countyscore
33.2
County Score
Lawn Care 64.6Health 64Soil Quality 63.8

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Michigan

Below the National Midpoint

Jackson County carries a 33.3 composite score, placing it well behind the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the lower third of counties nationwide for these livability metrics.

Lagging Michigan’s Average Scores

With a score of 33.3, Jackson trails the Michigan state average of 47.1 significantly. It faces steeper challenges than many of its neighboring counties in the southern tier.

Strong Health and Middle-Class Incomes

Health scores are a relative strength at 64.0. The county also maintains a decent income score of 54.6, with a median household income of $65,004.

Safety and School Performance Hurdles

Public safety is a major challenge with a score of 15.7, alongside a low school score of 22.7. These factors contribute heavily to the county's lower composite ranking.

Suited for Income-Focused Individuals

Jackson County works for those who can secure a solid local wage and value healthcare access. However, families may find the low safety and school scores to be significant drawbacks.

2040608010021.335.315.76422.751.323.552.557.6Tax21.3Cost35.3Safety15.7Health64Schools22.7Income51.3Risk23.5Water52.5Weather57.633.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Jackson County DNA

Foverall

How Jackson County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Jackson County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (15.7/100), though Health (64/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
21.3-30.7
Cost
35.3-12.700000000000003
Safety
15.7-39.3
Health
64+14
Schools
22.7-31.3
Income
51.3
Risk
23.5-23.5
Water
52.5
Weather
57.6
Sponsored

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.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$193,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$985/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$193,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,073/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.6

per 100K

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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Tunica County
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Wasco County
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Jefferson County
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San Bernardino County
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Montgomery County
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Nearby counties

Ingham County
Michigan
37.9
Hillsdale County
Michigan
44.4
Washtenaw County
Michigan
38
Eaton County
Michigan
39.5
Lenawee County
Michigan
40.8
Calhoun County
Michigan
29
Livingston County
Michigan
54.6
Clinton County
Michigan
33.7

Deep Dives

Jackson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jackson County

via TaxByCounty

Jackson's taxes slightly above national median

Jackson County's effective tax rate of 1.29% exceeds the national median of 1.10%, placing it around the 58th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,353 is 12% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting its below-average home values.

Jackson runs above Michigan's average

At 1.29%, Jackson's effective rate exceeds Michigan's statewide average of 1.17% by 10%. The median tax of $2,353 runs 12% above the state average of $2,102.

Jackson moderately taxed in south-central region

Jackson's 1.29% rate places it between Ionia County (1.17%) and Kalamazoo County (1.49%). The county maintains a moderate tax position among its southern Michigan peers.

A $182,900 home costs $2,353 annually

With a median home value of $182,900 and Jackson's 1.29% effective rate, the typical homeowner pays $2,353 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,391, adding just $38 in additional fees.

Jackson homeowners should review assessments

Many Jackson County properties are assessed above fair market value, presenting opportunities for successful tax appeals. Challenging an inflated assessment could reduce your annual tax burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson approaches national income median

Jackson County's median household income of $65,004 falls about $9,751 below the national median of $74,755, but represents solid mid-range performance. The county sits slightly above Michigan's state average of $64,304.

Jackson slightly exceeds state average

At $65,004, Jackson's median household income nudges above Michigan's state average of $64,304 by roughly $700. The county demonstrates stable economic fundamentals consistent with state-level employment patterns.

Jackson competitive in region

Jackson's $65,004 ranks above Ingham ($64,354), Kalkaska ($60,365), Iosco ($47,777), and Isabella ($53,759), but trails Ionia ($73,436) and Kalamazoo ($70,525). The county holds middle ground among surrounding communities.

Housing moderately affordable

Jackson households allocate 17.7% of income to rent, a reasonable level that allows meaningful discretionary spending. Median home values of $182,900 are accessible for qualified buyers with moderate down payments.

Build wealth through consistent investing

Jackson's stable, near-average income provides a foundation for disciplined wealth building through employer 401(k) matching and IRA contributions. Automate monthly investments to capture compound growth and reach long-term financial goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jackson County Nears National Crime Levels

Jackson County reports a safety score of 96.3, which is lower than many of its Michigan peers. The total crime rate of 2,330.1 per 100,000 residents sits just below the national average of 2,385.5. Nine reporting agencies provide coverage to manage the county's public safety needs.

