countyscore
51.5
County Score
Property Tax 88.6Lawn Care 74.8Income & Jobs 67

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Indiana

Jackson County Above the National Median

Jackson County holds a composite score of 51.5, which is slightly above the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a stable environment with standard American amenities.

A Middle-Tier Indiana Performer

Jackson County's 51.5 score trails the Indiana state average of 55.9. It remains a viable alternative to more expensive urban centers, though it lacks the high composite scores of the state's top leaders.

Elite Tax Benefits and Solid Income

An exceptional tax score of 88.6 stems from a low 0.472% effective tax rate. This is paired with a strong income score of 67.0, supported by a median household income of $70,208.

Struggles in Educational Performance

The school score of 17.7 is remarkably low, indicating significant challenges in the local education system. Additionally, the cost score of 40.0 shows that housing is less affordable relative to income than in neighboring areas.

Ideal for High-Earning Tax Minimizers

This county is perfect for professionals who want to keep more of their $70,208 median income thanks to very low taxes. It is less suited for families who require top-tier public school systems.

Score breakdown

Tax88.6Cost40Safety58.7Health45.2Schools17.7Income67Risk47.1Water66.8Weather58.8
🏛88.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡58.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓17.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡47.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.8
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Bartholomew County
Indiana
53.6
Scott County
Indiana
57.3
Washington County
Indiana
57
Lawrence County
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Jennings County
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Brown County
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Monroe County
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Jefferson 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 offers exceptional tax relief

Jackson County's 0.472% effective tax rate ranks among the lowest 15% nationally, well below the U.S. median of 0.571%. At $824 annually on a median home of $174,500, homeowners enjoy substantially lighter tax burdens than most American counties.

One of Indiana's most affordable tax counties

Jackson County's 0.472% effective rate sits well below Indiana's average of 0.671%, making it one of the state's tax bargains. The median tax of $824 is the lowest among peer counties, despite moderate home values.

Lowest-tax county in the region

Jackson County's 0.472% rate dramatically undercuts Henry (0.749%), Howard (0.733%), and Huntington (0.731%) counties to the north. This southern county offers nearly 40% lower effective rates than its regional neighbors.

What you'll pay in Jackson County

On a median home valued at $174,500, Jackson County homeowners pay only $824 annually—among the lowest in Indiana. With a mortgage, that reaches $890 due to escrow requirements.

Even low taxes deserve verification

Despite favorable rates, Jackson County homeowners should still verify their assessments are accurate. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent comparable sales, file an appeal with your assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson County's Housing Value Proposition

Jackson County strikes an appealing balance with a 16.2% rent-to-income ratio and a median household income of $70,208, which sits closer to the national $74,755 than many Indiana peers. Renters here spend roughly $946 monthly, a manageable share of income thanks to incomes that exceed many neighboring counties.

Jackson County's Indiana Ranking

At 16.2%, Jackson County ranks slightly above Indiana's 15.6% state average but benefits from above-average incomes that cushion the housing burden better than most counties statewide. This income advantage makes Jackson one of the more balanced markets in the state.

Jackson Among Its Peers

Jackson County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio and higher incomes of $70,208 position it favorably against surrounding counties like Jefferson ($59,987 median income) and Jay ($54,114). At $946 monthly, Jackson rents run higher but feel more affordable thanks to stronger local earnings.

Jackson County Housing Breakdown

Jackson County residents earning the median $70,208 annually dedicate about $946 monthly to rent—a manageable 16.2% of gross income. Homeowners face $867 monthly costs on median-valued properties of $174,500, making ownership a reasonable next step for those who can build equity.

Relocating to Jackson County?

Jackson County offers one of Indiana's stronger income-to-housing-cost ratios, with median earnings of $70,208 and moderate housing costs that don't overextend budgets. If you're seeking a county where housing doesn't dominate finances, Jackson's balanced affordability and home values around $174,500 merit serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson County approaches national income

Jackson County's median household income of $70,208 narrows the gap with the national median of $74,755 to just $4,500, a 6% difference. This positioning puts Jackson County among stronger-earning regions in Indiana.

Above-average earner statewide

At $70,208, Jackson County exceeds Indiana's median of $68,681 by $1,527, ranking above average among the state's 92 counties. The per capita income of $33,127 runs slightly below state average, suggesting income concentration in fewer households.

