Jackson, Wyoming
Encyclopedia
Jackson is a town
located in the Jackson Hole
valley
of Teton County
, Wyoming
, United States
. The population was 8,647 at the 2000 census
. It is the county seat
of Teton County.
Jackson is the principal town of the Jackson, WY-ID Micropolitan Statistical Area
, which includes Teton County in Wyoming and Teton County
in Idaho
.
, Yellowstone National Park
, and the National Elk Refuge
. Jackson is also in proximity to several ski resorts. Directly southeast of town, there is a relatively small but challenging ski-area known as Snow King
, Jackson's original ski
hill. It has steep vertical slopes and is night-lit
. More famous is the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
, 12 miles (19 km) northwest. Opened in 1966, it has abundant steep terrain and has one of the highest vertical drops on the continent
, at 4139 feet (1262 m). Grand Targhee
, about an hour away to the northwest, opened in the early 1970s and is world-renowned for its high snowfall and "heavenly powder". Located on the west side of the Teton Range, it is accessed by traveling west over Teton Pass
into Idaho
, north to Driggs
, then east (clockwise on the map), granted that the pass isn't closed.
Jackson is host to a number of world-class arts organizations, including the Congressionally designated National Museum of Wildlife Art
, the Grand Teton Music Festival, and the Center for the Arts. The large arch
es of shed elk
antler
s at the four entrances to the town square
are popular attractions.
The main industries which provide employment are: Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services (24.4%), Construction (14.0%), Retail trade (12.8%), Educational, health and social services (12.2%).
The town is often referred to as "Jackson Hole", the named geographic feature--a valley-- in which the town is located.
A strong local economy, primarily due to tourism, has allowed Jackson to develop a large shopping and eating district, centered around the town square. Within this district, all types of foods can be found with businesses embracing the strong, wholesome western tradition of the region. Activities within the town include indoor/outdoor rock climbing, dogsled rides, wildlife tours, many extreme sports (such as slacklining, parkour, downhill skiing/snowboarding, ice skating, and anaerobic hopscotching) and soccer.
The Flat Creek, a tributary of the Snake River
, runs through the town.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the town has a total area of 7.4 square kilometres (2.9 sq mi), all land. Its altitude is 6,237 feet (1,901 m).
(Köppen climate classification
Dfb) that falls just short of being classified as a subarctic climate
(Köppen Dfc). Due to its elevation and location in a humid microclimate
, it gets considerably more precipitation - much of it snow - than most of the rest of Wyoming.
of 2010, there were 9,577 people living in Jackson. As of the census
of 2000, there were 8,647 people, 3,631 households, and 1,670 families residing in the town. The population density
was 3,037.2 people per square mile (1,171.4/km²). There were 3,861 housing units at an average density of 1,356.2 per square mile (523.1/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 89.37% White, 11.84% Hispanic or Latino, 0.21% African American, 0.77% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 7.62% from other races
, and 1.36% from two or more races.
There were 3,631 households out of which 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.4% were married couples
living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 54.0% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35, and the average family size was 2.97.
In the town the population was spread out with 18.4% under the age of 18, 13.9% from 18 to 24, 43.7% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 5.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 117.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 118.4 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $47,757, and the median income for a family was $53,915. Males had a median income of $31,152 versus $24,307 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $25,004. About 2.6% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.3% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.
. Schools serving the town include Jackson Elementary School (grades K-2), Colter Elementary School (grades 3-5), Jackson Hole Middle School (grades 6-8), Jackson Hole High School, Summit High School, the Jackson Hole Community School and the Journeys School
.
. A public bus system ("The START Bus
", or Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit) services the entire valley as well as the adjacent Star Valley and Teton Valley, Idaho. Also, a popular new form of carpooling is available at, Backcountryride.com. There you can get and give rides to people from designated spots.
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
located in the Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole, originally called Jackson's Hole, is a valley located in the U.S. state of Wyoming, near the western border with Idaho. The name "hole" derives from language used by early trappers or mountain men, who primarily entered the valley from the north and east and had to descend along...
valley
Valley
In geology, a valley or dale is a depression with predominant extent in one direction. A very deep river valley may be called a canyon or gorge.The terms U-shaped and V-shaped are descriptive terms of geography to characterize the form of valleys...
of Teton County
Teton County, Wyoming
Teton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wyoming. As of 2010, the population was 21,294. Its county seat is Jackson. Teton County contains the affluent Jackson Hole skiing area...
, Wyoming
Wyoming
Wyoming is a state in the mountain region of the Western United States. The western two thirds of the state is covered mostly with the mountain ranges and rangelands in the foothills of the Eastern Rocky Mountains, while the eastern third of the state is high elevation prairie known as the High...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 8,647 at the 2000 census
United States Census, 2000
The Twenty-second United States Census, known as Census 2000 and conducted by the Census Bureau, determined the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2000, to be 281,421,906, an increase of 13.2% over the 248,709,873 persons enumerated during the 1990 Census...
. It is the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Teton County.
