Jackson County comfortably above national baseline
Jackson County's composite score of 69.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by nearly 19 points, signaling solid livability by American standards. The score reflects a county where affordability and tax efficiency provide a stable foundation for residents.
2 / 5
Near parity with Alabama average
Jackson County scores 69.3 against Alabama's state average of 70.8, placing it squarely in the middle band of the state's livability spectrum. The county performs competitively statewide without standing out dramatically in either direction.
3 / 5
Low taxes and affordable housing lead
Jackson County scores 93.6 on taxes (effective rate 0.308%) and 85.7 on cost, with median rents of $762/month and home values of $145,800. These two pillars create a genuinely affordable living environment for budget-minded residents.
4 / 5
Income and risk metrics lag noticeably
Jackson County's income score of 15.7 is among the lowest here, with median household income at $49,454 trailing regional peers by $5,000–$15,000. A risk score of 21.0 and health score of 57.1 also indicate areas where community conditions could strengthen.
5 / 5
Best for cost-conscious, modest-income residents
Jackson County suits people seeking maximum affordability and minimal tax burden without expecting high wages or abundant economic opportunities. This is a good fit for retirees, essential workers, and families prioritizing a low cost of living over income growth.
Jackson County comfortably above national baseline
Jackson County's composite score of 69.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by nearly 19 points, signaling solid livability by American standards. The score reflects a county where affordability and tax efficiency provide a stable foundation for residents.
Near parity with Alabama average
Jackson County scores 69.3 against Alabama's state average of 70.8, placing it squarely in the middle band of the state's livability spectrum. The county performs competitively statewide without standing out dramatically in either direction.
Low taxes and affordable housing lead
Jackson County scores 93.6 on taxes (effective rate 0.308%) and 85.7 on cost, with median rents of $762/month and home values of $145,800. These two pillars create a genuinely affordable living environment for budget-minded residents.
Income and risk metrics lag noticeably
Jackson County's income score of 15.7 is among the lowest here, with median household income at $49,454 trailing regional peers by $5,000–$15,000. A risk score of 21.0 and health score of 57.1 also indicate areas where community conditions could strengthen.
Best for cost-conscious, modest-income residents
Jackson County suits people seeking maximum affordability and minimal tax burden without expecting high wages or abundant economic opportunities. This is a good fit for retirees, essential workers, and families prioritizing a low cost of living over income growth.
Score breakdown
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🏛93.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Jackson County's 0.308% effective tax rate places it among America's lowest-tax jurisdictions, with a median bill of just $449. This is less than 17% of the national median property tax of $2,690.
Below average in Alabama
Jackson County's 0.308% effective rate sits below Alabama's 0.339% state average, giving residents a meaningful advantage. The median tax of $449 falls well short of the state median of $511.
Competitive regional tax landscape
Jackson County's 0.308% rate matches Houston County and undercuts Henry County (0.342%), Lawrence County (0.305%), and Lauderdale County (0.375%). Only Lamar County (0.217%) and Houston County offer lower effective rates in the region.
What $146K home costs yearly
A median Jackson County home valued at $145,800 results in an estimated annual property tax of $449. Including mortgage assessments, the total climbs to approximately $528 per year.
Verify your assessment accuracy
Jackson County homeowners often face overassessed valuations that don't reflect actual market conditions. A professional appraisal and formal appeal can confirm whether you're paying fairly or overpaying on your annual tax bill.
Jackson County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Alabama's average, signaling moderate housing burden relative to national stress levels. At $49,454 median income—34% below the U.S. average—residents rely on relatively modest rents ($762/month) to keep housing manageable.
Slightly above-average affordability for Alabama
Jackson County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio hovers just above Alabama's 18.0% state mean, placing it in Alabama's middle tier. This suggests typical affordability conditions compared to state peers, neither notably stressed nor exceptionally relaxed.
Lowest rents in the comparison group
At $762 monthly, Jackson County offers the third-lowest median rent in this eight-county sample, trailing only Lamar ($548) and Hale ($723). Despite lower incomes than Henry or Lawrence Counties, Jackson's affordable rental market provides real value.
Jackson County household spending reality
Renters earning Jackson's $49,454 median income (approximately $4,121 monthly) allocate $762 to gross rent, leaving roughly $3,359 for other essentials. Homeowners pay $595 monthly on average, with median values of $145,800 providing accessible entry points.
Budget-conscious renters should compare Jackson
Jackson County delivers solid rental affordability ($762) for families earning $45,000–$55,000, though incomes here trend lower than neighboring counties. This is a smart choice for retirees and fixed-income households seeking genuine affordability without sacrificing too much.
Jackson County's median household income of $49,454 trails the national median of $74,755 by 34%, reflecting persistent rural economic challenges. The $25,301 shortfall is one of the largest in its region.
Below-average earner in Alabama
Jackson County ranks in the lower half of Alabama counties, earning $4,742 less than the state average of $54,196. Only about one-third of Alabama counties earn less than Jackson residents.
Trails wealthier surrounding counties
Jackson County ($49,454) falls behind Henry County ($60,135) and Lawrence County ($60,040) by more than $10,000 per household. Proximity to better-performing neighbors suggests local economic mobility challenges.
Rent burden remains moderate but notable
Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% is manageable but slightly elevated, consuming roughly $760 monthly from median earnings. A median home value of $145,800 is attainable for first-time homebuyers with down-payment assistance.
Small steps lead to meaningful gains
Jackson County households can build wealth by automating even $25–$50 monthly transfers into low-cost index funds, leveraging decades of compounding. Explore local workforce development programs and skilled trade certifications to boost earning power over time.
Jackson County residents have a life expectancy of 70.9 years, roughly 5 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. About one in four residents report poor or fair health, reflecting significant underlying health burdens.
Among Alabama's struggling health counties
At 70.9 years, Jackson County's life expectancy lags Alabama's state average of 72.1 years by 1.2 years. The county ranks in the lower third statewide for overall health outcomes.
Moderate provider access, mixed resources
Jackson County has 51 primary care providers and 56 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. While better than Hale County, it offers less capacity than Houston County's 82 primary care and 192 mental health providers per 100K.
Higher uninsured rate complicates care
About 13.0% of Jackson County residents lack health insurance, the highest rate among the eight counties and 1.9 percentage points above the state average. This gap in coverage directly limits access to preventive and routine care.
Close the coverage gap now
Jackson County's rising uninsured rate demands action. Visit healthcare.gov or call Alabama's Medicaid office to explore coverage options and ensure your family isn't left without protection.
Jackson County scores 79.04 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating but still exceeding the national average. Northern Alabama residents face above-average natural disaster exposure compared to the typical American county.
Above-average risk for Alabama
Jackson County's 79.04 composite score sits 17.5 points above Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it in the state's higher-risk tier. It ranks among Alabama's counties with the most significant natural disaster exposure.
High-risk pocket in north-central Alabama
Jackson County (79.04) experiences substantially higher risk than Lauderdale County (85.50) to the west and Lawrence County (69.31) to the southeast. Northern Alabama's mountainous terrain contributes to elevated earthquake risk across the region.
Earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods converge
Jackson County faces earthquake risk at 85.62, tornado risk at 92.37, and flood risk at 78.72—three serious hazards creating layered risk. Tornado and earthquake threats are particularly acute in this northern county.
Prepare for multiple disaster types
Comprehensive homeowners insurance must cover wind, hail, and flood damage, as tornadoes and flooding pose major threats. Earthquake insurance, though often overlooked, deserves serious consideration given the 85.62 risk score—discuss with your insurer about additional structural reinforcement options.