CountyScore

Jackson County

Kansas · KS

#25 in Kansas
69.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Kansas

Strong performance above national standard

Jackson County's composite score of 68.2 significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This reflects well-rounded strengths across taxes, housing, and incomes.

Among Kansas' top-performing counties

With a score of 68.2, Jackson ranks third among the eight profiled Kansas counties and above the state average of 66.0. The county demonstrates solid livability across its measured dimensions.

Strong tax advantage and balanced economy

Jackson boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 1.190% and a tax score of 68.8, among the best in this profile. The county also delivers respectable median household income of $72,703 and moderate housing costs, creating genuine economic balance.

Income scores still modest by comparison

While Jackson's income score of 30.8 is above some peers, it remains modest overall, suggesting limited high-wage opportunities. Data gaps on safety, schools, health, and water quality prevent a complete livability assessment.

Ideal for tax-conscious middle-class families

Jackson suits families seeking a tax-friendly base with reasonable housing costs and middle-class wages. The county's strong tax position and balanced cost-income profile make it particularly attractive to those prioritizing financial stability over big-city amenities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax68.8Cost77.1SafetyComing SoonHealth71.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.8Risk78.5WaterComing Soon
🏛68.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡78.5
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

Cullman County
Alabama
69.9
Median income: $60,916
Union County
Arkansas
69.9
Median income: $50,221
Fannin County
Georgia
69.9
Median income: $58,073
Cheyenne County
Kansas
69.9
Median income: $55,765
Estill County
Kentucky
69.9
Median income: $43,905

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 offers Kansas's lowest tax rate overall

Jackson County's effective tax rate of 1.190% ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. counties—a genuinely rare advantage for property owners. The median property tax of $2,304 sits 14% below the national median of $2,690, despite homes valued near the national average at $193,600.

Jackson ranks first in Kansas for low rates

At 1.190%, Jackson holds the lowest effective tax rate in Kansas, substantially undercutting the state average of 1.549%. This 23% advantage over the state norm makes Jackson one of the most tax-efficient counties in the region.

Jackson vastly outperforms regional peers

Jackson's 1.190% rate is dramatically lower than Jefferson County (1.276%), Jewell County (1.968%), and Haskell County (1.438%), establishing it as the region's clear winner for property tax affordability. A Jackson homeowner saves roughly $700 annually compared to a Jewell County resident with an equivalent home value.

Jackson homeowners enjoy lowest tax bills

A median-value home in Jackson County valued at $193,600 carries an estimated annual property tax of just $2,304. This modest bill for a fairly valuable property reflects Jackson's exceptional tax advantage.

Even low-tax Jackson residents can appeal

Don't assume your assessment is fair just because Jackson's rates are low—assessors in all counties make mistakes. If your home's assessed value seems out of line with comparable properties, request a review at no cost; it's an easy way to improve an already excellent tax situation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson offers solid national affordability

Jackson County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national average, offering reasonable housing affordability for renters earning $72,703 median household income. At $856 monthly, rents remain accessible compared to national trends, though homeownership costs are notably higher.

Slightly above Kansas average for renters

Jackson County ranks near the middle of Kansas counties for affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% compared to the state average of 14.7%. This positions it as a balanced market—not the most affordable, but reasonable for families seeking Kansas housing.

Mid-range costs in the region

Jackson's $856 monthly rent sits between Jefferson County's $844 and Kearny County's $1,137, reflecting a moderate rental market. Home values at $193,600 are higher than western county neighbors but lower than Jefferson County's $200,800, indicating Jackson attracts mid-market homebuyers.

Homeownership premium in Jackson

Renters spend 14.1% of their income on housing, but homeowners commit 17.2% to monthly ownership costs of $1,042, suggesting a steeper jump to homeownership here. This disparity reflects median home values of $193,600, making Jackson attractive for renters but requiring substantial income commitment for buyers.

A reasonable choice for Kansas relocators

Jackson County suits renters and entry-level homebuyers seeking moderate affordability in central Kansas with a stable income base of $72,703. Consider Jefferson County to the south for slightly higher incomes and home values, or Haskell to the west for lower overall costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson Approaches National Average

Jackson County's median household income of $72,703 sits just 2.7% below the national median of $74,755, placing it firmly in the middle-income range nationally. This near-parity with the U.S. average is exceptional for a rural Kansas county, reflecting stable employment and economic resilience. Jackson ranks well above typical Great Plains rural counties in household earning power.

