countyscore
33.3
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.

Score breakdown

Tax21.5Cost34.9Safety15.7Health64Schools22.7Income54.6Risk23.5Water52.5Weather57.6
🏛21.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤64
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓22.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡23.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧52.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱64.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Ingham County
Michigan
37.9
Hillsdale County
Michigan
45.3
Washtenaw County
Michigan
38
Eaton County
Michigan
39.7
Lenawee County
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Calhoun County
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Livingston County
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Clinton County
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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'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

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson's rents run slightly above state average

Jackson County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio sits above Michigan's 16.3% state average, though below national affordability concerns, with a $958 median rent that edges 10% above the state median of $873. The median household income of $65,004 trails the national median by 13%, creating a modest affordability gap that affects renters and buyers alike.

Jackson ranks mid-tier for housing affordability

Jackson County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly above Michigan's state average, positioning it in the middle tier of state counties for affordability. While not among the most stressed markets, Jackson residents face somewhat elevated housing cost burdens compared to state peers.

Jackson rents moderate among regional peers

Jackson's $958 median rent falls between Ionia ($840) and Kalamazoo ($1,049), with a rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% that outpaces Ionia (13.7%) but undercuts Kalamazoo (17.9%). The county occupies a middle position in the region's affordability hierarchy, offering neither the lowest costs nor the highest incomes.

Jackson splits costs between rent and mortgage

Jackson renters pay approximately $11,496 annually at $958 monthly—17.7% of a $65,004 income, while owner-occupants pay nearly identical amounts at $946 monthly for homes valued at $182,900. The rough parity between rent and ownership costs suggests a balanced, if moderately stressed, housing market.

Jackson offers middle-ground affordability

If you want to avoid the extremes of Michigan's housing markets, Jackson County provides moderate costs and median incomes aligned with many state residents. However, at 17.7%, the rent-to-income ratio suggests you'll want employment above the county median of $65,004 to comfortably absorb housing without financial strain.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson County trails national life expectancy

Jackson County residents live an average of 75.1 years, 3.8 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 18.3% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 15% by 3.3 percentage points, suggesting widespread health challenges.

Below Michigan's state average

At 75.1 years, Jackson County trails Michigan's state average of 76.3 years by 1.2 years, ranking in the lower-middle tier of Michigan's 83 counties. This gap reflects regional health disparities that require attention.

Middle-of-pack regional performance

Jackson County's 75.1-year life expectancy ties with Isabella County and falls between Iosco's 73.5 and Ingham's 75.4 years. The county's 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents represent limited access, though mental health support at 349 per 100,000 is reasonable.

Strong insurance coverage, sparse primary care

Jackson County boasts Michigan's second-lowest uninsured rate at 5.6%—only Kalamazoo beats it at 5.1%—meaning most residents can afford coverage. However, just 43 primary care doctors per 100,000 residents means significant travel distances for routine care in this industrial county.

Get covered and stay healthy

Jackson County leads the state in insurance access, but the 5.6% uninsured should close this gap immediately. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Jackson County health services to explore low-cost plans, Medicaid, and community health centers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Scale Education Network

Jackson County supports 68 public schools and 22,237 students within its 17 school districts. The system is well-distributed with 27 elementary and 27 high schools, plus 9 middle schools.

Investing in Countywide Achievement

Jackson's graduation rate is 78.0%, supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $6,966. While these figures fall below national averages, the county’s scale allows for 16 alternative schools and 3 specialized education facilities.

Public and Charter Diversity

Jackson Public Schools is the largest district with 4,486 students, followed closely by Northwest Community Schools. Five charter schools operate here, representing about 7.4% of the county's educational landscape.

From Suburbs to Rural Landscapes

The locale mix is balanced, featuring 28 rural schools and 26 suburban campuses. Most students attend schools with an average size of 359, though Jackson High School serves over 1,000 learners.

Choosing Your Ideal School Zone

With 17 districts to choose from, families can find a home that perfectly matches their educational preferences, from suburban Northwest to the urban center of Jackson. Explore the variety of alternative and traditional schools as you plan your move.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson combines moderate and high risks

Jackson County's composite risk score of 76.46 substantially exceeds Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it in the relatively low risk category despite significant exposure to specific hazards. This score reflects concentrated vulnerabilities rather than broadly distributed threats.

Above-average risk for Michigan

Jackson ranks in the higher-risk portion of Michigan counties, driven primarily by extreme tornado (93.58) and elevated flood (77.13) exposure. Only a handful of Michigan counties face comparable composite risk scores.

Jackson faces greater risks than peers

Jackson's 76.46 score exceeds neighboring Ionia County (55.85) and Isabella County (66.06), positioning it as the region's highest-risk community. The county's tornado hazard is particularly pronounced compared to surrounding areas.

Tornadoes and floods are critical threats

Jackson's tornado risk of 93.58 ranks among Michigan's highest, while flood risk of 77.13 poses serious threats to homes and infrastructure. Together, these hazards create substantial vulnerability for county residents.

Invest in flood and storm readiness

Jackson residents must obtain flood insurance immediately as a separate policy, given the county's 77.13 flood risk score and tornado risk of 93.58. Build or designate a basement safe room with reinforced walls, stock supplies, and practice tornado drills regularly.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 33.3 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 $2,353, with an effective tax rate of 1.29%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 21.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, Michigan is $65,004 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 54.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, Michigan a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 33.3/100 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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