countyscore
60.2
County Score
Property Tax 99.7Disaster Risk 88.3Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Colorado

Jackson outperforms national livability median

Jackson County's composite score of 60.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally. This above-average ranking reflects particular strengths in safety and tax advantages despite income constraints.

Upper-tier Colorado performer

Jackson scores 60.2 compared to Colorado's state average of 51.2, placing it solidly in the state's top tier of livable counties. This standing is notable given the county's rural, remote location and small population.

Exceptional safety and tax environment

Jackson's safety score of 85.1 is exceptional, and its tax score of 99.7 with an effective rate of just 0.205% ranks among the lowest in the nation. The risk score of 88.3 reflects minimal natural hazard exposure, providing residents with genuine security and financial predictability.

Severe income and health limitations

Jackson's income score of just 4.2 with median household income of $41,809 reflects extremely limited economic opportunities in this remote county. The health score of 27.1 indicates significant healthcare access challenges requiring residents to travel substantial distances for medical care.

Best for self-sufficient remote workers

Jackson County suits remote workers, retirees with outside income, and those prioritizing safety and solitude over economic opportunity. Residents must be prepared for severe income limitations, limited healthcare access, and geographic isolation, balanced by exceptional safety and minimal tax burden.

Score breakdown

Tax99.7Cost49.3Safety85.1Health27.1Schools43Income4.2Risk88.3Water86Weather49.5
🏛99.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼4.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡88.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.8
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

Routt County
Colorado
54.6
Grand County
Colorado
56
Larimer County
Colorado
40.5
Eagle County
Colorado
49.5
Gilpin County
Colorado
47.9
Summit County
Colorado
49.6
Clear Creek County
Colorado
49.9
Boulder County
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43.4

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 has Colorado's lowest effective rate

At 0.205%, Jackson's effective tax rate ranks in the very bottom percentile nationally, placing it among America's most tax-favorable counties. Jackson homeowners pay less in property taxes than nearly any other county in the U.S.

Jackson: Colorado's second-lowest tax county

Jackson's 0.205% rate ranks as Colorado's second-lowest among 64 counties, edged only by a handful of other rural mountain communities. The county offers exceptional property tax relief compared to statewide averages.

Jackson beats all surrounding mountain counties

Jackson's 0.205% rate significantly undercuts Gilpin (0.23%), Grand (0.348%), and Gunnison (0.282%). Jackson stands alone as the tax-friendliest county in Colorado's north-central mountain region.

Median home: $513 annual property tax

With a median home value of $250,000, Jackson homeowners pay approximately $513 per year in property taxes. That's less than $43 monthly—among the lowest property tax bills in Colorado.

Even minimal bills warrant assessment checks

Jackson's low overall tax burden doesn't guarantee individual assessments are accurate—some properties may still be overvalued relative to comparables. A quick appeal review costs nothing and could reduce even these modest tax bills further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson's crisis: rents devour income

Jackson County residents spend a shocking 42.6% of income on rent—nearly double the national affordability threshold. With a median income of just $41,809 (44% below the national median) and median rents of $1,484, Jackson faces a severe housing affordability crisis.

Colorado's least affordable county

Jackson's rent-to-income ratio of 42.6% is catastrophically above Colorado's 20.2% state average, making it by far the state's least affordable county. This extreme gap signals a fundamental mismatch between local incomes and housing costs.

Jackson's rents tower over region

Jackson's median rent of $1,484 is comparable to Grand County ($1,451), but Jackson's median income ($41,809) is a fraction of Grand's ($84,558). This deadly combination makes Jackson's affordability crisis unique in the region.

Housing swallows most income

Jackson renters spend $1,484 monthly—42.6% of a $41,809 annual income—leaving minimal funds for food, healthcare, and transportation. Even homeowners at $531/month face tight budgets; the real crisis is renters trapped in an unaffordable market.

Avoid Jackson unless high-earning

Jackson County is unaffordable for those dependent on local wages; renters spend over 40% of income on housing. If you're considering a move here, ensure your income significantly exceeds the local median or you'll face genuine hardship.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson's income crisis deepens

Jackson County's median household income of $41,809 plummets 44% below the national median of $74,755. This dramatic shortfall places Jackson among the lowest-income counties in the United States, reflecting severe economic distress in this remote north-central county.

Colorado's lowest-income county

Jackson County's median household income of $41,809 is a staggering $32,983 below Colorado's state average of $74,792. The county ranks dead last among Colorado counties, with median income less than 56% of the state norm.

