countyscore
62.7
County Score
Cost of Living 83.4Safety 80.2Disaster Risk 75.9

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Kentucky

Jackson County Ranks High Nationally

Jackson County achieves an impressive composite score of 62.7, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This score highlights a county that punches well above its weight in several categories.

A High-Performing Kentucky County

Exceeding the state average of 58.6, Jackson County ranks as a top-tier choice within Kentucky. Its high composite score makes it a standout performer in the region's rural landscape.

Maximum Affordability and High Safety

The county shines with a cost score of 83.4 and a safety score of 80.2. Residents also enjoy a low tax burden with a tax score of 70.0 and an effective tax rate of just 0.638%.

Significant Income and Health Gaps

The income score is critically low at 3.7, with a median household income of $41,410. Health and water scores also remain low at 27.9 and 33.0, suggesting a need for more comprehensive infrastructure.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

Jackson County is a dream for those with external income who want to maximize their purchasing power in a safe area. It offers unparalleled cost savings for residents who don't rely on the local job market.

204060801007083.480.227.959.63.775.93371.3Tax70Cost83.4Safety80.2Health27.9Schools59.6Income3.7Risk75.9Water33Weather71.362.7/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Jackson County DNA

Doverall

How Jackson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jackson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (83.4/100) but notably weak in Income (3.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
70+18
Cost
83.4+35.400000000000006
Safety
80.2+25.200000000000003
Health
27.9-22.1
Schools
59.6
Income
3.7-47.3
Risk
75.9+28.900000000000006
Water
33-25
Weather
71.3+15.299999999999997
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Think property taxes are too high in Jackson County?

Many homeowners in Jackson County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$107,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$758/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$107,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $41,410/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Mercer County
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Edmunds County
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Barbour County
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Randolph County
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Nearby counties

Rockcastle County
Kentucky
72.7
Owsley County
Kentucky
68.8
Lee County
Kentucky
61.7
Estill County
Kentucky
58.7
Laurel County
Kentucky
51.1
Clay County
Kentucky
56.3
Madison County
Kentucky
47.6
Powell County
Kentucky
60.1

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 has the lowest tax rate here

At 0.638%, Jackson County boasts the lowest effective property tax rate among these eight counties, and well below the national average near 0.88%. The median property tax of $683 is just 25% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both the low rate and Jackson's modest median home value of $107,000.

Kentucky's most tax-friendly county profiled

Jackson's 0.638% effective rate is notably below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, and its median property tax of $683 is the lowest among these eight counties. Jackson ranks among Kentucky's most affordable counties for property taxes.

Clear winner for lowest tax burden

Jackson's 0.638% rate is substantially lower than all neighboring counties: Harrison (0.679%), Hart (0.750%), Henry (0.821%), and others profiled. For tax-conscious homebuyers, Jackson stands out in the region.

Cheapest annual tax bill in comparison

A median Jackson County home valued at $107,000 generates just $683 in annual property tax—the lowest among these eight counties. Homeowners with mortgages pay $902 per year; those without mortgages pay only $559.

Even low rates deserve a review

Even in Jackson County's low-tax environment, homeowners should verify their assessed values against comparable local sales. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor is worthwhile if you believe your property is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson County faces severe affordability crisis

Renters in Jackson County spend 22.0% of income on housing—the highest among these eight counties and far above Kentucky's 17.0% state average and national norms. Median household income of just $41,410 ranks lowest in this group and 45% below the national median, making housing genuinely unaffordable for most residents.

Among Kentucky's least affordable counties

Jackson County's 22.0% rent-to-income ratio places it in the bottom 10% of Kentucky counties—a severe affordability challenge. The combination of very low income and relatively high rents creates a crisis situation for renters.

Lowest income, highest rent burden

Jackson County's $758 rent is mid-range regionally, but on the region's lowest median income of $41,410, it creates the highest percentage burden. Compared to Hickman County's 13.5% burden, Jackson's 22% represents a fundamentally different housing crisis.

Housing costs overwhelm household budgets

Renters spend $758 monthly on a $41,410 annual income, consuming 22% of gross earnings—well above safe limits. Homeowners fare better at $514 monthly (roughly 15%), suggesting ownership is critical for those who can achieve it.

