countyscore
47.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 88.6Weather & Climate 68.2Schools 67.4

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Georgia

Strong Fundamentals Near the National Median

Jackson County holds a composite score of 47.5, placing it just shy of the national median of 50.0. Its profile reflects a high-growth area with strong economic performance.

Outperforming the Georgia Average

The county’s 47.5 score exceeds the Georgia state average of 46.7. This demonstrates its status as one of the state's more successful suburban-rural transition zones.

High Incomes and Quality Schools

Jackson County excels with an Income Score of 88.6 and a median household income of $85,012. Education is a major draw, supported by a strong School Score of 67.4.

Housing Costs and Infrastructure Demands

Rapid growth has lowered the Cost Score to 18.2, as median home values rise to $312,700. The Water Score of 34.8 also suggests that infrastructure is still catching up to the population boom.

A Destination for Upwardly Mobile Families

This county is ideal for professionals and growing families who want high-quality schools and strong earning potential. It rewards those who can afford higher housing prices in exchange for a top-tier local economy.

Score breakdown

Tax46.4Cost18.2Safety54.4Health40.5Schools67.4Income88.6Risk58.1Water34.8Weather68.2
🏛46.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠18.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼88.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤40.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.5
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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Clarke County
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Madison County
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Deep Dives

Jackson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jackson County

via TaxByCounty

Jackson County taxes align with national

Jackson County's effective tax rate of 0.883% on a median home value of $312,700 produces median annual taxes of $2,761—nearly matching the national median of $2,690. Jackson County homeowners experience a tax burden nearly identical to the typical American.

Slightly below Georgia's state average

Jackson County's 0.883% effective rate runs marginally under Georgia's 0.898% state average. However, the median tax of $2,761 significantly exceeds Georgia's $1,529 median because of the county's higher-valued homes, reflecting a wealthier jurisdiction overall.

Tied for highest in regional group

Jackson County's $2,761 median tax matches Henry County's burden, both substantially higher than Hart County ($1,113), Heard County ($1,030), and Houston County ($1,759). Only Jasper County ($1,956) approaches Jackson's absolute tax payment, though at a lower rate.

Your annual property tax estimate

Jackson County's median home value of $312,700 translates to roughly $2,761 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, escrow adds about $185 per year, bringing the total to approximately $2,946.

High-value homes deserve scrutiny

Jackson County's elevated median home values mean assessment errors carry outsized financial consequences. Homeowners should ensure their properties are valued accurately against comparable recent sales; a successful appeal could save thousands annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson County excels at national affordability

Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% ranks among the nation's best, meaning renters here carry minimal housing burden despite above-average rents. Median household income at $85,012 exceeds the national average of $74,755, creating strong purchasing power even at $1,048 monthly rent.

Georgia's most affordable for high earners

Jackson County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio significantly beats Georgia's state average of 18.6%, the lowest ratio in this entire county analysis. This rural-suburban hybrid delivers unmatched affordability for renters with above-average income like Jackson County's median of $85,012.

Best-in-class affordability among peers

Jackson County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio decisively outperforms all neighboring rural counties while its median rent of $1,048 remains far below suburban Henry County's $1,538. This positioning makes Jackson County the affordability leader in this geographic cluster.

Jackson County's wealth-to-housing ratio

Renters earning Jackson County's robust median household income of $85,012 allocate just 14.8% to $1,048 monthly rent, leaving $1,173 monthly for other expenses. Homeowners invest $1,374 monthly into mortgages on homes valued at $312,700—the highest value in this analysis, reflecting strong property appreciation.

Premium choice for high-income relocators

Jackson County combines Georgia's lowest rent-to-income ratio (14.8%) with the state's highest median income ($85,012) and strongest home values, making it ideal for affluent relocators. Its $1,048 median rent saves you $490 monthly versus Henry County while offering superior affordability metrics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson County leads national income

Jackson County's median household income of $85,012 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 14%. Households earn approximately $10,260 more annually than the typical American family.