Jackson is the principal town of the Jackson, WY-ID Micropolitan Statistical Area
Jackson micropolitan area
The Jackson Micropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of two counties, one in Wyoming and one in Idaho, anchored by the town of Jackson....
, which includes Teton County in Wyoming and Teton County
Teton County, Idaho
Teton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Idaho. Established in 1915, it was named after the Teton Mountains. As of the 2000 Census the county had a population of 5,999...
in Idaho
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
.
Overview
Jackson is a major gateway for millions of tourists visiting nearby Grand Teton National ParkGrand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is a United States National Park located in northwestern Wyoming, U.S. The Park consists of approximately and includes the major peaks of the long Teton Range as well as most of the northern sections of the valley known as Jackson Hole. Only south of Yellowstone...
, Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872, is a national park located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, although it also extends into Montana and Idaho...
, and the National Elk Refuge
National Elk Refuge
The National Elk Refuge is located in the U.S. state of Wyoming and was created in 1912 to protect habitat and provide sanctuary for the largest elk herd on Earth. The refuge borders the town of Jackson, Wyoming on the northeast while Bridger-Teton National Forest is to the east and Grand Teton...
. Jackson is also in proximity to several ski resorts. Directly southeast of town, there is a relatively small but challenging ski-area known as Snow King
Snow King
Snow King Resort is a ski area in Jackson, Wyoming. "The King" offers three-hour and night skiing. Snow King is Jackson's original ski hill, located on the southeast edge of the city. Locals sometimes refer to Snow King as "The Town Hill."...
, Jackson's original ski
Alpine skiing
Alpine skiing is the sport of sliding down snow-covered hills on skis with fixed-heel bindings. Alpine skiing can be contrasted with skiing using free-heel bindings: Ski mountaineering and nordic skiing – such as cross-country; ski jumping; and Telemark. In competitive alpine skiing races four...
hill. It has steep vertical slopes and is night-lit
Night skiing
Night skiing is the sport of skiing or snowboarding after sundown, offered at many ski resorts and mountains. There are usually electric lights along the piste which allow for better visibility...
. More famous is the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a ski resort at Teton Village, Wyoming. Located northwest of Jackson and due south of Grand Teton National Park in Teton County, it is named after the historically significant Jackson Hole valley. The region is served by the Jackson Hole Airport.-Ski area...
, 12 miles (19 km) northwest. Opened in 1966, it has abundant steep terrain and has one of the highest vertical drops on the continent
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, at 4139 feet (1262 m). Grand Targhee
Grand Targhee Resort
Grand Targhee Resort is a ski resort located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in Alta, Wyoming. It is northwest of Jackson, Wyoming, accessible by road only by way of Driggs, Idaho. The resort has lodging, a spa, retail stores, and conference facilities...
, about an hour away to the northwest, opened in the early 1970s and is world-renowned for its high snowfall and "heavenly powder". Located on the west side of the Teton Range, it is accessed by traveling west over Teton Pass
Teton Pass
Teton Pass is a high mountain pass located in the Teton Range in western Wyoming, between the towns of Jackson, Wyoming and Victor, Idaho. The pass provides access from the Jackson Hole valley to Teton Valley of southeastern Idaho, which includes the Grand Targhee Resort and the town of...
into Idaho
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
, north to Driggs
Driggs, Idaho
Driggs is a city in Teton County, Idaho, United States. It is part of the Jackson, WY-ID Micropolitan Statistical Area, and is located in Teton Valley. The population was 1,100 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Teton County...
, then east (clockwise on the map), granted that the pass isn't closed.
Jackson is host to a number of world-class arts organizations, including the Congressionally designated National Museum of Wildlife Art
National Museum of Wildlife Art
The National Museum of Wildlife Art, located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a museum dedicated to presenting art about wildlife. Located on a bluff called East Gros Ventre Butte and amid real wildlife habitat, the sandstone structure overlooks the National Elk Refuge...
, the Grand Teton Music Festival, and the Center for the Arts. The large arch
Arch
An arch is a structure that spans a space and supports a load. Arches appeared as early as the 2nd millennium BC in Mesopotamian brick architecture and their systematic use started with the Ancient Romans who were the first to apply the technique to a wide range of structures.-Technical aspects:The...
es of shed elk
Elk
The Elk is the large deer, also called Cervus canadensis or wapiti, of North America and eastern Asia.Elk may also refer to:Other antlered mammals:...
antler
Antler
Antlers are the usually large, branching bony appendages on the heads of most deer species.-Etymology:Antler originally meant the lowest tine, the "brow tine"...
s at the four entrances to the town square
Town square
A town square is an open public space commonly found in the heart of a traditional town used for community gatherings. Other names for town square are civic center, city square, urban square, market square, public square, and town green.Most town squares are hardscapes suitable for open markets,...
are popular attractions.
The town is often referred to as "Jackson Hole", the named geographic feature--a valley-- in which the town is located.