Economic outlier in region

Jackson's $41,809 median is dwarfed by all nearby counties—even Kiowa County ($56,389) and Huerfano County ($52,139) earn substantially more. Jackson faces unique economic barriers that have devastated household earning power.

Housing crisis with crisis income

Jackson's rent-to-income ratio of 42.6% is catastrophic, meaning renters dedicate nearly half their earnings to housing alone. This exceeds the 30% affordability threshold by 42%, creating severe housing cost burden for most residents.

Seek economic opportunity outside

Jackson residents face structural economic challenges requiring bold action—remote work, relocation, or regional employment centers offer escape paths. Emergency financial assistance and workforce development programs should be first priorities for households in crisis.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jackson County: A National Safety Leader

Jackson County boasts an impressive safety score of 99.5, nearly topping the national charts. Its total crime rate of 347.2 per 100,000 is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. As a single-agency county, these numbers reflect a highly secure but focused data set.

Colorado's Top Tier for Public Safety

With a safety score of 99.5, Jackson County significantly outperforms the Colorado average of 97.1. Its crime rate is roughly 80% lower than the state average of 1,834.6 per 100,000. This makes it one of the most secure counties in the entire state.

The Safest Option in North-Central Colorado

Jackson County consistently reports lower crime rates than its mountain neighbors. Its property crime rate of 208.3 is ten times lower than the national average. This extreme level of safety defines the county's reputation among regional residents.

Remarkably Low Crime Across All Metrics

Violent crime sits at just 138.9 per 100,000, while property crime is even lower at 208.3. These numbers are some of the lowest in the nation and the state. Residents enjoy an environment where crime is an outlier rather than a common occurrence.

Preserving Your High Level of Safety

In an area as safe as Jackson County, community vigilance is your best asset. While traditional security systems are less urgent here, keeping track of visitors and locking vehicles remains a best practice. Help maintain this elite safety status by staying connected with your local Sheriff's office.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson County's health data remains unclear

Jackson County's life expectancy isn't available, limiting direct national comparison, but its 19.5% poor/fair health rate is the worst among these eight counties—nearly 2.5 times the national average. The 17.1% uninsured rate is also among the highest, suggesting significant access barriers.

Highest uninsured rate in analysis

Jackson County's 17.1% uninsured rate far exceeds Colorado's 9.7% state average, and its 19.5% poor/fair health rate signals acute wellness challenges. Without life expectancy data, the full health picture is incomplete, but these indicators suggest Jackson faces the state's most pressing healthcare access crisis.

Struggling with coverage and health outcomes

Jackson's 19.5% poor/fair health rate matches only Kiowa County in severity and far exceeds mountain peers like Grand (12.1%) and Gunnison (10.7%). The 17.1% uninsured rate dwarfs neighboring counties, indicating Jackson's unique and urgent coverage challenge.

Strong mental health access amid access gaps

Jackson County offers 73 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an exceptional 382 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest mental health capacity in this group. Despite this provider strength, 17.1% of residents remain uninsured, suggesting affordability or awareness barriers.

Jackson families must prioritize coverage now

With 17.1% of residents uninsured, Jackson County faces a coverage crisis that demands immediate action. Contact Colorado's Division of Insurance, call 2-1-1, or visit healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid expansion, marketplace subsidies, and emergency care options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Learning in North Park

Jackson County operates a single comprehensive public school for its 186 students. This all-in-one facility covers everything from pre-kindergarten through high school graduation within a single district structure.

Solid Scores with Significant Spending

The county invests $9,373 per pupil, which is nearly $2,000 more than the state average of $7,447. While the 75% graduation rate trails the national average, the overall school score of 50.8 remains slightly above the state median.

The North Park District Focus

North Park School District R-1 manages the county's entire student body of 186 children. There are no charter schools in the region, focusing all community resources into the singular North Park School.

The Heart of a Rural Community

Education in Jackson County is entirely rural and centered around the North Park School campus. With an average size of 186 students across all grades, the school functions as a tight-knit community hub.

Invest in a Tight-Knit Future

Families looking for a community-centric lifestyle will find Jackson County's unified school model appealing. Check out local homes where the school serves as the central pillar of the neighborhood and civic life.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson County is exceptionally safe

With a composite risk score of 11.77, Jackson County sits well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" risk rating. This makes it one of the country's safest counties for natural disasters.

Colorado's third-safest county

Jackson's 11.77 score ranks it among Colorado's safest counties, far below the state average of 40.67. Only Hinsdale (1.02) and Kiowa (3.79) exceed its safety profile.