Highest earners in Georgia

Jackson County ranks among the wealthiest in Georgia, with median household income 40% above the state average of $60,488. Per capita income of $35,704 substantially exceeds the state average of $31,115.

Clear regional income leader

Jackson County's $85,012 income tops all eight counties in this comparison, outpacing Henry County ($81,612) and Houston County ($80,743). The gap widens dramatically against lower-income neighbors like Jeff Davis County ($40,879), a difference of $44,133.

Best affordability in the group

Jackson County achieves the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 14.8%—well below the 30% affordability threshold—despite premium home values of $312,700. This exceptional position means households enjoy both high incomes and manageable housing costs.

Maximize prosperity through planning

Jackson County's strong income and superior affordability position create exceptional wealth-building opportunities. Residents should work with financial professionals to optimize retirement savings, diversify investments, and plan for estate preservation and intergenerational wealth transfer.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jackson County ranks among the nation's safest

Jackson County reports a total crime rate of 1,032.1 per 100,000, less than half the national average of 2,385.5. It boasts an excellent safety score of 98.4.

Outperforming the state safety average

With a safety score of 98.4, Jackson County is significantly safer than the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its violent crime rate is especially low compared to state norms.

A leader in regional public safety

Jackson’s crime rate of 1,032.1 is comparable to Jasper County (1,028.1) and Heard County (1,009.6). These counties are among the safest in the entire region.

Low frequency for all crime types

Violent crime is rare at 88.3 per 100,000 residents, and property crime is only 943.8. These numbers represent a very secure environment for local families.

Modern tools for a safe community

Even in low-crime areas, doorbell cameras and smart locks help keep it that way. Proactive homeowners contribute to Jackson County's continued safety success.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson County exceeds U.S. health standards

At 75.1 years, Jackson County residents live 1.6 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.5 years. With only 18.8% reporting poor or fair health, the county demonstrates strong overall wellness.

Leading Georgia in life expectancy

Jackson County's 75.1-year life expectancy exceeds Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by 1.8 years. The 13.6% uninsured rate sits well below Georgia's 15.0% average, reflecting solid healthcare enrollment.

Robust healthcare infrastructure

Jackson County leads regional peers with 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and a strong 64 mental health providers per 100K. This combination ensures both preventive and behavioral health support.

Strong access, strong insurance coverage

With 56 primary care doctors per 100K and 13.6% uninsured—just under 1 in 7 residents without coverage—Jackson County residents generally find healthcare accessible. Mental health providers are plentiful enough for timely care.

Maintain coverage for preventive care

If you're among Jackson County's 13.6% without insurance, enroll through Georgia's health marketplace today. Your county's strong provider network means insurance directly connects you to quality, available care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Districts Across Eighteen Campuses

Jackson County supports 15,869 students across 18 public schools, including 10 elementary and 4 high schools. Uniquely, the county is served by three distinct school districts: Jackson County, Jefferson City, and Commerce City.

Elite Graduation and Academic Scores

The county reaches a stellar 95.4% graduation rate, far exceeding the 87% national benchmark. A composite school score of 56.8 places it among the higher-performing regions in Georgia.

Three Districts Offer Varied Options

Jackson County is the largest district with 9,918 students, while Jefferson City and Commerce City serve 4,166 and 1,785 students respectively. There are currently no charter schools in any of the three districts.

A Blend of Rural and Town Life

School locales are evenly split between rural areas and town centers, with an average school size of 882 students. Jackson County High is the most populous school, serving 1,833 students in a modern facility.

Targeting Homes in High-Graduation Zones

With three districts to choose from, families have several high-quality options for their children's education. Homes near the Jefferson City or Jackson County campuses are highly sought after for their academic prestige.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson County Slightly Above National Risk

Jackson County's composite risk score of 41.92 sits slightly above the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating despite moderate exposure. This northeast Georgia county experiences more natural disaster risk than most U.S. counties but remains manageable overall.