Top-Tier Kansas County

At $72,703, Jackson County exceeds Kansas's state average of $64,428 by 12.8%, ranking in the top quarter of Kansas counties by income. This strong regional performance reflects economic diversification and competitive wages across sectors. Jackson stands among Kansas's most prosperous rural counties.

Strong Regional Performance

Jackson County's $72,703 median income exceeds Haskell County ($69,138), Hodgeman County ($63,125), Kingman County ($59,819), and Jewell County ($52,344), trailing only Jefferson County ($77,393). This leadership position suggests Jackson has captured regional job growth and retained skilled workers. Jackson is a relative economic anchor in its peer group.

Excellent Housing Affordability

Jackson's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio reflects strong housing affordability, well below the 30% burden threshold and indicating housing costs consume a manageable share of income. A median home value of $193,600 represents 2.7 years of median household income, making homeownership accessible to most working families. This balance enables long-term wealth building through home equity.

Invest in Your Future Aggressively

Jackson County households earning near national averages have real capacity to maximize retirement contributions and diversify into taxable investment accounts. Starting a systematic investment plan now—even $100–200 monthly in index funds—compounds significantly over decades. Jackson's income and affordability create ideal conditions for long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson matches national standards

Jackson County's 75.4-year life expectancy aligns with the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing it among healthier American communities. With 14.8% reporting poor or fair health and solid provider access across both primary care (68 per 100K) and mental health (60 per 100K), the county maintains balanced health infrastructure. Still, a one-in-ten uninsured rate leaves room for improvement.

Right at Kansas's midline

Jackson County's 75.4-year life expectancy exactly matches the Kansas state average, placing it squarely in the middle of health outcomes statewide. Its 14.8% poor/fair health rate aligns with state norms, and 10.3% uninsured—just below the 11.5% state average—suggests reasonable healthcare access. Jackson represents a stable, average Kansas health profile.

Solid performer in its region

Jackson County's 75.4-year life expectancy edges out Hodgeman County (72.1 years) by over three years, though it trails Haskell County (78.9 years) by 3.5 years. Its 14.8% poor/fair health rate sits between Hodgeman's 14.7% and Haskell's 19.6%, marking it as a regional middle ground. With 68 primary care and 60 mental health providers per 100K, Jackson offers comparable access to Jackson County neighbors.

Coverage near parity, access steady

Jackson's 10.3% uninsured rate ranks slightly better than the state average of 11.5%, meaning most residents have insurance coverage. The county provides 68 primary care providers and 60 mental health providers per 100K, offering reasonable access to both acute and behavioral health services. These balanced resources support a stable, if unremarkable, health system.

Keep coverage strong and steady

Jackson County's near-average coverage is a foundation to build on, not a finish line. Visit healthcare.gov to review your current plan and explore options for better coverage, lower costs, or added benefits. Staying continuously insured ensures you catch health problems early and avoid costly gaps in care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson County's Risk: Still Below Average

Jackson County scores 21.53 on the composite risk scale, classifying it as Very Low despite exceeding some neighbors. This remains comfortably below the national average, though specific hazards deserve targeted attention.

Mid-Range Safety Among Kansas Counties

Jackson's 21.53 composite score places it below the Kansas average of 29.89, indicating better-than-average state-level protection. The county sits in the safer half of Kansas's disaster risk distribution.

More Exposed Than Western Neighbors

Jackson (21.53) carries higher risk than Haskell (15.01) but lower than Kingman (35.56) and Jefferson (19.66). Its wildfire exposure at 89.19 stands out as the county's distinguishing risk factor relative to surrounding counties.

Wildfire Risk Dominates Jackson County

Wildfire risk soars to 89.19, making it the county's overwhelming hazard concern and one of Kansas's highest wildfire exposures. Tornadoes (48.76) and floods (27.00) represent secondary but meaningful threats.

Wildfire Insurance Is Non-Negotiable

Every Jackson County homeowner must confirm wildfire coverage—this is your county's critical exposure. Establish 100+ feet of cleared defensible space if possible, ensure your roof is fire-resistant, and keep gutters vegetation-free year-round.

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.