Jackson County's composite score of 68.9 places it 38 percentile points above the national median of 50.0, outperforming roughly three out of five U.S. counties. This strong performance indicates above-average livability across multiple measurable dimensions.
2 / 5
Slightly below Arkansas's middle
Jackson County scores 68.9, just below Arkansas's state average of 70.3, ranking in the middle tier of Arkansas counties. It performs competitively within the state despite facing some economic headwinds.
3 / 5
Exceptional tax rates and affordability
Jackson County boasts the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.564% and a cost score of 88.3, with median home values of just $87,300. Renters benefit too, with a median gross rent of $662 per month—among the lowest in the region.
4 / 5
Low incomes and elevated risk
The county's income score of 10.3 reflects a median household income of $41,215, the lowest among these eight counties and well below state norms. A risk score of 32.2 indicates notable exposure to economic or environmental challenges that warrant consideration.
5 / 5
Best for frugal, resilient families
Jackson County appeals to families who prioritize rock-bottom living costs and low taxes over career advancement and stable income. It's well-suited for remote workers with outside income, those receiving government benefits, or retirees who can live comfortably on modest resources.
Jackson County's composite score of 68.9 places it 38 percentile points above the national median of 50.0, outperforming roughly three out of five U.S. counties. This strong performance indicates above-average livability across multiple measurable dimensions.
Slightly below Arkansas's middle
Jackson County scores 68.9, just below Arkansas's state average of 70.3, ranking in the middle tier of Arkansas counties. It performs competitively within the state despite facing some economic headwinds.
Exceptional tax rates and affordability
Jackson County boasts the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.564% and a cost score of 88.3, with median home values of just $87,300. Renters benefit too, with a median gross rent of $662 per month—among the lowest in the region.
Low incomes and elevated risk
The county's income score of 10.3 reflects a median household income of $41,215, the lowest among these eight counties and well below state norms. A risk score of 32.2 indicates notable exposure to economic or environmental challenges that warrant consideration.
Best for frugal, resilient families
Jackson County appeals to families who prioritize rock-bottom living costs and low taxes over career advancement and stable income. It's well-suited for remote workers with outside income, those receiving government benefits, or retirees who can live comfortably on modest resources.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.