Below Average Safety Within Michigan

Jackson County’s safety score of 96.3 falls below the state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 2,330.1 is significantly higher than the Michigan average of 1,371.8. This indicates that Jackson faces greater security challenges than most other Michigan counties.

Higher Crime Than Immediate Neighbors

Jackson County has a crime rate of 2,330.1, more than double the rate of nearby Ingham County at 1,001.0. It is also significantly less safe than Ionia County’s rate of 606.0. These differences suggest a more active crime environment in Jackson than in the surrounding region.

Elevated Violent and Property Crime Rates

The violent crime rate in Jackson is 433.9, which exceeds the state average of 314.8. Property crime is also high at 1,896.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. These numbers mean residents should be more aware of their surroundings and personal property.

Boost Home Security for Better Protection

Investing in a comprehensive home security system is a wise choice given the local property crime rate. Ensure all entry points are well-lit and monitored by cameras to discourage unwanted activity. Community engagement in safety programs remains vital for improving Jackson’s local security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jackson County

via WeatherByCounty

Milder winters near the southern border

Jackson County averages 48.9°F annually, trailing the national median but remaining quite warm for Michigan. It offers a more temperate climate than the state's northern reaches.

Jackson is one of Michigan's warmest

The county’s average temperature of 48.9°F is over three degrees warmer than the state average of 45.7°F. This makes it a preferred spot for those seeking Michigan life with less bite.

Drier than the southern Michigan average

Jackson receives 32.2 inches of precipitation, which is below the state average of 34.5 inches. Its July average of 71.6°F is typical for the southern tier of the state.

Consistent summers and manageable winter cold

Summer brings 8 days of extreme heat above 90°F, while winter temperatures average a manageable 27.0°F. While specific snowfall data is unavailable, the southern location generally sees less than the snow belt.

Balance heating and cooling for comfort

A balanced HVAC system is key as the county fluctuates between 71.6°F summers and 24.4°F Januaries. Because rainfall is below average, lawn irrigation might be necessary during the peak of summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

Reliable and Mildly Acidic Jackson Soils

Jackson County has a soil score of 63.8 and an average pH of 5.85, making it less acidic than much of the state. While it still sits below the national median of 6.5, it offers a versatile chemical base for various plants.

A Balanced Mix of Sand and Silt

The composition is 55.8% sand, 26.0% silt, and 11.5% clay. This moderate blend provides enough silt for nutrient retention while the sand ensures that the soil doesn't become overly heavy or compacted.

Strong Organic Levels and Solid Capacity

The 10.77% organic matter content is five times the national average, providing a healthy reservoir of nutrients. An available water capacity of 0.165 in/in means the soil holds onto moisture reasonably well during typical Michigan summers.

Steady Water Movement through the Soil

Official drainage classifications are not listed for this county, but the 55.8% sand content points toward generally reliable drainage. Builders and gardeners should find the ground manageable, though local low spots may still retain moisture.

A Versatile Garden Climate in Zone 6a

Jackson's 6a climate and balanced soil are ideal for standard garden favorites like corn, beans, and squash. It is a fantastic environment for starting a home orchard or a diverse kitchen garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Conditions in Southern Michigan

Jackson County earns a strong 64.6 lawn difficulty score, making it easier than the average Michigan county to maintain a healthy yard. Its 6a hardiness zone placement supports a wide variety of durable cool-season grasses.

Balanced Sun and Moisture

The county sees 32.2 inches of annual precipitation and 8 extreme heat days, staying very close to regional norms. With 2,767 growing degree days, there is ample energy for thick turf development throughout the spring and fall.

Slightly Acidic Sandy Base

A soil pH of 5.85 is just below the ideal threshold, meaning minor lime applications can quickly optimize the growing environment. The soil contains 55.8% sand and 11.5% clay, a mix that generally offers decent drainage with some moisture retention.

Monitoring Current Dryness

Currently, 62.1% of the county is abnormally dry after experiencing 22 weeks of drought in the last year. Focus on evening watering to minimize evaporation and help your lawn recover from these emerging dry conditions.

May Start for Best Results

Aim to start your lawn projects after the May 1 spring frost for the highest success rate. Kentucky Bluegrass blends perform exceptionally well here, especially if established before the first frost arrives on October 14.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, Michigan has a composite county score of 33.2 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 Michigan?
Jackson County ranks #77 among all counties in Michigan 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, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Jackson County is $2,432, with an effective tax rate of 1.26%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 21.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, Michigan is $66,073 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 51.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, Michigan a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 33.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #77 in Michigan. 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.