The Favorite Location of the .01%

“Why Wyoming is so Weirdly Wealthy,” Wendover Productions explores the paradox of Wyoming’s unattractive living conditions and limited resources yet having a high concentration of billionaires, particularly in Teton County. The area, which has transformed from a remote ranching town into a vacation destination, attracts wealthy individuals due to scenic landscapes and tax benefits. However, this wealth influx creates extreme economic stratification, with the top 1% earning an average of $22 million per year and the rest of the population struggling to make ends meet. Wyoming’s economy is heavily reliant on the extraction industry, specifically oil, gas, and coal, generating significant revenue for the state but leaving it vulnerable to economic downturns. The speaker also highlights the importance of tourism to the greater Yellowstone region’s economy, but rising housing costs in Jackson Hole are driving up prices in gateway communities as well.