Outearns most surrounding counties

Jackson County's $70,208 significantly exceeds Henry ($60,144), Jefferson ($59,987), and Jennings ($68,476) counties, but trails Jasper County ($79,634). Among its peer group, Jackson stands as a solid economic performer.

Housing costs reasonable

Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% remains well within affordable ranges, supporting household stability and savings capacity. The median home value of $174,500 aligns well with local incomes, making homeownership reasonably achievable.

Leverage stable income for wealth

Jackson County households earning $70,208 are positioned to save 15-20% of gross income toward retirement and investment accounts. This higher earning power allows for more aggressive wealth-building strategies like diversified stock portfolios and real estate investment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jackson County Outperforms National Trends

Jackson County reports a total crime rate of 952.1 per 100K, which is well below the national mark of 2,385.5. It holds a solid safety score of 98.5.

Slightly Above the Indiana Average

The county’s crime rate is higher than the Indiana state average of 693.8 per 100K. Three agencies report data here, showing a safety profile slightly below the state average score of 98.9.

Tracking Closely with Neighbors

Jackson's crime rate of 952.1 is nearly identical to neighboring Jennings County's 945.3. Both counties show higher activity levels than more rural areas like Henry County.

Property Crime Drives Local Figures

Most reported incidents are property crimes, which sit at 869.9 per 100K. Violent crime remains low at 82.2, which is less than a quarter of the national violent crime rate of 369.8.

Simple Steps for Better Safety

With property crime being the primary concern, residents should focus on securing outdoor equipment and vehicles. Consistent lighting and alarm systems provide an extra layer of defense for local homes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson County matches Indiana's state average

At 75.1 years, Jackson County's life expectancy is exactly on Indiana's state average but still 3.8 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. More than 1 in 5 residents (21.8%) report poor or fair health, suggesting uncontrolled chronic disease despite state-level longevity.

Average health outcomes, high uninsured rate

Jackson County matches Indiana's 75.1-year life expectancy but trails on insurance access with an 8.6% uninsured rate versus Indiana's 8.4% average. The 21.8% poor/fair health rate is one of the highest in this county group, signaling acute health challenges.

Best primary care access in the region

Jackson County leads all eight counties with 67 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, exceeding Henry County (41), Jasper County (24), and Jay County (30). With 99 mental health providers per 100K, mental health access is moderate, creating an imbalance that prioritizes family medicine over psychiatry.

Excellent doctor access, worse health reports

Jackson County's 67 primary care providers per 100K is the highest in this group, yet 21.8% of residents report poor or fair health—suggesting that access alone doesn't guarantee good outcomes. The 8.6% uninsured rate is slightly above state average, likely contributing to delayed care and worsening self-reported health.

Uninsured residents need coverage now

Jackson County's 8.6% uninsured rate means nearly 1 in 12 residents lack health insurance—higher than Indiana's average. Head to healthcare.gov, explore Medicaid eligibility, or contact your employer's benefits office to secure affordable coverage and access Jackson County's strong network of primary care providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Distributed Districts Across Jackson County

Jackson County provides education through 14 public schools organized into 4 distinct districts. The infrastructure supports 7,427 students with 8 elementary, 2 middle, and 4 high schools.

Consistent Investment in Student Outcomes

The county's 86.8% graduation rate sits just below the national average of 87% and the state's 92.6%. Local districts invest $5,415 per pupil, nearly matching the state average of $5,507.

Seymour Community Schools Leads the Region

Seymour Community Schools is the largest district, serving 5,343 students across 7 schools. No charter schools currently operate in the county, leaving public districts as the primary educational path.

Town-Centered Schools with Urban-Sized High Schools

Nine schools are located in town settings while 5 are rural, offering a blend of community types. Seymour Senior High School is the largest in the county with 1,690 students, which is significantly larger than the county average size of 531.

Explore Homes Near Jackson's Top Districts

With a wide range of school sizes and a town-centered education focus, Jackson County offers various options for families. Check out homes in the Seymour area to be close to the county's largest educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson County slightly above average risk

Jackson County scores 52.93 on the composite risk scale, exceeding Indiana's state average of 45.52 while remaining in the relatively low category nationally. This moderate profile reflects elevated tornado and earthquake exposure balanced by lower flood and wildfire risks.

