The Wealthiest Place in America: Inside Jackson Hole’s Teton County

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, might evoke images of mountains, roaming bison, iconic skiing and cowboys, but it’s also home to Teton County—the richest county in the United States by per capita personal income. As the richest town in America by some measures, far from the skyscrapers of New York or the tech hubs of San Francisco, this remote valley has undergone a dramatic economic shift, attracting billionaires and remote workers alike. The wealth of America’s richest town is explored in a video posted below from yesterday (August 23, 2025) by Bloomberg Television.

A Historical Shift: From Isolation to Economic Powerhouse

Teton County’s transformation is a story of evolution over two centuries. Once a remote mountain valley focused on trapping, ranching, and tourism, its isolation has turned into an asset in the digital age. Even though it seems secluded, Teton County embodies the riches of a town in America.

“If you go back and look at Jackson Hole, historically, we are a high isolated mountain valley in the northwest corner of Wyoming, it’s been very hard to get here and very hard to get out of once you’re here.” — Jonathan Schechter, town council member and think tank director.

The area’s national parks, like Grand Teton and parts of Yellowstone, drew visitors starting in the early 20th century. By the 1960s, the Jackson Hole Ski Area kickstarted a winter economy, funded by federal loans aimed at impoverished regions. Today, geographic isolation no longer hinders growth; instead, it fosters a hub for remote work, with global residents living part-time or full-time while working from anywhere.

For decades, New York County (Manhattan) led the nation in wealth, but Teton County surged ahead in the early 2000s, accelerating post-pandemic. To visualize this dominance, here’s a comparison of per capita personal income trends.

Per Capita Personal Income Comparison – Teton County, WY vs. New York County, NY (2019–2023)

This table highlights Teton’s rapid growth, outpacing New York significantly since the pandemic and contributing to its reputation as a contender for the riches found in a town in America.

What Makes Teton County the Richest County in America?

Teton County’s average per capita personal income hit $471,751 in 2023, making it the wealthiest county in the wealthiest nation ever. But why here? It’s a blend of natural allure, favorable taxes, and a unique culture that contribute to its recognition as the richest town in America.

Natural Beauty and Sustainability

About 97% of Teton County’s land is publicly owned, dedicated to parks and forests, creating an intact ecosystem unmatched in the lower 48 states.

“We also sit at the heart of the greatest intact ecosystem in the lower 48. And if you think about things through the eyes of sustainability where you have ecological capital, financial capital, and human capital, I don’t think there’s any place in the world that can compare to here.” — Jonathan Schechter.

This draws affluent individuals who can live anywhere, valuing the territory’s special qualities.

Tax Advantages: An “Onshore Offshore Tax Haven”

Wyoming’s low property taxes, modest sales taxes, and zero state income tax make it irresistible for wealth preservation.

“We are hands down the most wealth friendly and income friendly and wealth preservation friendly state in the union. No other state comes close.”

While other Wyoming counties share these benefits, Teton’s combination with its landscape sets it apart.

Cowboy Culture and Community Spirit

The valley’s western roots endure, appealing to newcomers. Locals like Philip Wilson, whose family settled here in the late 1800s, run traditions like the Jackson Hole Rodeo.

“The cowboy culture is I’ll tell you one thing that a cowboy does is every time he sees you, he shakes your hand. If he sees you tomorrow, he shakes your hand.”

This friendliness fosters a sense of belonging, where billionaires and fishing guides mingle without ostentation.

“I have incredibly close friends that are fishing guides and that are self-made billionaires. And frankly, some of those people, I didn’t even know they were really wealthy because everyone drives the same like F-150 and wears the same kind of jeans around town.” — Kate Moore, Chief Investment Officer.

To put Teton’s wealth in perspective, here’s a chart of the top counties nationwide.

Top 10 Wealthiest Counties by Per Capita Personal Income (2023)

Data sourced from BEA reports, showing Teton’s commanding lead.

The Flip Side: Income Inequality and Challenges

Despite the prosperity, Teton County ranks #1 in income disparity. Roughly 15% of residents earn 90% of the income, leaving 85% sharing just 10%.

“We have roughly 90% of our income… earned by the highest earners. So maybe 15% of our community earns roughly 90% of our income.” — Jonathan Schechter.

Real estate prices have skyrocketed—homes doubled in value in three years, with listings like a $60 million riverfront property. This pushes out middle-class workers, who commute from Idaho.

To understand the disparity, consider this metric:

Income Inequality (80/20 Ratio) in Teton County, WY (2019–2023)

This ratio (household income at the 80th percentile divided by the 20th) has risen, indicating growing inequality.

Federal policies, like tax cuts benefiting the wealthy, exacerbate issues, cutting social services for lower-income residents.

Preserving the Spirit Amid Change

Locals emphasize community and respect for the land as constants.

“If we lose that, then we’ve lost something really special.” — Jonathan Schechter.

From rodeos to potlucks, the cowboy ethos binds residents. As wealth inflows continue, balancing capitalism with cultural values will be key.

Jackson Hole embodies American ideals—a frontier sharing nature’s bounty. But reconciling ultra-wealth with community roots remains the ultimate challenge.

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