CountyScore

Jackson County

Indiana · IN

#54 in Indiana
71.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Indiana

Jackson County well above national median

Jackson County's 71.3 composite score substantially outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 43rd percentile nationally. This southern Indiana county demonstrates competitive livability across key dimensions.

Essentially in line with Indiana

Jackson County scores 71.3 against Indiana's 71.2 state average, placing it right at the state median among 92 counties. It represents a typical Indiana county in livability terms.

Lowest taxes in this group shine

Jackson County leads these eight counties with a 89.0 tax score and just 0.472% effective tax rate—nearly half the state average. The 29.2 income score and $70,208 median household income also rank among the highest in this group, creating strong earning-to-cost dynamics.

Health and housing affordability gaps emerge

While the health score of 66.7 remains solid, it's the lowest in this cohort, suggesting localized health challenges. Median home values of $174,500 represent the highest here, stretching affordability despite tax advantages.

Best for high earners seeking tax shelters

Jackson County suits higher-income families and professionals seeking exceptional tax breaks and solid earning potential, willing to accept higher housing costs for the savings elsewhere. The favorable income-to-cost ratio makes it attractive to those with established careers.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89Cost78.1SafetyComing SoonHealth66.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.2Risk47.1WaterComing Soon
🏛89
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡47.1
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

Barbour County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,290
Marengo County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,205
Clark County
Arkansas
71.3
Median income: $50,985
Jefferson County
Florida
71.3
Median income: $56,984
Lafayette County
Florida
71.3
Median income: $60,692

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 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

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

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

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.