CountyScore

Jackson County

Iowa · IA

#44 in Iowa
70.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Iowa

Jackson County scores well nationally

Jackson County's composite score of 70.8 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This 41% advantage over the national baseline reflects strong affordability and health outcomes that outpace most American communities.

Slightly above Iowa's middle tier

Jackson County ranks solidly within Iowa at 70.8, just 1.5 points above the state average of 69.3. It stands among the stronger-performing counties in the state, though several peers match or exceed its composite strength.

Affordability and health lead the way

Jackson County excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 80.9 and median home values of just $170,000, among Iowa's lowest. Health outcomes are equally impressive at 76.9, while the effective tax rate of 1.252% keeps the overall tax burden reasonable for residents.

Income growth lags behind neighbors

The income score of 30.1 is Jackson County's weakest dimension, with a median household income of $71,605 that trails several peer counties. While not alarming, this suggests limited wage growth or higher-paying employment opportunities compared to stronger-performing counties in the region.

Ideal for cost-conscious, health-focused families

Jackson County suits families prioritizing affordability and access to health services over maximum income potential. The combination of low housing costs, reasonable taxes, and solid health infrastructure makes it especially attractive for retirees, remote workers, and those seeking a slower pace of life.

Score breakdown

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

Tax67Cost80.9SafetyComing SoonHealth76.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.1Risk64WaterComing Soon
🏛67
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡64
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

Covington County
Alabama
70.8
Median income: $50,886
Conway County
Arkansas
70.8
Median income: $51,212
Chaffee County
Colorado
70.8
Median income: $70,909
Union County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $65,697
Warren County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $46,776

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's taxes: below national average

Jackson County's effective tax rate of 1.252% sits comfortably below the national median rate, putting homeowners in a better position than most of the country. The median property tax here is $2,129, compared to the national median of $2,690—a savings of $561 annually on a typical home.

Middle of the pack in Iowa

Jackson County's 1.252% effective rate ranks it in the lower half of Iowa's 99 counties, beating the state average of 1.344%. With a median tax bill of $2,129, Jackson homeowners pay slightly below Iowa's state median of $2,160.

Competitive with regional peers

Jackson County's tax burden is slightly lower than nearby Jones County (1.298% rate) and Jefferson County (1.487% rate), though slightly higher than Kossuth County's 1.064%. This positions Jackson as a moderate-tax county within its regional peer group.

What $170,000 home costs annually

On Jackson County's median home value of $170,000, expect to pay approximately $2,129 in annual property taxes. For homeowners with a mortgage, add about $120 more due to escrow arrangements, bringing the annual bill to roughly $2,249.

You might be overpaying on taxes

Many Iowa homeowners are assessed above fair market value and don't realize they can appeal their assessments. If you believe your home's valuation is too high, a formal appeal could reduce your tax burden significantly—it's free to file.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson rents are affordable by national standards

Jackson County renters spend 13.4% of their income on rent, well below the national benchmark where affordability typically caps out at 30%. This county beats the national average household income of $74,755, with Jackson residents earning $71,605—putting renters in a stable position compared to most U.S. counties.

Better than Iowa's typical rent burden

At 13.4%, Jackson's rent-to-income ratio outperforms the Iowa state average of 14.1%, ranking it among the more affordable counties statewide. The $800 median monthly rent is nearly identical to Iowa's $812 average, but Jackson's slightly lower ratio reflects higher household incomes relative to rent costs.

Jackson stays competitive in the region

Jackson's $800 monthly rent and 13.4% ratio place it squarely in the middle of its peer counties. Jones County edges it out with lower rents ($759), while Johnson County's higher-income households sustain rents of $1,104—showing that nearby counties span a wide affordability spectrum.

Where Jackson's housing dollars go

Renters in Jackson County allocate roughly $800 monthly (13.4% of income), while homeowners pay $867 monthly toward mortgages—both reasonable for a median household income of $71,605. Housing costs consume a manageable share of the local budget, leaving income for other essentials.

Consider Jackson for balanced housing costs

If you're comparing Iowa counties for affordability, Jackson offers stable rents and reasonable homeownership costs without the income premium required in higher-cost neighbors like Johnson County. Explore Jackson alongside Jones County (slightly cheaper rents) and Jasper County (similar costs) to find your fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson keeps pace with nation

Jackson County's median household income of $71,605 sits just slightly below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it solidly in the middle of the national income distribution. This means a typical Jackson County household earns about 96% of what the average American household takes home.

Above average for Iowa

At $71,605, Jackson County ranks above Iowa's statewide median household income of $69,830, outearning the state average by $1,775. This positions Jackson as a stronger-than-average income county within Iowa's 99-county landscape.

Competitive with regional peers

Jackson County's $71,605 income exceeds several neighboring counties: it beats Jefferson ($56,824) by 26%, Jones ($73,071) by 2%, and Keokuk ($60,856) by 18%. Among its immediate region, Jackson holds its own as a mid-tier income community.

Housing costs stay manageable

Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% indicates housing expenses consume just over one-eighth of median household income, well below the national affordability threshold of 30%. With a median home value of $170,000, homeownership remains within reach for most working households.

Build on Jackson's stability

Jackson County households earning above $71,605 have extra capacity to invest in retirement accounts, education, or property improvements. Consider consulting a financial advisor about maximizing tax-advantaged savings vehicles to grow wealth beyond your median income baseline.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson County's life expectancy holds steady

At 77.9 years, Jackson County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a solid sign of community health. The county's 16.3% poor or fair health rate is better than the national average of 18%, suggesting residents generally report good health status.

Slightly ahead of Iowa's average

Jackson County's 77.9-year life expectancy edges out Iowa's state average of 77.7 years, placing it in the upper middle tier of Iowa counties. With 16.3% reporting poor or fair health, Jackson County ranks near the state median on self-reported health outcomes.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Jackson County matches Jasper County's 77.9-year life expectancy and outpaces Jefferson County's 77.1 years. The county's primary care provider ratio of 36 per 100K is modest compared to Johnson County's 192 per 100K, but reasonable for a rural Iowa community.

Access improves with local providers

Only 5.2% of Jackson County residents lack health insurance—well below Iowa's 5.7% average—suggesting strong coverage uptake. The county's 36 primary care providers and 114 mental health providers per 100K serve basic healthcare needs, though distance to specialists may require travel.

Keep your coverage strong

With over 94% of Jackson County residents insured, community health coverage is solid. Check your plan annually at healthcare.gov or contact a local broker to ensure you have access to the care you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson County's composite risk rated very low

Jackson County scores 36.07 on the composite risk index, well below the national average of 39.68, putting it in the very low risk category. This favorable rating reflects relatively moderate exposure to multiple natural hazards compared to counties nationwide.

Among Iowa's safer counties for disasters

Jackson County ranks favorably within Iowa, with a composite score of 36.07 versus the state average of 39.68. The county's very low risk designation places it well-positioned among its peers statewide.

Lower risk than surrounding counties

Jackson County's score of 36.07 is substantially lower than neighboring Jasper County (43.67) and comparable to Jones County (32.67). The county benefits from more moderate hazard exposure than several adjacent areas.

Tornadoes and flooding demand attention here

Tornado risk scores 54.77 in Jackson County, representing the most significant weather threat residents face. Flood risk at 43.32 presents the second major concern, requiring awareness of seasonal precipitation patterns and stream conditions.

Secure coverage for tornado and flood threats

With tornado risk at 54.77, homeowners should ensure comprehensive coverage that includes wind and hail damage protection. Adding flood insurance is prudent given the county's 43.32 flood risk score, especially for properties in vulnerable drainage areas.

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.