countyscore
42.3
County Score
Cost of Living 90.8Property Tax 78.9Weather & Climate 63.1

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Arkansas

Jackson lags behind national median

Jackson County's composite score of 42.4 falls notably below the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the lower third of U.S. counties for overall livability. However, the county does maintain competitive advantages in housing affordability and tax burden.

Below average for Arkansas

At 42.4, Jackson County scores 5.5 points below Arkansas's state average of 47.9, placing it among the state's weaker performers. The gap reflects broad challenges across multiple dimensions that affect quality of life.

Affordability and low taxes prevail

Jackson County offers strong value through a cost score of 90.8, with median home values of $87,300 and rent at $662 per month. The tax score of 78.9 and effective rate of 0.564% rank among the most competitive in the state.

Safety and services struggle

Jackson County faces serious challenges with a safety score of just 5.9—among the lowest in Arkansas—and water quality concerns reflected in a score of 28.6. Income (3.6), health (22.2), and school performance (24.1) all rank near the bottom, indicating limited economic opportunity and institutional capacity.

Only for those prioritizing affordability

Jackson County appeals primarily to individuals with very limited budgets who can tolerate high safety risk and limited services. The county requires significant investment in public safety, healthcare, and education before it can compete meaningfully on livability.

Score breakdown

Tax78.9Cost90.8Safety5.9Health22.2Schools24.1Income3.6Risk32.2Water28.6Weather63.1
🏛78.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼3.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡5.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡32.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨38.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Independence County
Arkansas
45
Woodruff County
Arkansas
57.6
White County
Arkansas
41.7
Cross County
Arkansas
41.4
Poinsett County
Arkansas
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Lawrence County
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Cleburne County
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Craighead County
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Deep Dives

Jackson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jackson County

via TaxByCounty

Jackson offers tax relief compared to nation

Jackson County's effective property tax rate of 0.564% sits well below the national median of 0.72%, placing it in the lowest 20% of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay dramatically less in property taxes than their peers across most of the country.

Jackson slightly above Arkansas's state norm

At 0.564%, Jackson's effective rate edges above Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, positioning it in the middle tier of the state's 75 counties. The difference of 0.032 percentage points means Jackson residents pay modestly more than typical state residents.

Jackson's rate competitive in the region

Jackson's 0.564% rate matches Johnson County's rate and runs slightly higher than Lawrence County's 0.488%. Across the northeast Arkansas region, property tax rates remain remarkably consistent, varying by less than 0.1 percentage points.

Median home tax bill: $492 annually

With a median home value of $87,300, Jackson County homeowners typically pay $492 per year in property taxes. Including mortgage-related adjustments, the annual cost climbs to approximately $560.

Review your assessment for overvaluation

Many property owners across Arkansas discover their homes are assessed too high during appeal hearings. Contacting your county assessor's office to request a reassessment costs nothing and could reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson County faces steeper housing burden

Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% exceeds the national baseline, signaling tighter housing affordability despite median rent of $662 being $98 below the national trend. Incomes lag significantly, at $41,215—only 55% of the national median—stretching every housing dollar further.

Middle tier for affordability in Arkansas

At 19.3%, Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above Arkansas's 18.1% state average, placing it in the middle range of affordability statewide. Despite median rent of $662 staying below the state median of $760, lower incomes push the affordability burden higher than average.

Competitive with rural northeast Arkansas

Jackson County's $662 rent aligns closely with nearby counties like Izard ($626) and Lee ($638), positioning it as competitively priced in the region. Home values average $87,300, making it one of the most affordable counties for homebuyers in its neighborhood.

Housing dominates household spending

Jackson residents earning a median of $41,215 annually dedicate 19.3% of income to rent ($662/month) and 15.9% to mortgage costs, consuming over one-third combined. This leaves limited flexibility for utilities, food, transportation, and emergency savings.

Value hunters should explore Jackson County

Jackson County offers the cheapest homes in this group at $87,300 median value, ideal for first-time buyers or those relocating on tight budgets. Be aware that lower incomes here mean housing affordability challenges despite rock-bottom home prices.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson income gap widest in region

Jackson County's median household income of $41,215 sits 45% below the US median of $74,755—the largest gap among its peer counties. This substantial shortfall underscores Jackson's economic challenges and its position among Arkansas's lowest-income counties.

Among Arkansas's lowest earners

Jackson County ranks near the bottom of Arkansas counties, earning roughly $10,000 less than the state average of $51,156. The county's per capita income of $24,194 also falls below state average, suggesting limited job diversity and wage growth.

