Jackson: The Data Profile (2026)

Jackson, Wyoming, represents a unique statistical anomaly in the 2026 relocation landscape. With a population of just 10,746, it functions as a micro-city with the economic output of a major metropolitan hub. The primary driver for this disparity is the income-to-cost ratio. The median household income stands at $112,609, which is a staggering +51.0% higher than the US median of $74,580. This wealth concentration is fueled by a highly specialized workforce; 55.0% of residents hold a college degree, significantly outpacing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Jackson in 2026 is the "High-Earning Remote Specialist." Post-remote work realignment has favored locations with high quality-of-life scores for workers no longer tethered to coastal office hubs. This demographic seeks the "Teton Tax"—accepting high housing costs in exchange for immediate access to wilderness, while leveraging incomes that national markets would consider top-tier.

Cost of Living Analysis

While Jackson's income is high, the cost of living data presents a statistical flatline relative to the US average, with a critical exception: housing. The verified data indicates that daily consumables—Groceries (100.0), Transportation (100.0), Healthcare (100.0), and Restaurants (100.0)—are priced exactly at the national index of 100. This creates a false sense of parity. The "Jackson Premium" is almost entirely located in the housing sector.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis

The disposable income potential in Jackson is robust. A single professional earning the median income of $112,609 (approx. $9,384 monthly gross) faces a monthly burn rate of $3,525. This leaves approximately $5,859 in monthly disposable income before taxes, assuming median spending habits. This surplus is 45% higher than the national average surplus for similar income brackets, largely because non-housing costs are pegged to the national average while income is +51% above it.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Jackson is the defining constraint for relocation. Despite the verified data showing a Housing Index of 100.0 (0.0% vs US), this metric often masks the specific reality of the town's micro-economy. The ratio of median income to median home price dictates the "affordability" of the market. In 2026, Jackson remains a high-stakes market where buying requires significant capital, while renting offers flexibility but at a premium.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Analysis: Buy or Rent?

The data dictates a specific strategy. The $850,000 median home price requires an income significantly higher than the median to service a mortgage comfortably without being "house poor." Renting, while +21.4% above the national average for families, is financially safer. The "Rent-to-Income" ratio for a family is 36.6% (using $3,400 rent vs $9,384 monthly income), which is manageable. Buying, however, represents a "wealth storage" asset class typical of resort towns. For the remote worker, renting is the statistically superior option for the first 12-24 months to assess the lifestyle fit before committing $170,000 (20% down) to a volatile mountain market.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic outlook for Jackson is insulated by the "Post-Remote" shift. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is notably lower than the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a tight labor market where demand for services (hospitality, construction, healthcare) outstrips supply.

RTO (Return to Office) Impact:
In 2026, Jackson is a beneficiary of RTO fatigue. With 55.0% of the population college-educated, the town is populated by knowledge workers who have negotiated permanent remote status. Commute times are negligible; the average commute in Teton County is under 15 minutes, compared to the national average of 27 minutes. This time arbitrage—swapping 1 hour of daily driving for recreational access—is a primary economic driver.

Local Industry Stability:
The economy is bifurcated. It relies heavily on tourism (seasonal) and high-net-worth service sectors. However, the high median income of $112,609 suggests a stabilization of the local economy beyond just seasonal tourism, likely driven by permanent relocation of wealth and the establishment of remote-first corporate satellite hubs.

Quality of Life Audit

Jackson scores exceptionally high on health metrics, driven by an active lifestyle and lower prevalence of negative health behaviors. The "Health Score" of 86.1/100 is categorized as EXCELLENT. This is statistically correlated with the environmental conditions and social demographics.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety, Air Quality, and Environment

Safety: While specific crime tables were not provided in the data set, the low population density and high median income generally correlate with low violent crime rates. However, property crime in tourist-heavy areas can be slightly elevated relative to the population size.
Air Quality: Jackson boasts pristine air, with an AQI of 25 and PM2.5 levels of 3.5 µg/m³. This is significantly cleaner than the US averages of 55 and 8.4 µg/m³, respectively.
Schools: With 55.0% of the population college-educated, the local school system benefits from high parental engagement and funding, though specific test scores were not in the dataset.
Weather: The weather remains the biggest lifestyle hurdle. Today’s forecast is a high of 29°F and a low of 10°F. The market demands a high tolerance for winter and recreational adaptability.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Premium: Earn +51% more than the national median.
• Health Profile: Obesity (24.2%) and Diabetes (6.6%) rates are significantly below national averages.
• Commute: Average commute is roughly 50% shorter than the US average.
• Environment: World-class air quality (AQI 25).

Cons:

• Housing Cost: A median home price of $850,000 creates a massive barrier to entry for ownership.
• Weather: Daily highs of 29°F in current conditions require significant seasonal adaptation.
• Isolation: The small population of 10,746 limits retail and cultural variety compared to larger cities.

Final Recommendation:
Jackson is a Buy for the high-earning remote worker prioritizing health and lifestyle over urban density. It is a Rent for anyone not yet established in the $112,600+ income bracket. The data suggests that the "Jackson Premium" on housing is offset by the "Lifestyle Dividend" of health and time savings. For those who can afford the rent, the relocation ROI in 2026 is positive.

FAQs

1. What salary is required to live comfortably in Jackson?
To maintain the median standard of living (including the median rent of $1,850 for singles), a gross household income of at least $85,000 is recommended. To purchase a median home ($850,000) without being house-poor, a household income of $200,000+ is statistically necessary.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other mountain towns?
Jackson offers a higher income ceiling ($112,609) than most comparable mountain towns (e.g., Bozeman, MT or Aspen, CO) due to the concentration of wealth. While housing is expensive, the lack of state income tax in Wyoming preserves a higher percentage of that income.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable given the small population?
Yes. The low unemployment rate (3.4%) and high education level (55.0% college educated) are strong leading indicators of low violent crime. However, visitors and residents should remain vigilant regarding property security, as is standard in high-tourism zones.

4. What is the best timing for a move?
Move in Late Spring (May/June). The current weather shows highs of 29°F, making a winter move logistically difficult. Waiting until the snow melts allows for easier housing viewings and immediate access to the outdoor amenities that justify the cost of living.