Teton County's distinctive character stems from its dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a unique blend of Western heritage and modern affluence. The area's history is intertwined with Native American tribes, fur trapping, and early homesteading, while today it stands as a world-class destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a high quality of life.

Teton County, Wyoming

Overview
Classification
County
FIPS Code
56-039
Country
United States
County
Teton County
Geography
Region
Northwest
Total Area
4,216 sq mi
Land Area
3,995 sq mi
Water Area
221 sq mi
Latitude
43.8527
Longitude
-110.5885
Climate
Mountainous region with variable weather conditions
Notable Features
Teton Range · Grand Teton National Park · Yellowstone National Park · Snake River · Jackson Hole
Neighboring Areas
Park County (Northeast) · Fremont County (East) · Sublette County (Southeast) · Lincoln County (South) · Bonneville County, Idaho (Southwest) · Teton County, Idaho (Southwest) · Fremont County, Idaho (West) · Gallatin County, Montana (Northwest)
Demographics
Population (2020)
23,331
Est. Population (2023)
23,358
Median Age
40.1
Median Income
$112,681
Family Households
61.1%
Owner-Occupied
61.5%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
In 2023, the racial makeup of the county was 78.9% White (Non-Hispanic), 9.98% Other (Hispanic), 3.05% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic), 1.73% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), and 1.59% White (Hispanic).
Governance
Government Type
County Commissioners
Governing Body
Board of County Commissioners
School District
Teton County School District No. 1
Municipal Services
Administration · Animal Shelter · Assessor · Attorney · Building Division · Circuit Court · Clerk of District Court · Coroner · County Clerk · Emergency Management · Fire/EMS · Health Department · Historical Society & Museum · Integrated Solid Waste & Recycling · Library · Parks & Recreation · Planning & Development · Public Health · Search & Rescue · Sheriff · Treasurer · Weed & Pest
Economy
Economic Profile
Tourism · Resort Community · Real Estate · Investment Income
Employment Sectors
Management Occupations · Sales & Related Occupations · Food Preparation & Serving Related Occupations
Major Employers
Grand Teton National Park · Vail Resorts (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort) · St. John's Health
Education
Students
2,822
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
School Districts
Teton County School District No. 1
Infrastructure
Transportation
US-26 · US-89 · US-191 · START Bus (Public Transit)
Utilities
Municipal Water · Municipal Power · Fiber/Broadband
Major Facilities
Teton County Integrated Healthcare · St. John's Health · Jackson Hole Airport · Teton County Fairgrounds · Community Recreation Center
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Grand Teton National Park · Yellowstone National Park · Bridger-Teton National Forest · National Elk Refuge · Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Parks & Trails
Teton County Parks · Community Recreation Center · Teton Pass Trail
History
Founded
1921
Named After
Teton Range
Historical Significance
Teton County's history is marked by its remote location, dependence on natural resources, and the establishment of world-renowned national parks.
Key Events
County created from a portion of Lincoln County · Special act of Wyoming Legislature required for creation · Early homestead settlement in Jackson Hole began in the 1880s · Creation of Grand Teton National Park in 1929