Jackson County requires caution and support

Jackson County's affordability crisis means relocation here requires either secured higher income or substantial savings reserves. If considering Jackson, understand that housing will consume a significant portion of your budget—plan accordingly and explore local assistance programs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson County faces income challenges

Jackson County's median household income of $41,410 trails the national median of $74,755 by about 45%, making it one of the lowest-earning counties nationwide. The per capita income of $22,069 runs significantly below state and national averages.

Lowest-earning Kentucky county

Jackson County households earn $41,410, about 26% less than Kentucky's state average of $55,909. The county ranks among the lowest in the state by median household income.

Jackson trails all county peers

Jackson County's $41,410 median income significantly lags all neighboring counties, from Hart ($49,653) to Jefferson ($67,849). The county faces distinct economic challenges compared to its region.

Housing crisis for Jackson households

At 22% of median income, Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio critically exceeds the 30% danger threshold, signaling serious affordability problems. Housing insecurity directly impacts the ability to save and invest for future wealth.

Seek support and skill-building programs

Jackson County residents should explore local workforce development programs, apprenticeships, and vocational training to increase earning potential. Many nonprofits and government agencies offer free financial counseling and matched savings programs specifically for lower-income households.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jackson County Beats National Crime Rates

Jackson County maintains a high safety score of 99.3, outclassing the national average for security. Its total crime rate of 469.1 per 100K is about 20% of the national average.

Better Than State Average Safety

Jackson's total crime rate of 469.1 is much lower than the state average of 786.2. This earns the county a safety score that is half a point higher than the Kentucky average.

Quiet Performance Among Neighbors

Jackson is safer than many of its neighbors, reporting a total crime rate that is nearly half the state average. Two agencies monitor this community to ensure it remains a low-crime area.

Violent Incidents Remain Infrequent

Violent crime is infrequent at 46.1 per 100K, which is well below the national 369.8 rate. Property crime accounts for the remaining 423.0 incidents per 100K residents.

Community Awareness Boosts Safety

Safety is a shared responsibility in Jackson County. Keeping your property well-lit and participating in local watch programs helps preserve the county's excellent safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Navigating the Jackson County School Landscape

Jackson County supports 2,053 students through a network of 9 public schools, including three elementary and four high school facilities. A single district manages this system, which also includes two middle schools and three alternative education centers. This configuration ensures that students have access to various learning pathways within a unified rural district.

High Performance with Above-Average Funding

Jackson County achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, well above the national benchmark of 87.0%. The county's school score of 55.7 exceeds the Kentucky state average of 55.3, reflecting strong academic health. This performance is backed by a per-pupil investment of $7,515, which is higher than the state average of $6,894.

Jackson County District Overview

The Jackson County district manages eight of the county's schools and the entire enrollment of 2,053 students. There are no charter schools in the area, allowing the district to focus all public resources on its traditional campuses. This unified administration facilitates consistent curriculum standards across the county's rural schools.

Exclusively Rural, Community-Focused Schools

Every public school in Jackson County is situated in a rural locale, fostering a small-town learning environment. Jackson County High School is the largest facility with 546 students, while Sand Gap Elementary offers a smaller setting of 258 students. The average school size of 257 students is significantly lower than many neighboring counties, allowing for high levels of personal attention.

Home Search Near Jackson County Schools

For families seeking small school sizes and high graduation rates, Jackson County is an excellent option. Local real estate near top-performing schools like Tyner Elementary offers the benefits of a close-knit rural community. Check out our property listings to find your future home in this high-achieving district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson County ranks among safest

Jackson County's composite risk score of 24.17 earns a Very Low rating and falls well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21. The county ranks in the lower-risk tier nationally for multi-hazard exposure.

Very Low risk across the state

Jackson County's Very Low rating places it solidly in the safer half of Kentucky's 120 counties. The county's overall hazard exposure remains moderate and manageable.

Safer than most peers despite wildfire risk

Jackson County's 24.17 score ranks below Harrison (33.78), Hart (41.13), and Hickman (35.81) counties. However, the county's wildfire risk (79.83) stands out as exceptional among this group and demands attention.

