WyomingPop. 10,756Towns
Is Jackson a Good Place to Live? Jackson, Wyoming: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Jackson ranks #50 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #9 of 234 towns and #1 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (12.4 min, #18 of 234) and high household income ($118,991, #21 of 234), and trails on expensive homes ($1,521,900, #231 of 231) and high rents ($2,100/mo, #220 of 231).
Jackson by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Jackson's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Jackson?
Jackson's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,100/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $2,014,169, 5.4 times the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
| Measure | Jackson | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 91.6#265 of 1,308 | 92.7 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $2,014,169#1184 of 1,187 | $371,854 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $5,161/mo#1115 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $1,521,900#1297 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $2,100/mo#1137 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 12.8x#1306 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 21.2%#586 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Jackson housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Jackson is in the Jackson, WY-ID metro.
Wyoming housing market →Is Jackson safe?
Jackson recorded 178 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 46% below the US rate of 328 and 1% below Wyoming's 180. That ranks #306 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #56 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jackson Police Department. Property crime runs 573 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Jackson | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 178#306 of 1,085 | 180 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 573#41 of 1,085 | 1,038 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Jackson?
The median household in Jackson earns $118,991, 43% above the US figure of $83,163 and 58% above Wyoming ($75,532). 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Jackson | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $118,991#168 of 1,312 | $75,532 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 4.4%#71 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.4% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Jackson?
The median resident of Jackson is 35.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 52.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #222 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Jackson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 35.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 52.4%#222 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 42.2% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Jackson's schools and health?
Jackson's 4 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 11.8 students per teacher and $24,386 spent per pupil. 24.2% of adults are obese and 6.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Jackson | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 94%#120 of 1,063 | 81.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 11.8#68 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $24,386#71 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 24.2%#107 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 6.6%#38 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 14%#144 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 10.5%#718 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 2,122 students are enrolled in Jackson's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Jackson?
The average commute in Jackson is 12.4 minutes (Wyoming 19.7); 5.3% of workers take transit and 11.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Jackson scores 12.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #428 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 57.6°F and winters 17.5°F, with 17.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Jackson | WyomingWY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 12.4 min#20 of 1,312 | 19.7 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 1.3%#19 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 58.2% | 72.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 5.3% | 1.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 11.5% | 3.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 2.6% | 0.6% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 11.4% | 9.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 12.4#428 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Wyoming is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26.1 | 6.3 | 1.5 |
| Feb | 30.4 | 9.3 | 1.4 |
| Mar | 40.2 | 18.2 | 1.3 |
| Apr | 50.2 | 25.8 | 1.5 |
| May | 60.3 | 31.5 | 1.8 |
| Jun | 69.8 | 37.8 | 1.6 |
| Jul | 79.1 | 41.4 | 1.1 |
| Aug | 78 | 39.8 | 1.1 |
| Sep | 68.1 | 32.8 | 1.6 |
| Oct | 54.5 | 24.9 | 1.6 |
| Nov | 37.6 | 15.8 | 1.4 |
| Dec | 26.2 | 6.8 | 1.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jackson.
| Measure | Jackson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 38°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 57.6°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 17.5°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 17.6 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jackson.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Jackson?
Teton County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Teton County's biggest natural hazard losses in landslide, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | Jackson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#692 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Teton County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Teton County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Landslide | 0.001% | 96% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.024% | 91% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.044% | 91% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 28% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0014% | 19% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Jackson compare with similar-size cities?
Jackson is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #9 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 10,756.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson, WYPop. 10,756 | #50 | 70.9 | $118,991 | $2,100/mo | 178 | 12.4 min |
| Orono, MEPop. 11,151 | #526 | 57.7 | $59,784 | $1,280/mo | part year | 15.2 min |
| Newport East, RIPop. 11,069 | #465 | 58.7 | $89,028 | $1,876/mo | no data | 20.5 min |
| Brandon, SDPop. 10,996 | #60 | 70.0 | $110,806 | $976/mo | 46 | 18.4 min |
| Cheat Lake, WVPop. 10,902 | #294 | 62.2 | $117,014 | $1,124/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Lexington, NEPop. 10,862 | #781 | 53.6 | $67,666 | $966/mo | 79 | 16.1 min |
| Essex Junction, VTPop. 10,803 | #49 | 70.9 | $89,257 | $1,544/mo | no data | 19.2 min |
| Durham, NHPop. 10,681 | #42 | 71.2 | $112,070 | $1,302/mo | 92 | 17.2 min |
| North Lakes, AKPop. 10,223 | #734 | 54.4 | $101,679 | $1,441/mo | no data | 30.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Jackson compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Jackson ranks #1 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 70.9 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 58% above the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 1% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5.4 times the typical Wyoming home.
