countyscore
72.5
County Score
Health 92.8Safety 87.4Schools 78.3

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Minnesota

Elite National Performance

Jackson County earns an impressive composite score of 72.5, placing it far above the national median of 50.0. It is among the highest-performing counties for livability in the country.

Crushing the State Average

Jackson far exceeds the Minnesota state average of 55.8. Its exceptional balance of safety and affordability makes it a standout performer in the North Star State.

Superior Health and Affordability

Health (92.8) and Safety (87.4) scores are stellar. Combined with a 69.3 Cost score and $145,400 median home values, it offers one of the best value-to-quality ratios in the state.

Water Infrastructure Needs

The Water score of 34.2 is the only significant low point in the data. The Tax score of 44.2 is also moderate, though it remains competitive compared to high-tax urban centers.

Premier Destination for Families

Jackson is an elite choice for families seeking safety, good schools, and affordable housing. It offers a rare combination of security and low cost that is difficult to find elsewhere.

2040608010044.269.387.492.878.366.277.634.248Tax44.2Cost69.3Safety87.4Health92.8Schools78.3Income66.2Risk77.6Water34.2Weather4872.5/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Jackson County DNA

Coverall

How Jackson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jackson County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Health (92.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
44.2
Cost
69.3+21.299999999999997
Safety
87.4+32.400000000000006
Health
92.8+42.8
Schools
78.3+24.299999999999997
Income
66.2+15.200000000000003
Risk
77.6+30.599999999999994
Water
34.2-23.799999999999997
Weather
48-8
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Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$145,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$736/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$145,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,955/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.0

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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Nearby counties

Dickinson County
Iowa
59.1
Emmet County
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61.6
Cottonwood County
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63.2
Osceola County
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Martin County
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Nobles County
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Watonwan County
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Clay County
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59.7

Deep Dives

Jackson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jackson County

via TaxByCounty

Jackson County taxes well below average

Jackson County's effective tax rate of 0.914% ranks in the 43rd percentile nationally, placing it below the U.S. median and among the more affordable counties to own property in. The median property tax of just $1,329 is barely half the national median of $2,690, reflecting both low tax rates and modest home values ($145,400 vs. the U.S. average of $281,900).

Below Minnesota's state average

Jackson County's 0.914% effective rate is slightly below Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 87 counties. The median tax of $1,329 is among the lowest in the state, trailing Minnesota's median of $2,168 by a significant margin.

Competitive regional tax rates

Jackson County's 0.914% rate is comparable to Grant County (0.939%) and beats Houston (1.163%), Goodhue (1.064%), and Isanti (1.042%), making it one of the more affordable options in its region. It trails only Hubbard (0.816%) and Itasca (0.873%) in the broader area.

Jackson offers the lowest bills here

A median-priced home valued at just $145,400 in Jackson County results in an estimated annual property tax of only $1,329. That's roughly $111 per month—among the lowest property tax burdens in the entire state of Minnesota.

Even modest homes deserve review

Jackson County homeowners, despite modest property values, should still verify their assessments to ensure accuracy and catch any overvaluations. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is always free and could put more money back in your pocket, regardless of your home's price point.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson County leads affordability statewide

Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.6% ranks among Minnesota's best and beats the national affordability threshold of 30% decisively. The county's median rent of $736 is the state's lowest, while a median income of $69,955 remains competitive for rural areas.

Minnesota's most affordable housing market

Jackson County ranks at the very top of Minnesota's 87 counties for rental affordability, with a 12.6% rent-to-income ratio that reflects exceptional value. The county's low rents and modest incomes create an unusually sustainable housing-cost equilibrium.

Deepest discounts in southwestern Minnesota

Jackson's $736 rent is the lowest in its peer group—nearly $100 cheaper than Grant County's $779 and nearly $200 below Goodhue County's $939. Combined with reasonable incomes, Jackson delivers Minnesota's best absolute affordability.