Wildfire risk is distinctly elevated

Wildfire risk reaches 79.83 in Jackson County—far exceeding all peers analyzed here and reflecting the county's mountainous terrain and vegetation patterns. Tornado risk (31.81) and flood risk (42.43) remain moderate concerns.

Prioritize defensible space for wildfire

Jackson County residents, especially those in rural or forest-adjacent areas, should focus on creating defensible space by clearing brush and dead trees from around homes. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wildfire damage, but verify your policy limits and consider if you need additional coverage for high-value properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Jackson County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Frequency in Jackson County

Jackson County earns a Grade F due to 8 health violations and a rate of 53.5 per 100K people. This is significantly higher than the state average of 35.7, indicating systemic compliance issues.

Assessed Water Bodies Pass Federal Review

In the 2022 cycle, both assessed water bodies in Jackson County were found to be unimpaired. While the natural watershed meets federal standards, the drinking water system shows ongoing health violations.

Gaps in Federal Monitoring Records

There are currently no monitoring records for Jackson County in the federal Water Quality Portal for the last five years. This lack of data makes it difficult to assess the raw chemical characteristics of local water.

Real-Time Streamflow Data Missing

Jackson County does not have an active USGS streamgage to provide live discharge information. We must rely entirely on drinking water compliance and watershed assessments to understand water health.

Vigilance Needed for Drinking Water

The high violation rate of 53.5 per 100K is the most urgent signal for residents. Because federal monitoring data is also missing, independent tap water testing is highly recommended to ensure safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

Appalachian Soil Characteristics

Specific pH and taxonomic data are missing for Jackson County in this profile. Historically, these mountain-region soils are more acidic than the state average of 5.80, often requiring lime for standard vegetable gardens.

Rugged Terrain Texture

Detailed percentages for sand and silt are unavailable, but the county's topography often features rocky or sandy loams. This provides better natural drainage than the heavy clay soils found in western Kentucky.

Natural Nutrient Levels

While specific fertility numbers are limited, regional forest soils often have high surface organic matter. Aim for the state average of 3.55% organic matter to maximize the growing potential of your specific plot.

Elevated Drainage Patterns

Drainage data is not provided, but the sloped landscape of the Cumberland Plateau typically ensures water moves quickly. Be mindful of erosion control if you are gardening or building on the county's scenic hillsides.

Gardening in Zone 6b

Jackson County resides in hardiness zone 6b, which is perfect for cool-weather crops like kale and broccoli. The local climate and terrain are also well-suited for starting a native plant nursery or a mountain orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

Jackson County's Favorable Growing Environment

Jackson County is located in Hardiness Zone 6b, a region generally well-suited for traditional Kentucky lawns. Although a specific difficulty score is unavailable, the lack of extreme drought suggests a more stable environment than western Kentucky. Local growers benefit from a climate that supports a variety of cool-season grasses.

Navigating the 6b Climate

While specific local temperature and rainfall data are limited, Zone 6b typically features moderate summers and cold winters. Lawns in this zone require consistent care to manage the transition from winter dormancy to spring green-up. Without excessive heat days, grass usually maintains its color longer into the summer months.

Customizing Your Soil Strategy

Detailed soil data is not available for this county, making a DIY soil test kit a valuable tool for any homeowner. Most Kentucky soils benefit from periodic aeration to combat clay compaction and improve drainage. Ensuring your pH is near 6.5 will maximize the effectiveness of any fertilizer you apply.

Exceptional Moisture Stability

Jackson County is remarkably stable, with only 1 week of drought recorded over the past year. Current conditions show 0.0% of the area is abnormally dry, which is excellent for lawn health. This natural moisture consistency reduces the need for expensive irrigation systems and frequent watering.

Planting for the Jackson Climate

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are the premier choices for this Zone 6b territory. These grasses are durable and thrive during the long, relatively mild spring and fall seasons. Start your seeding once the ground warms in April to ensure a lush, established lawn before the summer arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 62.7 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 Kentucky?
Jackson County ranks #41 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Jackson County is $683, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 70/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, Kentucky is $41,410 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 3.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 62.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Kentucky. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.