Safer than all surrounding counties

Jackson's 11.77 score significantly undercuts nearby Grand County (50.19) and Gunnison County (44.97), reflecting its lower elevation and drier character. Its isolated location in the state's northeast contributes to hazard protection.

Wildfire and earthquake pose minor risks

Wildfire risk (23.98) and earthquake risk (18.07) are Jackson's primary hazards, yet both remain well below regional and national averages. Tornado (3.37) and flood (5.82) risks are minimal.

Basic coverage provides solid protection

Jackson County's exceptional safety profile means standard homeowner insurance typically covers your needs adequately. Still, review wildfire coverage to ensure your policy extends to this lower-risk but present hazard.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jackson County

via WeatherByCounty

Jackson ranks among America's coldest counties

Jackson County's 36.0°F annual average runs 25.7 degrees below the U.S. median of 61.7°F, making it one of the nation's perpetually frigid regions. With 17.2 inches of annual precipitation and zero extreme heat days, Jackson maintains a high-altitude alpine climate year-round.

Colorado's coldest county climate

At 36.0°F, Jackson County ranks as Colorado's coldest, running 10 degrees below the state average of 46.0°F. No other Colorado county sustains such consistently frigid temperatures across all seasons.

Colder than Gunnison and Hinsdale alike

Jackson (36.0°F) edges out Gunnison (36.8°F) as the state's coldest, though both sit in the same extreme-cold tier with zero summer extreme heat days. Jackson's 67.1 inches of annual snow is slightly less than Gunnison's 88.1, suggesting higher elevation with less moisture.

Perpetual winter conditions, no summer heat

Jackson's January averages 16.0°F while July peaks at just 57.6°F, creating a modest 41-degree annual range with zero days above 90°F. The county receives 67.1 inches of snow annually, establishing a permanent winter landscape for much of the calendar year.

Winter survival is the baseline requirement

Jackson residents must commit to commercial-grade snow removal, backup generators, and heating systems rated for sustained sub-zero conditions. Summer recreation windows compress into July-August; all outdoor projects, resupply, and maintenance must front-load into this brief window to avoid winter delays.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

North Park's Soil Profile

Soil taxonomy and pH records are not currently available for this high-valley county. Expect conditions to differ from the national median pH of 6.5 due to the unique basin geography.

Texture Data is Unrecorded

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are missing from the current dataset. These levels dictate how easily a gardener can work the earth and how well the soil retains nutrients.

High Valley Nutrient Potential

No specific organic matter or water capacity data is recorded for Jackson County. These soils must be carefully managed to reach the state average productivity score of 31.3.

Hydrology and Basin Drainage

The drainage class and hydrologic group for this area are not documented. The flat floor of North Park often handles significant seasonal moisture from surrounding mountain snowmelt.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 4b

Jackson County is in Zone 4b, one of the coldest hardiness zones in the state. Growers should focus on extremely cold-hardy perennials and short-season annuals.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

Harsh Growth Conditions in Zone 4b

Jackson County is a very difficult place for lawn care, scoring just 30.8 on the difficulty scale. As a hardiness zone 4b region, it faces some of the coldest winters in the state. The environmental pressures here are significantly higher than the national median score of 50.0.

Short Seasons and Cold Days

With a low 609 growing degree days and zero extreme heat days, the growing season is exceptionally brief and cool. Annual precipitation sits at 17.2 inches, which is slightly above the state average of 16.2. Expect your grass to remain dormant for a large portion of the year compared to other Colorado counties.

Supporting Fragile High-Altitude Soil

While specific data is limited, the cold climate of Jackson County typically features soil that warms up very slowly in the spring. You may need to aerate frequently to prevent compaction from snow weight and to encourage root activity. Applying a slow-release fertilizer can help provide steady nutrients during the short summer burst.

Severe Drought at 100% Coverage

Every acre of Jackson County is currently in severe drought, having faced 44 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. Because the growing season is so short, any drought stress can permanently damage the lawn before it recovers. Focus on keeping the soil hydrated during the peak summer weeks to ensure survival.

Choose the Hardiest Grass Varieties

Only the toughest cool-season grasses, like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue, can survive the zone 4b winters here. Because frost dates are unpredictable in this high-altitude basin, wait for consistently warm soil before you begin any seeding. Your focus should be on winter survival and maximizing the very few warm weeks available.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, Colorado has a composite county score of 60.2 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 Colorado?
Jackson County ranks #16 among all counties in Colorado 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, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Jackson County is $513, with an effective tax rate of 0.21%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 99.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, Colorado is $41,809 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 4.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, Colorado a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 60.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Colorado. 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.