A strong local economy, primarily due to tourism, has allowed Jackson to develop a large shopping and eating district, centered around the town square. Within this district, all types of foods can be found with businesses embracing the strong, wholesome western tradition of the region. Activities within the town include indoor/outdoor rock climbing, dogsled rides, wildlife tours, many extreme sports (such as slacklining, parkour, downhill skiing/snowboarding, ice skating, and anaerobic hopscotching) and soccer.
Geography
Jackson is located at 43°28′31"N 110°46′9"W (43.475403, −110.769186).The Flat Creek, a tributary of the Snake River
Snake River
The Snake is a major river of the greater Pacific Northwest in the United States. At long, it is the largest tributary of the Columbia River, the largest North American river that empties into the Pacific Ocean...
, runs through the town.
According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 7.4 square kilometres (2.9 sq mi), all land. Its altitude is 6,237 feet (1,901 m).
Climate
Jackson experiences a humid continental climateHumid continental climate
A humid continental climate is a climatic region typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot summers and cold winters....
(Köppen climate classification
Köppen climate classification
The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used climate classification systems. It was first published by Crimea German climatologist Wladimir Köppen in 1884, with several later modifications by Köppen himself, notably in 1918 and 1936...
Dfb) that falls just short of being classified as a subarctic climate
Subarctic climate
The subarctic climate is a climate characterized by long, usually very cold winters, and short, cool to mild summers. It is found on large landmasses, away from the moderating effects of an ocean, generally at latitudes from 50° to 70°N poleward of the humid continental climates...
(Köppen Dfc). Due to its elevation and location in a humid microclimate
Microclimate
A microclimate is a local atmospheric zone where the climate differs from the surrounding area. The term may refer to areas as small as a few square feet or as large as many square miles...
, it gets considerably more precipitation - much of it snow - than most of the rest of Wyoming.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2010, there were 9,577 people living in Jackson. As of the census
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 8,647 people, 3,631 households, and 1,670 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 3,037.2 people per square mile (1,171.4/km²). There were 3,861 housing units at an average density of 1,356.2 per square mile (523.1/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 89.37% White, 11.84% Hispanic or Latino, 0.21% African American, 0.77% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 7.62% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.36% from two or more races.
There were 3,631 households out of which 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.4% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 54.0% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35, and the average family size was 2.97.
In the town the population was spread out with 18.4% under the age of 18, 13.9% from 18 to 24, 43.7% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 5.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 117.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 118.4 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $47,757, and the median income for a family was $53,915. Males had a median income of $31,152 versus $24,307 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $25,004. About 2.6% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.3% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.
Education
Public education in the town of Jackson is provided by Teton County School District #1Teton County School District Number 1
Teton County School District #1 is a public school district based in Jackson, Wyoming, United States.-Geography:Teton County School District #1 serves all of Teton County , including the following communities:*Incorporated places**Town of Jackson*Census-designated places Teton County School...
. Schools serving the town include Jackson Elementary School (grades K-2), Colter Elementary School (grades 3-5), Jackson Hole Middle School (grades 6-8), Jackson Hole High School, Summit High School, the Jackson Hole Community School and the Journeys School
Journeys School
Journeys School is an independent school under the umbrella of Teton Science Schools. Journeys integrates ecology, culture and community for Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade students in a college preparatory setting.-History:...
.
Transportation
The town is served by Jackson Hole AirportJackson Hole Airport
Jackson Hole Airport is a public airport located seven miles north of the central business district of Jackson, a town in Teton County, Wyoming, United States...
. A public bus system ("The START Bus
The START Bus
The START Bus is a rapid transit bus service serving Jackson, Wyoming. It not only has service within Jackson, but also nearby towns including Teton Village, Star Valley and Teton Valley, Idaho....
", or Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit) services the entire valley as well as the adjacent Star Valley and Teton Valley, Idaho. Also, a popular new form of carpooling is available at, Backcountryride.com. There you can get and give rides to people from designated spots.
Government
Jackson is administered by a mayor and town council. The current mayor is Mark Barron.See also
- Angling in Yellowstone National ParkAngling in Yellowstone National ParkAngling in Yellowstone National Park is a major reason many visitors come to the park each year and since it was created in 1872, the park has drawn anglers from around the world to fish its waters. In 2006, over 50,000 park fishing permits were issued to visitors...
- Blacktail ButteBlacktail ButteBlacktail Butte is a butte mountain landform rising from Jackson Hole valley in Grand Teton National Park in the U.S. state of Wyoming. Blacktail Butte was originally named Upper Gros Ventre Butte in an early historical survey conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey...
- Flat CreekFlat CreekFlat Creek can refer to:* Flat Creek, Missouri* Flat Creek Ranch* Flat Creek Township, Barry County, Missouri* Flat Creek, Tennessee , multiple locations* Flat Creek...
- Wyoming Outdoor CouncilWyoming Outdoor CouncilThe Wyoming Outdoor Council is Wyoming’s oldest, independent, membership-based conservation organization. Wyoming native Tom Bell founded the group in 1967, along with Carrol R. Noble, Margaret E. “Mardy” Murie, Dr. Harold McCracken, Ann Lindahl and others...