Jackson Hole Economic Dashboard shows strength

Most March, 2019 economic barometers were up slightly, according to the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Economic Dashboard.

First quarter real estate performance saw some of the more dramatic activity. Including commercial and retail properties, overall first-quarter sales were down 11% but dollar-value sales were up 39% to over $281 million.

March sales and use tax collection was up slightly to $2.5 million. Year to date, sales and use taxes are up by $9 million over year-ago levels. Teton County, Wyoming Lodging tax collections are fairly even with year ago levels at $515,724 for March and at $5.1 million for the fiscal year-to-date. The state’s fiscal year begins in July.

Lodging tax collections reflect lodging occupancy of 64.2%, up 13.6% from a year ago. Occupancy is projected to be down about 2.7% for the next six months.

Grand Teton National Park visitation is up 15% in 2019 and Yellowstone National Park visitors are up 26%.

Teton County issued 13 business licenses and 20 construction permits during March.