Housing costs barely dent the budget

Renters spend just $736 while homeowners commit $760 monthly, with homes averaging only $145,400—lowest in the comparison group. Housing claims just 12.6% of the $69,955 median household income, leaving substantial room for savings.

Minnesota's most livable rural county

Jackson County offers the state's lowest rents, lowest home prices, and one of the best rent-to-income ratios—making it ideal for those prioritizing affordability and financial security. If you're relocating for cost of living, Jackson delivers unmatched value across Minnesota.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson County trails national income median

Jackson County's median household income of $69,955 falls 6.4% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county reflects income patterns in rural Minnesota's agricultural and small-town economies.

Jackson below Minnesota's state average

At $69,955, Jackson County ranks 7.7% below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, placing it in the lower-middle range of the state's 87 counties. Residents earn approximately $5,800 less annually than the statewide typical household.

Jackson income similar to regional peers

Jackson's $69,955 income compares closely to Grant County ($72,957) and Hubbard County ($70,622), but significantly trails Goodhue ($82,749) and Houston ($77,087). The $145,400 median home value is the most affordable among these comparison counties.

Jackson offers strongest rental affordability

Jackson County's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this eight-county cohort, sitting comfortably below the 15% affordability benchmark. The $145,400 median home value is exceptionally affordable, requiring just 2.1 years of gross household income.

Leverage Jackson's housing affordability

While Jackson incomes lag regional averages, the county's exceptional housing affordability—just 12.6% of income—frees capital for savings and investment. Residents should funnel housing savings into retirement accounts and education funds to build long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jackson County Among Most Secure in U.S.

Jackson County’s total crime rate of 270.3 per 100,000 is a tiny fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county an elite safety score of 99.6.

A Safety Leader in Minnesota

Jackson County ranks well among its peers, with a crime rate significantly lower than the Minnesota average of 1,123.5. It is also safer than the average Minnesota county score of 98.2.

Peer Comparisons Show Low Activity

The county's rate of 270.3 is nearly identical to Houston County (260.3) and far lower than Hubbard (1,326.9). Three reporting agencies oversee public safety for this peaceful jurisdiction.

A Stable Environment for Residents

Violent crime occurs at a low rate of 50.1 per 100,000, while property crime is also minimal at 220.2. These figures reflect a very stable environment with very few incidents reported annually.

Keeping Your Community Secure

Maintaining a secure home is easy in Jackson County with basic precautions like locking doors and windows. Small community-led efforts and neighborhood awareness go a long way in keeping these rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but Mighty School System

Jackson County operates 7 public schools across two primary districts, serving a total of 1,401 students. The landscape is streamlined, with 3 elementary, 1 middle, and 3 high schools. This small number of facilities allows for high levels of coordination and community oversight.

Exceptional Outcomes and Graduation Rates

Jackson County leads with an outstanding 95.7% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 86.6%. Despite spending slightly less than the state average at $8,106 per pupil, the county achieves a composite school score of 58.9. These numbers indicate an exceptionally high-performing educational environment.

Jackson County Central Leads

The Jackson County Central School District is the primary educator, managing 4 schools and 1,107 students. The Heron Lake-Okabena School District serves a smaller cohort of 294 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning education is deeply rooted in traditional local districts.

Small Town Classrooms and Rural Quiet

Schools are split between 4 rural locales and 3 town settings, with an average enrollment of 234 students. Riverside Elementary is the largest campus with 370 students, ensuring every child is known by name. This environment fosters a high degree of teacher-student interaction across all grade levels.

Top-Tier Education for Your Children

If graduation rates and academic scores are your top priority, Jackson County is one of the best choices in Minnesota. The intimate school sizes and exceptional 95.7% graduation rate make it a standout for home-buying families. Focus your home search near Jackson for the best access to these top-performing local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson County rates well below national average

With a composite risk score of 22.42, Jackson County ranks as very low risk—substantially below the national average—placing residents in one of America's safer disaster zones. This favorable profile reflects southwestern Minnesota's moderate hazard environment.

