countyscore
36
County Score
Soil Quality 65.8Lawn Care 64.8Schools 64

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Illinois

Below the National Median

Jackson County carries a 36.0 composite score, which falls significantly below the national median of 50.0. This indicates considerable challenges across multiple livability dimensions.

Trailing State Averages

With a score of 36.0, Jackson trails the Illinois state average of 52.8 by a wide margin. The county faces systemic hurdles in income and safety that differentiate it from its peers.

Affordable Housing and Schools

Despite overall challenges, the county offers moderate affordability with a cost score of 62.6. Local schools also perform decently, earning a score of 64.0.

Safety and Income Concerns

Economic and safety metrics are difficult, with an income score of only 7.8 and a safety score of 11.0. Environmental risk is also high, as indicated by a 12.9 risk score.

A Budget-Conscious Choice

Jackson County best serves students or individuals who need low-cost housing options. Residents should be aware of the economic and safety trade-offs associated with the lower cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax4.1Cost62.6Safety11Health50.8Schools64Income7.8Risk12.9Water27.5Weather58.1
🏛4.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱64.8
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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Perry County
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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 County's Tax Rate Above National Average

At 1.91%, Jackson County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.82%, placing it in the 60th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay more in property taxes relative to home values than the vast majority of American households.

Jackson Ranks Above Illinois Average

Jackson County's effective tax rate of 1.91% exceeds the Illinois state average of 1.83%, ranking it among the higher-taxed counties statewide. At $2,385 median annual property taxes, residents pay notably more than the state's typical household.

Higher-Taxed Than Most Peers

Jackson County's 1.91% rate exceeds Hardin (1.18%), Hamilton (1.35%), Henderson (1.68%), and Hancock (1.86%), making it among the region's more heavily taxed counties. Only Henry (1.98%) and Iroquois (1.95%) surpass Jackson's burden.

Median Home Costs About $2,385 Yearly

On a median home value of $125,000, Jackson County homeowners pay approximately $2,385 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,939 when including additional assessments.

Assessment Challenges Pay Off Here

Jackson County's elevated tax rate makes assessment appeals especially valuable—reducing your rate even slightly yields hundreds in annual savings. Many local homeowners are overassessed and stand to benefit from filing formal valuation challenges.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson County faces serious housing affordability crisis

At 19.6%, Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio is nearly 4× the national 30% affordability standard's threshold and significantly exceeds Illinois's 14.7% state average. This southern Illinois county has the highest housing cost burden of any in this comparison, reflecting both lower incomes and moderate rents.

Most strained housing market in Illinois

Jackson County's median household income of $45,572 is the lowest in this group, while its $746 rent is near the state average—creating the worst affordability crisis statewide. The county's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio dramatically exceeds the Illinois average of 14.7%.

Lowest income, severe affordability pressure

Jackson County's $45,572 median income trails every neighbor in this group, yet its $746 rent sits near regional averages, creating the worst burden ratio. No nearby county faces comparable housing cost pressure relative to income.

Housing consumes nearly 20% of income

With median household income of $45,572, Jackson County residents pay $746 monthly in rent (19.6% of income) and $840 for homeownership. This severe burden leaves little room for savings, transportation, food, and other essentials—a genuine affordability crisis.

Relocating here requires serious financial review

Jackson County's severe housing affordability crisis demands careful consideration before moving—renters and owners both face significantly tighter budgets here. Unless your income substantially exceeds the county median, housing costs will consume an uncomfortable portion of your paycheck.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson faces severe income challenge

Jackson County's median household income of $45,572 falls a striking $29,183 short of the U.S. median of $74,755—a 39% gap. This is among the widest income shortfalls in Illinois and reflects deep economic distress in the county.

Lowest income county in Illinois sample

Jackson's $45,572 trails the state average of $68,580 by $23,008, ranking it among Illinois's most economically challenged counties. The gap signals structural economic challenges requiring targeted investment and workforce development.

Jackson significantly lags all peers

Jackson ($45,572) trails every peer county by thousands of dollars, falling far below Hardin ($57,155) and Henry ($69,912). This isolation at the bottom suggests unique local challenges beyond regional agricultural pressures.

Housing crisis: rents consume 1 in 5 dollars

Jackson's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% far exceeds the 15% stress threshold, meaning renters spend nearly a fifth of all income on shelter. Median home values of $125,000 remain out of reach for most households earning $45,572.

Focus on economic mobility and skills

With per capita income of $30,227 and severe housing stress, Jackson residents must prioritize education, job training, and career advancement. Seek out workforce development programs, community college opportunities, and support networks to build sustainable income growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Awareness in Jackson County

Jackson County faces unique challenges with a safety score of 95.8 and a crime rate of 2,689.2 per 100,000. This rate is slightly higher than the national average, indicating a more active crime environment.