Significant lag behind peers

Jackson trails every neighboring county: Izard ($47,728), Lawrence ($44,164), and Jefferson ($48,552) all earn substantially more. This income disparity hints at economic structural differences—Jackson may lack major employers or sectors that drive regional wages upward.

Rent strains Jackson budgets

At 19.3%, Jackson's rent-to-income ratio sits near the warning threshold, meaning households dedicate almost one-fifth of earnings to housing alone. With a median home value of $87,300, homeownership requires careful financial planning and may be out of reach for many families.

Start small, build momentum in Jackson

Even modest savings compound powerfully over time: setting aside $50 monthly into a high-yield savings account adds $600 yearly. Jackson residents should prioritize building emergency funds first, then explore low-cost index funds or employer retirement plans to begin wealth-building despite tight budgets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Crime Rates than National Norms

Jackson County faces a total crime rate of 3,300.8 per 100,000, which is nearly 40% higher than the national average. Consequently, its safety score of 94.8 trails the broader U.S. baseline.

Trailing Arkansas State Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 94.8 falls below the Arkansas state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate also tracks significantly higher than the state's typical rate of 2,326.8 per 100,000 residents.

Comparing Safety to Nearby Lawrence County

Jackson County reports more than double the crime rate of neighboring Lawrence County. Seven local agencies contribute to these figures, providing a comprehensive and reliable look at regional safety trends.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime is the primary concern, reaching 2,532.2 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime also remains high at 768.6, more than double the national violent crime rate of 369.8.

Take Steps to Deter Property Theft

With high property crime rates, residents should focus on securing outbuildings and vehicles. Installing motion-activated lighting and visible cameras can effectively deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson lags national health gains

At 70.5 years, Jackson County's life expectancy falls nearly 6 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years, signaling significant health system strain. Nearly 27.5% of residents report poor or fair health, well above the national benchmark of roughly 18%.

Below Arkansas's health average

Jackson County ranks below the state average of 72.3 years in life expectancy, placing it among Arkansas's weaker-performing counties. The 27.5% poor/fair health rate suggests persistent chronic disease burden that outpaces most state peers.

Challenged against regional peers

Jackson's 70.5-year life expectancy trails Izard County (73.7) by over 3 years and nearly matches Lee County (68.9) as the region's lowest performers. The county does maintain 36 primary care providers per 100K and 107 mental health providers per 100K, offering better access than Lee County's sparse networks.

Health insurance remains fragile

At 9.2% uninsured, Jackson County actually performs slightly better than the state average of 9.9%, yet provider availability remains stretched. With 36 primary care providers per 100K and 107 mental health providers per 100K, residents have moderate access but often face delays in scheduling appointments.

Protect your family's health

Even though coverage rates are slightly better than state average, every uninsured family in Jackson County faces financial risk from illness. Explore marketplace plans and Medicaid eligibility now to ensure continuous, affordable care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Infrastructure of Jackson County

Jackson County operates 6 public schools that serve a total of 2,205 students across three districts. This network includes three high schools, two elementary schools, and one middle school focused on the region's academic needs.

Investing in the Next Generation

The county invests $6,646 per pupil, which sits above the Arkansas state average of $6,160. Although the 83.7% graduation rate currently trails the state average, the county maintains a school score of 49.4 as it works toward national benchmarks.

Newport and Jackson County Districts

The Newport School District is the largest in the county, educating 1,268 students across its two campuses. The Jackson County School District also plays a vital role, managing three schools that serve 937 students in the surrounding area.

A Mix of Town and Rural Learning

With an average school size of 441 students, Jackson County offers a blend of rural and town-based educational settings. Newport Elementary is the largest facility with 656 students, providing a more robust campus experience compared to the smaller Swifton Middle School.

Discover Homes in Active School Districts

Homebuyers often prioritize proximity to the Newport and Tuckerman campuses for their central community roles. Explore available properties in these districts to secure a home in a region committed to expanding its educational resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson's tornado and earthquake risks soar

Jackson County's composite risk score of 67.84 rates as Relatively Low nationally, but this masks dangerous concentration in two hazards: tornado risk at 89.63 and earthquake risk at 91.60. Both scores significantly exceed the state average of 55.51.

Top 10 riskiest Arkansas counties

Jackson County ranks among Arkansas's highest-risk counties, primarily driven by extreme tornado and earthquake exposure. Only a handful of Arkansas counties face comparable combined tornado and seismic threats.

