CountyScore

Jackson County

Georgia · GA

#98 in Georgia
66.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Georgia

Jackson County surpasses national livability median

Jackson County's composite score of 68.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it at the 68th percentile nationally. This north-central Georgia county demonstrates solid livability driven primarily by strong household incomes.

Just below Georgia's state average

Jackson County scores 68.1 against Georgia's average of 70.9, placing it slightly below the statewide middle. Its profile reflects the tradeoff of prosperity with rising expenses.

Incomes lead among this county group

Jackson County's income score of 38.9 is the highest here, supporting a median household income of $85,012. The tax score of 77.4 with an effective rate of 0.883% keeps the tax burden manageable for earning families.

Housing costs offset income advantages

The cost score of 68.5 reflects median home values of $312,700—the highest in this analysis—and rents of $1,048 monthly. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors prevents fuller livability assessment.

Suits affluent families near Atlanta

Jackson County appeals to high-earning families and professionals willing to pay premium prices for proximity to Atlanta and strong incomes. It's less suitable for retirees or those prioritizing affordability over earning potential.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax77.4Cost68.5SafetyComing SoonHealth64.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome38.9Risk58.1WaterComing Soon
🏛77.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡58.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Jackson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Columbia County
Florida
66.4
Median income: $55,070
Madison County
Florida
66.4
Median income: $48,176
Ben Hill County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $39,081
Miller County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $58,407
Peach County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $68,365

Deep Dives

Jackson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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