Higher Activity Than State Averages

The county's crime rate is more than triple the Illinois state average of 835.0. Data from eight reporting agencies highlights the importance of increased situational awareness for residents in this area.

Higher Crime Volumes Than Rural Neighbors

Jackson County sees higher incident volumes than many of its rural neighbors, which is typical for counties with larger population centers. Monitoring local trends is essential for residents to stay informed.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crime is the main driver here at 2,262.3 per 100,000, while violent crime stands at 426.9. The violent crime rate is higher than the national average of 369.8, requiring proactive safety measures.

Strengthening Your Home's Defenses

Enhancing home security with professional monitoring and cameras is highly recommended for Jackson County residents. Staying connected with local law enforcement updates helps homeowners prevent theft and vandalism.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson County faces severe health disparities

At 74.9 years, Jackson County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly 1.5 years. With 21.1% reporting poor or fair health—the highest rate in this county group—Jackson residents experience significant health challenges.

Illinois's most challenged health county here

Jackson County's 74.9-year life expectancy falls 1.1 years below Illinois's 76.0-year average, placing it among the state's least healthy counties. The 7.2% uninsured rate exceeds state average of 6.3%, compounding access barriers.

Most health challenges in peer group

Jackson's 74.9-year life expectancy and 21.1% poor/fair health rate represent the worst outcomes in its regional cluster, trailing Henry County (77.4) and Jasper County (77.8) by 2–3 years. Only Hardin and Iroquois approach these disparities.

Excellent providers available but underutilized

Jackson County offers 162 primary care and 472 mental health providers per 100,000—among the highest in the region, likely due to its university hospital presence. Despite abundant healthcare resources, the 7.2% uninsured rate and high poor/fair health prevalence suggest that barriers beyond provider availability—poverty, insurance cost, health literacy—drive outcomes.

Tap into Jackson's healthcare resources

Jackson County's wealth of providers represents genuine opportunity; getting insured unlocks access to these services. Explore Medicaid expansion, marketplace plans, and community health programs at healthcare.gov or through local providers to begin addressing health challenges.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large, Diverse Educational Hub

Jackson County supports 6,772 students across a robust network of 32 public schools managed by 9 districts. The system is comprehensive, featuring 11 elementary schools, five middle schools, and seven high schools. It also includes 8 specialized special education schools, making it a regional leader in diverse learning needs.

High Investment and Competitive Results

The county invests heavily in its students, with a per-pupil expenditure of $10,788—well above the state average of $9,250. This investment reflects in a graduation rate of 87.5% and a solid school score of 60.4. Both metrics place the county above the state and national averages for academic performance.

Major Educational Providers in the Region

Murphysboro CUSD 186 is the largest active district, serving 1,929 students, followed by Carbondale ESD 95 with 1,546 students. These districts provide a traditional public school experience, as there are no charter schools currently operating in the county. Specialized regional offices also manage several alternative and special education sites.

From Urban Centers to Rural Outposts

Jackson County offers a unique locale mix with 15 rural schools, 10 town schools, and 7 city schools. The average school size is 339 students, though Carbondale Community High School is the largest with 997 students. This variety allows families to choose between a bustling urban campus or a quieter, smaller rural school.

A Diverse Choice for Education-Minded Buyers

Whether you are looking for city living or a rural retreat, Jackson County's schools offer high performance and significant per-pupil investment. The county's school score of 60.4 makes it a standout choice for families in Southern Illinois. Find your perfect home near one of these top-rated districts today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson County faces highest risk

Jackson County scores 87.12 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Moderate rating that far exceeds Illinois' state average of 54.46 by 60%. Your county experiences the highest natural disaster risk among all eight profiled counties, with above-average exposure to flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes. This elevated position demands comprehensive hazard preparedness across multiple threat types.

Highest risk in profiled Illinois counties

Jackson County ranks substantially above the Illinois state average of 54.46 with a composite score of 87.12, placing it in the upper tier of state hazard exposure. Among the eight counties profiled, Jackson faces the single highest overall natural disaster risk, driven by substantial exposure to earthquakes (96.72), flooding (76.53), and tornadoes (74.20). This elevated standing reflects geographic factors that concentrate multiple hazards in one location.

Riskier than all nearby counties

Jackson County's 87.12 risk score substantially exceeds all neighboring counties profiled, including the next-riskiest Iroquois County (73.95) and dramatically outpacing safer peers like Hardin (8.30) and Henderson (17.53). No other county in this analysis faces comparable cumulative disaster exposure, making Jackson County unique in its hazard burden. This elevation reflects both Jackson's geographic position and the confluence of multiple natural hazard zones.

