St. John's is one of the islands in the US Virgin Islands territory. It is considered as the richest and most valuable of all the USVIs and enjoys a level of affluence similar to that of St. Barts. It is an unincorporated territory of the US, but it does not vote during a presidential election, it can however participate in the preliminary voting. Like its other former territories, the US has given the residents of the USVIs an option of statehood, independence, or status quo. The response to these offers, however, has not been strong enough to gain a noteworthy plurality. Today, it remains a territory of the US and is listed in the United Nations as a Non-Self-Governing Territory.

The economy of St. John mainly revolves around tourism. It is known for its natural and well preserved beauty and for its attractive coastline. The hills are dotted with villas and guesthouses and Cruz Bay plays hosts to yachts and sailboat. St. John's does not have an airport and transport to the island is accomplished via an hourly ferry service. A majority of the island is underdeveloped due to its National Park Status. The most popular beaches in the island include Trunk Bay, which is regularly ranked as one of the best beaches in the world.