Tornado risk dwarfs regional peers

Jackson's tornado score of 89.63 far exceeds Izard County's 59.61 and Lawrence County's 83.46. Its earthquake risk of 91.60 matches Jefferson County's dangerous exposure, making Jackson one of the state's seismic hotspots.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate

Jackson's tornado risk score of 89.63 represents the county's most acute hazard—well above the state average. Earthquake risk at 91.60 ranks second and alone would classify most counties as high-risk.

Earthquake and storm coverage essential

Jackson County residents absolutely need earthquake insurance given the 91.60 risk score—standard policies exclude it entirely. Add windstorm coverage to your homeowners policy to protect against tornado damage and hail.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jackson County

via WeatherByCounty

Jackson County Stays Warmer than the National Average

Jackson County maintains an annual average temperature of 60.4°F, placing it well above the national median. This humid subtropical climate experiences consistent warmth throughout the year.

A Cooler Pocket in the Natural State

The county's 60.4°F annual average is slightly lower than the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. Despite being cooler than southern neighbors, it still experiences significant humidity and rainfall.

Moderate Precipitation Compared to Nearby Counties

Jackson County receives 51.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly drier than the state average of 52.4 inches. Nearby counties often see higher rainfall totals during the spring storm season.

Long Summers and Brief Winter Dustings

Residents face 57 extreme heat days annually where temperatures top 90°F, while winter only brings about 2.1 inches of snow. July averages a sweltering 80.8°F, contrasting with a mild January average of 38.2°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Storm Preparedness

High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential to manage the nearly two months of extreme heat each year. Residents should also maintain well-cleared gutters to handle the 51.1 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

The Ultisols of Jackson County

Jackson County is defined by Ultisols, which are highly weathered forest soils with an average pH of 5.59. This acidity level is nearly identical to the Arkansas state average but remains more acidic than the national 6.5 median. The dominant stony silt loam texture provides a unique physical structure for the region's landscape.

Silt-Heavy Soil Profiles

The soil composition is dominated by silt at 50.3%, supported by 32.4% sand and 17.3% clay. This high silt concentration creates a smooth texture that offers excellent workability but can be prone to erosion if left uncovered. The clay fraction is high enough to help retain nutrients without making the soil too heavy to plow.

High Water Retention Capacity

Available water capacity in Jackson County is a strong 0.173 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.148 in/in. However, organic matter is low at 1.61%, which falls below both the national 2.0% and state 4.15% benchmarks. Improving soil health through cover cropping can help boost these low organic levels over time.

Well-Drained but Challenging Hydrology

The county's soils are primarily classified as well-drained, which is excellent for most agricultural uses and building foundations. However, the hydrologic group D classification suggests that when the soil is saturated, it has a high runoff potential. Proper drainage management is essential to prevent water from pooling during heavy Arkansas rains.

Abundant Growth in Zone 8a

Falling within Hardiness Zone 8a, this county supports a long growing season for heat-tolerant crops like cotton and soybeans. Gardeners will find success with peppers, okra, and tomatoes, provided they supplement the soil with organic compost. It is a fantastic environment for anyone looking to establish a productive home orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Hardiness Zone 8a

Jackson County's lawn difficulty score of 36.5 is nearly identical to the Arkansas state average but falls well below the national median of 50.0. This zone 8a environment requires more intensive management to keep grass green and healthy throughout the year.

High Growing Degrees Mean Frequent Mowing

With 5,007 growing degree days, lawns here grow rapidly, necessitating a consistent and frequent mowing schedule. The area receives 51.1 inches of rain annually, though 57 extreme heat days often evaporate that moisture quickly.

Well-Drained Stony Silt Loam Foundation

The soil is characterized as well-drained stony silt loam with an average pH of 5.59. This acidic profile requires regular testing and pH adjustments to reach the 6.0 threshold preferred by most turfgrass species.

Adapting to Extreme Drought Cycles

Currently, 100% of the county is in a severe drought state, having endured 30 drought-affected weeks over the past year. Maintaining a higher mowing height can help shade the soil and retain what little moisture is available.

Bermuda and Zoysia Thrive Here

Heat-tolerant varieties like Bermuda or Zoysia are best suited for these 57 annual heat days. Wait for the final spring frost around March 23 to begin your seeding or sodding for the most successful results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 42.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Jackson County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Jackson County ranks #55 among all counties in Arkansas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Jackson County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Jackson County is $492, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 78.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, Arkansas is $41,215 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 3.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 42.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Jackson County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Jackson County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.