Earthquakes, flooding, and tornadoes

Earthquakes pose the highest risk at 96.72—the most elevated score among all counties analyzed—reflecting Jackson's position in a seismically active region where significant tremors can damage structures and foundations. Flooding ranks second at 76.53, driven by exposure to rivers and flood-prone areas where sustained inundation threatens homes and infrastructure. Tornadoes at 74.20 and hurricanes at 43.35 complete a suite of hazards that no other profiled county matches in intensity.

Comprehensive protection is essential

Earthquake insurance is critical in Jackson County—at 96.72, your seismic risk is the highest among all profiled counties, and standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage entirely. Flood insurance is equally non-negotiable given your 76.53 flood risk; obtain coverage immediately if you lack it, as many properties face genuine inundation hazards. Invest in tornado preparedness with a reinforced safe room, establish family communication protocols, and maintain all coverage with annual policy reviews to ensure adequate protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jackson County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and wetter than most U.S. counties

Jackson's 56.2°F average is well above the national median, reflecting its southern location. It also receives 45.8 inches of rain, making it a relatively wet region.

A powerhouse of heat in southern Illinois

At 56.2°F, this county is 3.4°F warmer than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. It is one of the warmest counties in the entire state.

More extreme heat than nearby Jefferson County

Jackson averages 39 extreme heat days, nearly double what Jefferson County experiences. It is also significantly warmer than northern counties like Henry.

Hot, long summers and light winter snow

Summer temperatures average 76.2°F with over five weeks of extreme heat. Snow is infrequent, averaging only 9.2 inches per year.

Budget for cooling and manage heavy rainfall

Air conditioning is a necessity here given the 39 days of extreme heat. Homeowners should also prepare for 45.8 inches of rain with robust drainage systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

Jackson's Southern Soil Profile

Jackson County has an average soil pH of 6.28, which is slightly lower than the state average of 6.39. This mild acidity is typical for the region but still supports most agricultural activities without intensive treatment. It provides a consistent chemical baseline for the diverse landscapes of southern Illinois.

Dominant Silt Concentrations

The soil is comprised of 67.2% silt and 22.7% clay, with just 10.0% sand. This composition is very fine-textured, meaning the soil feels smooth and holds its shape when wet. This lack of sand means the soil can be slow to drain and very sticky during the rainy season.

Steady Moisture, Lean Organic Content

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.83%, falling below both the state and national averages. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.203 in/in is nearly equal to the state average of 0.204 in/in. The soil is excellent at storing what water it receives, even if the nutrient reserves need a boost.

Navigating the Clay-Silt Mix

With a soil score of 65.8, Jackson County ranks slightly below the state average of 73.6. The heavy silt and clay presence suggests that natural drainage can be slow, requiring managed runoff for construction or farming. This ground is best suited for plants that can tolerate moist conditions for short periods.

Long Seasons in Zone 7a

As one of the warmest parts of Illinois in zone 7a, Jackson County enjoys a very long growing season. This is prime territory for specialty crops like peaches or long-season peppers that need the extra warmth. Focus on adding compost to improve the organic matter, and you will see excellent results.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

Southern Challenges for Traditional Turf

Jackson County presents a lawn difficulty score of 64.8, which is lower than the state average due to its warmer climate. Located in Zone 7a, it sits in the transition zone where both cool and warm-season grasses can grow.

Long Growing Season and High Heat

The county records 39 extreme heat days and a high 4136 growing degree days, leading to intense growth and summer stress. While 45.8 inches of rain is plenty, the high heat often evaporates moisture before it can penetrate deep into the soil.

Solid Foundation with Low Sand

The soil pH is a healthy 6.28, but the very low sand content of 10.0% means drainage can be slow in the 22.7% clay soil. Homeowners should focus on core aeration to ensure air and water reach the root zone effectively.

Managing High Drought Coverage

With 64.1% of the county in severe drought and 20 weeks of drought in the past year, water management is paramount. Consider installing a smart irrigation controller to maximize the impact of the 45.8 inches of annual rain.

Spring Start for Southern Success

Start your season after the early frost date of April 9 using heat-tolerant varieties like Tall Fescue. Your grass has until October 22 to establish itself before the first fall frost brings the growing season to a close.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, Illinois has a composite county score of 36 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 Illinois?
Jackson County ranks #96 among all counties in Illinois 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, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Jackson County is $2,385, with an effective tax rate of 1.91%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 4.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, Illinois is $45,572 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 7.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, Illinois a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 36/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #96 in Illinois. 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.