Moderate Risk Within Georgia

Jackson County's 41.92 composite score edges slightly above Georgia's 39.49 state average, placing it in the middle range for the state. Most Georgia counties cluster higher, making Jackson a moderately safe option.

Balanced Risk Among Regional Counties

Jackson County (41.92) sits between safer Jasper County (8.08) and Hart County (35.40) to its west, and higher-risk Henry County (79.36) to the south. This positions Jackson as a moderate-risk area in northeast Georgia's diverse landscape.

Tornado and Earthquake Risks Lead

Tornado risk (69.37) and earthquake risk (67.68) are Jackson County's highest individual hazards, reflecting the county's position in Georgia's active seismic and storm corridor. Flood (47.42) and hurricane (65.21) risks remain notable but less acute.

Earthquake and Wind Protection Essential

Jackson County residents should add earthquake and windstorm coverage to standard homeowners policies to address the county's elevated tornado and seismic exposure. Install a safe room or reinforced shelter, and secure your home's roof and foundation connections.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

Navigating the Acidic Soils of Jackson County

Jackson County does not have specific taxonomic data in this set, but the soil likely follows the state average pH of 5.26. This acidic profile is notably lower than the 6.5 national median. Adjusting soil pH is a standard practice for local gardeners aiming for a diverse vegetable patch.

Adapting to the Piedmont Red Clay

The specific blend of sand, silt, and clay is not recorded for this county. Most soils in this region are rich in clay, which is excellent for holding onto water but can be difficult to till when dry. Adding gypsum or organic matter can help break up heavy clay for easier gardening.

Improving Productivity with Organic Matter

Local organic matter data is unavailable, though the Georgia average of 1.83% serves as a helpful baseline. Increasing the organic content of your soil will improve its overall health and ability to support plants. This is the most effective way to turn a standard plot into a high-yielding garden.

Managing Runoff in Hilly Landscapes

County-specific drainage data is missing, making individual site assessments very important. Effective water management is key to preventing erosion, especially given the rolling hills found in much of Jackson County. Ensure your landscape design accounts for the way water flows during heavy rain.

Bountiful Harvests in Hardiness Zone 8a

Jackson County is in hardiness zone 8a, providing a great environment for tomatoes, beans, and summer squash. The climate supports a robust growing season that begins early in the spring. With a little soil preparation, you can enjoy a massive variety of fresh, local produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

The Gold Standard for Georgia Lawns

Jackson County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 54.5, making it the easiest place to grow a lawn among these counties. This score actually beats the national median of 50.0 and far exceeds the state average of 35.8. Residents here enjoy a significant advantage when it comes to curb appeal.

Lower Heat Equals Lower Stress

The county experiences only 38 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly lower than the Georgia average of 65. Combined with 50.9 inches of annual precipitation, this creates a much more forgiving environment for turfgrass. This reduced heat stress means less supplemental watering is needed during the summer.

Solid Foundation for Growing Turf

Specific soil metrics are not available for Jackson County in this dataset, but the difficulty score suggests a favorable growing medium. Local gardeners often find success by focusing on routine maintenance rather than major soil corrections. A simple pH test can confirm if your soil aligns with the 6.0-7.0 ideal range.

Navigating Temporary Dry Spells

While 100% of the county is currently in Severe Drought (D2+), the area has only seen 13 weeks of drought over the past year. This is the lowest drought frequency among the studied counties. Even with this advantage, residents should practice conservation to protect the lawn during current severe conditions.

Capitalizing on Favorable Conditions

In Zone 8a, Tall Fescue can be a viable option alongside Bermudagrass due to the lower number of extreme heat days. Aim for a spring planting to take advantage of the 50.9 inches of rain. Your local environment gives you more flexibility and a better chance of success than most of Georgia.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, Georgia has a composite county score of 47.5 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 Georgia?
Jackson County ranks #71 among all counties in Georgia 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, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Jackson County is $2,761, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 46.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, Georgia is $85,012 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 88.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, Georgia a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 47.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #71 in Georgia. 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.