Jackson County's composite score of 76.4 towers 53% above the national median of 50.0, ranking it among America's most livable counties by this measure. The county demonstrates exceptional strength in fundamental livability factors.
2 / 5
Kentucky's standout county
At 76.4, Jackson County outperforms Kentucky's 75.0 state average by 1.4 points, placing it among the commonwealth's top-performing counties overall. It represents the best available livability package within the state.
3 / 5
Lowest taxes and ultra-affordable housing
Jackson County boasts the dataset's lowest effective tax rate at 0.638% (tax score 84.3) and highest cost score of 87.0, with median home values of just $107,000 and rents at $758/month. These factors make it an exceptional value destination.
4 / 5
Income presents significant gap
Jackson County's income score of 10.4—the lowest in this group—reflects median household income of only $41,410, far below peers and the state average. This severe income deficit undercuts what otherwise would be a premium livability score.
5 / 5
Perfect for frugal retirees
Jackson County is ideal for retirees and remote workers with secure fixed incomes seeking maximum housing value and minimal tax burden. It's less suitable for those needing local wage employment or expecting income growth.
Jackson County's composite score of 76.4 towers 53% above the national median of 50.0, ranking it among America's most livable counties by this measure. The county demonstrates exceptional strength in fundamental livability factors.
Kentucky's standout county
At 76.4, Jackson County outperforms Kentucky's 75.0 state average by 1.4 points, placing it among the commonwealth's top-performing counties overall. It represents the best available livability package within the state.
Lowest taxes and ultra-affordable housing
Jackson County boasts the dataset's lowest effective tax rate at 0.638% (tax score 84.3) and highest cost score of 87.0, with median home values of just $107,000 and rents at $758/month. These factors make it an exceptional value destination.
Income presents significant gap
Jackson County's income score of 10.4—the lowest in this group—reflects median household income of only $41,410, far below peers and the state average. This severe income deficit undercuts what otherwise would be a premium livability score.
Perfect for frugal retirees
Jackson County is ideal for retirees and remote workers with secure fixed incomes seeking maximum housing value and minimal tax burden. It's less suitable for those needing local wage employment or expecting income growth.
Score breakdown
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🏛84.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Jackson County residents live to just 71.1 years on average—a staggering 7 years below the U.S. average of 78.1 years. Nearly three in ten people (29.5%) report poor or fair health, the highest rate in Kentucky and a clear sign of deep health disparities.
Jackson Ranks Worst in State Health
At 71.1 years, Jackson County has Kentucky's lowest life expectancy among these counties, falling below the state average of 72.2 years. Its 29.5% poor/fair health rate is the worst in the region and among Kentucky's worst overall, signaling a public health emergency.
Rural Distress Evident in All Metrics
Jackson County's 71.1-year life expectancy and 29.5% poor/fair health rate both rank worst among its peer group. With just 23 primary care providers and 31 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county faces a severe rural healthcare access crisis.
Uninsurance and Access Crisis Compounds
Jackson County's 7.5% uninsured rate exceeds Kentucky's average, and its 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in the region—means residents travel far for basic care. With only 31 mental health providers per 100,000, behavioral health needs go largely unmet.
Jackson County: Coverage Is Critical Now
Jackson County's severe health crisis makes insurance access a matter of urgency. Visit kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-4KY-ENROLL immediately—coverage protects you from financial ruin and connects you to the care your community desperately needs.
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.