Wyoming is rich in history, unparalleled unspoiled beauty, and valuable natural resources. One county in particular, however, is flat-out the richest in the entire nation – literally. Teton County is not only among the 10 richest counties in the U.S., it beats out the other 9 and tops the list. It’s right in the heart of one of the most stunning, pristine Wyoming wilderness areas, near two national parks, and offers some of the most epic outdoor sports opportunities, including the best skiing in the entire world. Taking all of that into account, it’s little wonder that the area attracts high-earners as a vacation spot and a place to call home.
Teton County lies in the northeastern part of Wyoming.
Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty/YouTube
The city of Jackson is the county seat. If you’ve ever visited, you’ve probably at least suspected that there’s a lot of money flowing through the community, and it’s not all from tourists.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Jackson is pretty much the only actual town in the county, though it’s filled with census-designated areas and unincorporated communities such as Wilson, Hoback, Alta, and Teton Village.
That wealth is evidenced by the upscale shops and services available in Jackson as well as the massive, downright palatial log homes dotting the mountainsides and meadows throughout the county.
Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty/YouTube Take a virtual tour of one and see for yourself:
Many of the people living in those luxurious log houses aren’t native Wyomingites, however. Most of them made their fortunes in other states.
Steve Bennett/Flickr
They fell in love with Wyoming’s beauty and had the money to buy their own little piece of paradise.
Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty/YouTube
Just because the average income is over $296,700 annually, however, that doesn’t mean that everyone living in Teton County is well-off enough to drive stretch Hummers and have wine-tasting rooms in their homes.
Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty/YouTube The overall figures are skewed by the income ultra-rich business tycoons, heirs and heiresses, and entertainers make. The Washington Post says that although the county’s middle class is healthier than in other areas of the state, the top 1 percent living in Teton County average $28 million per year - more than enough to raise the overall average.
The influence of the affluent living in the county has produced growth which has benefitted everyone, and you can’t deny that it’s an awesome place to ski in the winter and hike, camp, and fish in the summer.
Photo GEM/Flickr
What’s more, the best of what Teton County has to offer is free for everyone to enjoy, regardless of social standing or how many commas and zeros are on their paycheck.
Kristin - Snake River OverlookUploaded by PDTillman/Wikipedia
Have you visited Teton County? What do you think? Is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty/YouTube
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Jackson is pretty much the only actual town in the county, though it’s filled with census-designated areas and unincorporated communities such as Wilson, Hoback, Alta, and Teton Village.
Take a virtual tour of one and see for yourself:
Steve Bennett/Flickr
The overall figures are skewed by the income ultra-rich business tycoons, heirs and heiresses, and entertainers make. The Washington Post says that although the county’s middle class is healthier than in other areas of the state, the top 1 percent living in Teton County average $28 million per year - more than enough to raise the overall average.
Photo GEM/Flickr
Kristin - Snake River OverlookUploaded by PDTillman/Wikipedia
What Wyoming county is your idea of paradise?
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