Above-average risk within Indiana

Jackson County ranks above the state median among Indiana's 92 counties for natural disaster risk, placing it in the upper-middle tier. Roughly 60% of Indiana counties present lower risk profiles than Jackson.

Among southern Indiana's riskier areas

Jackson County's 52.93 score exceeds nearby Jennings County (31.90) and Jefferson County (48.28) to the north, making it one of the higher-risk zones in south-central Indiana. Only a few immediate neighbors approach Jackson's hazard exposure.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate risk

Tornado risk scores 83.21 in Jackson County, among Indiana's highest, while earthquake risk reaches 74.71—well above state averages. Flood risk (57.60) also exceeds state norms, creating a multi-hazard exposure profile requiring serious preparation.

Comprehensive coverage critical here

Jackson County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with strong wind and hail coverage for tornado protection, plus earthquake insurance given the 74.71 seismic score. Flood insurance through NFIP is also recommended, as the 57.60 flood risk substantially exceeds state averages.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jackson County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Wet National Context

Jackson County is warmer than the national median with an annual average of 53.1°F. It is a humid transition zone with high annual precipitation of 49.3 inches.

One of Indiana’s Warmest Counties

This is one of Indiana's warmer counties, exceeding the state average of 52.2°F. It is also significantly wetter than the state norm of 43.9 inches.

Warmer and Much Less Snowy

Jackson is warmer than its northern neighbors and receives much less snow, totaling only 12.3 inches. It is also significantly wetter than Hamilton and Hancock counties.

Hot Summers and Mild Winters

Summers are hot and humid, averaging 73°F with 20 days exceeding 90°F. Winters are the mildest in this group, staying around 32°F with limited snowfall.

Prioritize Cooling and Waterproofing

High-capacity air conditioning is vital for the 20 days of extreme heat. Basement waterproofing is a smart investment given the nearly 50 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

Navigating Jackson County's Acidic Silt

Jackson County features a more acidic profile with a pH of 5.96, falling below both the national median and the state average of 6.08. Growers here often monitor lime levels to optimize performance for sensitive crops.

Fine-Textured Soils for Focused Management

Silt makes up nearly 60% of the soil, paired with 22.3% sand and 17.9% clay. This high silt concentration creates a fine-textured soil that holds water tightly but can be prone to erosion if not managed.

Managing Lower Organic Reserves

Organic matter sits at 1.96%, which is just below the national average and significantly lower than Indiana's 4.90% average. The water capacity of 0.198 in/in requires careful irrigation management to ensure consistent yields.

Slow Permeability and Fine Particles

While specific drainage class data is limited, the high silt concentration often indicates slower permeability. Landowners should consider these traits when planning construction projects or intensive farming operations.

Extended Seasons in Zone 6b

Hardiness Zone 6b allows for a longer growing season, making Jackson County a great spot for melons and berries. Adding compost helps boost organic matter and improves the overall productivity of your home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Conditions in Jackson County

Jackson County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 74.8, making it one of the more favorable places in the state to grow grass. The slightly warmer 6b hardiness zone allows for a longer active growing period for your turf.

High Rainfall for Thirsty Lawns

The county receives 49.3 inches of rain annually, which is over 5 inches more than the state average. This abundant moisture supports 3,496 growing degree days, though you will need to monitor for fungus during the 20 days of extreme heat.

Slightly Acidic Soil Challenges

The soil pH of 5.96 is just below the ideal 6.0 threshold, meaning a light application of lime may help unlock soil nutrients. The texture contains 17.9% clay, providing a decent balance of moisture retention and air space.

Strong Natural Moisture Resilience

With only 5 weeks in drought over the last year, Jackson County is much wetter than its northern neighbors. While 100% of the area is currently 'abnormally dry,' the lack of severe drought makes maintenance much simpler.

Early Starts and Long Seasons

Turf-type Tall Fescue is an excellent choice for this 6b zone thanks to its heat tolerance. You can begin lawn work early after the April 16 frost and enjoy a long season until the frost returns on October 21.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, Indiana has a composite county score of 51.5 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 Indiana?
Jackson County ranks #68 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Jackson County is $824, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 88.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, Indiana is $70,208 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 67/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, Indiana a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 51.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Indiana. 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.