| City | Rank in WY | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson, WYPop. 10,756 | #1 | 70.9 | $118,991 | $2,100/mo | 178 |
| Ranchettes, WYPop. 5,949 | #2 | 65.0 | $121,445 | $831/mo | no data |
| Laramie, WYPop. 32,234 | #3 | 61.1 | $55,613 | $925/mo | 93 |
| Gillette, WYPop. 33,431 | #4 | 60.4 | $81,316 | $976/mo | 221 |
| Cody, WYPop. 10,276 | #5 | 60.1 | $72,570 | $1,051/mo | 124 |
| Green River, WYPop. 11,581 | #6 | 59.9 | $84,747 | $921/mo | 123 |
| Douglas, WYPop. 6,420 | #7 | 59.7 | $83,147 | $841/mo | 124 |
| Cheyenne, WYPop. 65,239 | #8 | 59.5 | $78,839 | $1,118/mo | 299 |
| Casper, WYPop. 58,839 | #9 | 57.6 | $70,218 | $1,009/mo | 320 |
| Powell, WYPop. 6,503 | #10 | 57.2 | $63,523 | $764/mo | 273 |
| Buffalo, WYPop. 4,572 | #11 | 56.8 | $62,629 | $1,019/mo | 106 |
| Evanston, WYPop. 11,800 | #12 | 56.5 | $76,516 | $805/mo | 163 |
| Worland, WYPop. 4,794 | #13 | 55.7 | $63,357 | $703/mo | 252 |
| Sheridan, WYPop. 19,285 | #14 | 55.5 | $62,867 | $936/mo | 110 |
| Lander, WYPop. 7,432 | #15 | 55.0 | $74,813 | $896/mo | part year |
| Rawlins, WYPop. 8,129 | #16 | 53.9 | $64,773 | $741/mo | 114 |
| Rock Springs, WYPop. 23,127 | #17 | 53.1 | $69,168 | $928/mo | 145 |
| Torrington, WYPop. 6,182 | #18 | 52.5 | $47,902 | $901/mo | 321 |
| Riverton, WYPop. 10,856 | #19 | 45.8 | $55,208 | $921/mo | 817 |
| South Greeley, WYPop. 4,631 | #20 | 40.6 | $56,844 | $1,376/mo | no data |
All 20 Wyoming cities we track, by overall score. Wyoming statewide: median income $75,532, violent crime 179.9 per 100,000.
How is Jackson's score calculated?
Jackson scores 70.9 out of 100, #50 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Wyoming's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Jackson. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
73.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Jackson's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
91.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Jackson. Similar-size median 56.5.
83.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Jackson's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
90.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Jackson's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
39.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Jackson. Similar-size median 50.8.
83.9 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Jackson. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
27.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Jackson. Similar-size median 48.3.
74.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Jackson's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
60.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
50.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Jackson's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Jackson has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Jackson
Is Jackson, WY a good place to live?
Jackson ranks #50 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #9 of 234 towns and #1 of 20 in Wyoming. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (12.4 min, #18 of 234) and high household income ($118,991, #21 of 234), and trails on expensive homes ($1,521,900, #231 of 231) and high rents ($2,100/mo, #220 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Jackson?
Jackson's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,100/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $2,014,169, 5.4 times the typical Wyoming home ($371,854).
What is the crime rate in Jackson?
Jackson recorded 178 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 46% below the US rate of 328 and 1% below Wyoming's 180. That ranks #306 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #56 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jackson Police Department. Property crime runs 573 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Jackson?
The median household in Jackson earns $118,991, 43% above the US figure of $83,163 and 58% above Wyoming ($75,532). 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Jackson?
Median rent in Jackson is $2,100/mo (Census), #1137 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $5,161/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Jackson?
The typical home value in Jackson is $2,014,169, up 2.7% in a year, against $371,854 for Wyoming and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,521,900.
How are the public schools in Jackson?
Jackson's 4 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (Wyoming 81.8%), with 11.8 students per teacher and $24,386 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Jackson?
The average commute is 12.4 minutes, #20 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.7 minutes across Wyoming. 1.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Jackson?
Jackson averages 38°F over the year, 57.6°F in summer and 17.5°F in winter, with 17.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Jackson walkable?
Jackson scores 12.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #428 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Jackson at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Teton County's biggest natural hazard losses in landslide, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Jackson?
Teton County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Jackson?
Jackson has 10,756 residents. The median resident of Jackson is 35.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 52.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #222 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Jackson compare with the rest of Wyoming?
Jackson ranks #1 of the 20 Wyoming cities we track, with a score of 70.9 against Wyoming's statewide 79.9. Its households earn 58% above the Wyoming median. Violent crime is 1% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5.4 times the typical Wyoming home.
What cities are similar in size to Jackson?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Jackson's population of 10,756 are Orono, ME (#526 overall), Newport East, RI (#465 overall), Brandon, SD (#60 overall), Cheat Lake, WV (#294 overall), and Lexington, NE (#781 overall). Jackson is #50.