countyscore
55.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 80.9Soil Quality 75.9

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Iowa

Above National Standards for Livability

Jackson County earns a composite score of 55.6, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile of affordability and community health that outpaces half of the United States.

Meeting the Iowa Average Exactly

The county's overall score of 55.6 matches the Iowa state average exactly. While it represents a typical Iowa experience, it maintains a competitive edge in household stability with a median income of $71,605.

Pristine Water and Exceptional Health

The county excels in resource quality, boasting a water score of 86.0 and a health score of 80.9. High-income levels relative to the region provide residents with a strong financial foundation, as evidenced by the 70.4 income score.

Navigating a High Tax Environment

Property taxes present the primary hurdle with a tax score of 23.1, reflecting an effective tax rate of 1.252%. Public safety also scores lower at 43.1, suggesting room for improvement in local security metrics.

A Haven for Healthy Living

This county is ideal for established families who prioritize environmental quality and physical wellness. Its combination of strong incomes and superior water quality outweighs the higher local tax burden.

Score breakdown

Tax23.1Cost54Safety43.1Health80.9Schools69.2Income70.4Risk64Water86Weather50.9
🏛23.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡43.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤80.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓69.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡64
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.8
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

Jo Daviess County
Illinois
60.8
Carroll County
Illinois
60.6
Clinton County
Iowa
38.7
Dubuque County
Iowa
45.4
Lafayette County
Wisconsin
54
Jones County
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60.7
Whiteside County
Illinois
46.3
Stephenson County
Illinois
45.6

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'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

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jackson County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Jackson County maintains a strong safety score of 98.0 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1284.0 per 100K residents is roughly 46% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Jackson County Matches Iowa State Safety Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 98.0 sits right in line with the Iowa state average of 98.3. While its total crime rate of 1284.0 is slightly above the state average of 1095.3, it remains a very safe Iowa community.

Local Comparisons Favor Jackson Over Higher-Rate Neighbors

Jackson County is significantly safer than Lee County, which reports a rate of 1979.6 per 100K. However, it sees more activity than neighboring Jones County, where the rate is just 516.0.

Property Incidents Define the Jackson County Crime Profile

Property crime accounts for the bulk of local incidents at 1099.1 per 100K residents. Violent crime remains low at 184.9, which is about half of the national violent crime rate.

Simple Security Measures Keep Jackson County Safe

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on basic home security like motion-sensor lighting. Simple deterrents help maintain the county's impressive safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Network of Community Schools

Jackson County supports 2,715 students across nine public schools, including five elementary, one middle, and three high schools. Four distinct districts manage the county’s educational infrastructure, providing a stable foundation for local families.

High Graduation Rates and Steady Performance

The county boasts a 92.5% graduation rate, outperforming the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $8,139 is below the national figure, it exceeds the state average of $7,591, contributing to a solid school score of 57.3.

Maquoketa and Bellevue Lead the Way

The Maquoketa Community School District is the largest, serving 1,282 students across four schools. Bellevue Community School District follows with 787 students, and notably, the county offers zero charter schools, focusing entirely on traditional public districts.

Small Classes in Historic Iowa Towns

Most schools are located in town settings, with three rural locations rounding out the mix. The average school size is just 302 students, with Maquoketa Community High School being the largest at 498 students.

Discover Homes Near Top-Tier Schools

With graduation rates exceeding both state and national benchmarks, Jackson County is a compelling choice for families. Explore local real estate to find a home within these high-performing school boundaries.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Jackson County

via WeatherByCounty

Jackson County's Continental Climate

Jackson County averages 48.3°F annually, placing it significantly below the national median temperature. This climate features a classic midwestern mix of cold winters and warm, humid summers.

Slightly Warmer and Wetter than Iowa Norms

The county's average temperature sits just above the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. With 37.3 inches of annual precipitation, it is slightly wetter than the 36.1-inch state average.

A Warmer Pocket in the Region

Jackson is warmer than its neighbor Jones County, which averages 47.0°F annually. Its 31.1 inches of snowfall aligns closely with regional patterns for eastern Iowa.

Steady Snow and Moderate Summer Heat

Winters are cold with a 19.8°F January average and 31.1 inches of snow. Summers reach a July average of 73.0°F, typically seeing 14 days where temperatures exceed 90°F.

Prepare for Snow and Humid Summers

Reliable snow removal equipment is essential to manage the 31 inches of annual snowfall. Residents should also service their HVAC systems to handle the two weeks of extreme 90°F heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

Jackson’s Productive Mollisols

Jackson County features a dominant silt loam texture and belongs to the Mollisol order, which is known for its high fertility. Its average pH of 6.44 sits just below the national median of 6.5, providing a nearly neutral environment for most crops.

A Silty, Smooth Texture Profile

The soil contains 56.6% silt, 22.1% sand, and 20.9% clay, creating a smooth and workable texture. This high silt percentage allows for excellent nutrient retention while the clay content provides necessary structure.

Superior Water Storage Capacity

With an available water capacity of 0.205 in/in, the county exceeds the Iowa average of 0.195 in/in. Although its 2.50% organic matter is below the state average of 3.81%, its high soil score of 75.9 reflects strong overall growing potential.

Well-Drained Agricultural Lands

The land is classified as well drained, facilitating reliable agricultural cycles and sturdy building foundations. Being in hydrologic group C, it manages runoff effectively during typical Midwestern rain events.

Hardy Crops for Zone 5a

Falling in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, this soil supports robust corn, soybeans, and hardy perennials. Start your garden today with cold-tolerant vegetables like kale or root crops that thrive in this rich silt loam.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

Jackson County’s High-Maintenance Lawn Landscape

Jackson County earns a lawn difficulty score of 69.8, making it more challenging for homeowners than the Iowa state average of 77.2. Despite this, the county remains significantly easier to manage than the national median of 50.0. This USDA Hardiness Zone 5a region requires careful attention to winter recovery and frost timing.

Ample Rainfall Meets Moderate Summer Heat

Lawns here benefit from 37.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly above the state average of 36.1 inches. With 14 extreme heat days and 2,962 growing degree days, grass grows steadily without the intense scorching seen further south. Mowing schedules typically peak in mid-summer to manage the consistent growth.

Silt Loam Provides a Solid Foundation

The local soil is primarily well-drained silt loam with a near-perfect pH of 6.44 for grass health. Because the clay content sits at 20.9%, compaction is a minor risk that aeration can easily manage. The balanced sand and silt mix ensures that nutrients reach roots without washing away too quickly.

Managing a Persistent Drought Legacy

Jackson County faced 35 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, 100% of the county is considered abnormally dry. To preserve turf health, homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning. Monitoring for dormant patches is essential given the high historical drought frequency.

Seeding for Success in Zone 5a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in this climate, provided they are established before the first fall frost on October 16. The best spring planting window opens after April 25 to avoid lingering freezes. Strong root development in the fall will help these lawns survive the harsh Zone 5a winters.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, Iowa has a composite county score of 55.6 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 Iowa?
Jackson County ranks #63 among all counties in Iowa 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, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Jackson County is $2,129, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 23.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, Iowa is $71,605 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 70.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, Iowa a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 55.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Iowa. 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.

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🏛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.