Well-protected compared to Minnesota baseline

Jackson County's 22.42 score sits notably below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, ranking among the state's safest counties. Residents enjoy significantly reduced natural disaster exposure compared to most Minnesota peers.

Safest area among southwest Minnesota counties

Jackson's 22.42 is lower than Goodhue County (43.32) and Houston County (29.52), positioning it among the region's most protected. This advantageous position reflects southwestern Minnesota's generally moderate risk landscape.

Tornadoes and flooding warrant preparedness

Tornadoes represent Jackson County's primary hazard at 41.48, a typical exposure level for southern Minnesota. Flooding ranks second at 33.24, making spring storms and heavy rainfall the seasons requiring active weather monitoring and family preparation.

Standard coverage provides solid protection

Homeowners should maintain comprehensive coverage including tornado, hail, and windstorm protection, then evaluate flood insurance based on local topography and stream proximity. Update your policy annually and consider a safe room or basement shelter for enhanced family safety during spring tornado season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Jackson County

via WaterByCounty

Jackson County Receives Failing Compliance Grade

Jackson County earns an F grade for drinking water quality due to 3 health violations over the last five years. The violation rate of 49.4 per 100,000 residents exceeds the Minnesota state average of 32.5. These results indicate significant challenges in maintaining federal health standards for the public water supply.

Watershed Health Remains Within Standards

Despite drinking water issues, 100% of assessed water bodies in Jackson County met standards during the 2022 cycle. The 0.0% impairment rate is better than the state average of 1.5% for water bodies failing Clean Water Act standards. This suggests that while tap water faces hurdles, assessed surface waters are currently healthy.

Targeted Monitoring Focuses on Pesticides

Jackson County operates 25 monitoring sites that have recorded 7,237 measurements over the past five years. Data collection primarily targets organics, pesticides, and physical characteristics. This monitoring footprint is essential for tracking how agricultural land use impacts the local water table.

Des Moines River Above Typical Flow

The Des Moines River at Jackson is currently flowing at 547 cubic feet per second. This discharge represents 114% of the long-term mean, indicating robust water levels in the local watershed. This gauge covers a drainage area of 1,250 square miles.

Address Drinking Water Safety Concerns

Because the county has an F grade, residents should check with local utilities for the latest compliance updates and consider water testing. While the Des Moines River shows healthy flow at 114%, the gap between surface water health and tap water compliance is notable. Pay close attention to pesticide monitoring results given the local data focus.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jackson County

via WeatherByCounty

A Windy Continental Climate

Jackson County averages 44.0°F, which is roughly 10 degrees cooler than the national median. This southwestern region features open landscapes prone to dramatic temperature swings.

Warmer than the North

The county is slightly warmer than the state average of 42.8°F. Its annual precipitation of 30.5 inches is almost identical to the 30.0-inch Minnesota state average.

Hotter Summers than the North

Jackson is much warmer than Hubbard to the north and experiences 8 extreme heat days. This is more than many northern and central counties but fewer than the metro area.

Cold Winters and Fair Precipitation

Residents face cold winters with a 13.4°F January average and 48.5 inches of snow. July stays warm at 70.9°F, providing a productive but relatively short growing season.

Protect Against the Wind

Wind protection and insulation are vital for homes given the flat, open terrain. Residents should prepare for nearly 50 inches of snow and a handful of 90-degree summer days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

Rich, Slightly Alkaline Southern Soil

Jackson County features a pH of 6.82, making it slightly more alkaline than both the national median and the state average. With a high soil score of 75.2, this land is among the most productive in the region.

Heavier Soil with Significant Clay

The soil here has a relatively high clay content of 25.6%, which provides excellent structural support for plants. Balanced with 33.9% sand and 38.1% silt, it is a robust mixture that holds onto nutrients very well.

Excellent Fertility for Field Crops

Organic matter is strong at 6.56%, triple the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.192 in/in is nearly on par with the state average, providing a reliable water source for deep-rooted crops.

Solid Moisture Retention and Structure

The 25.6% clay content means this soil drains more slowly than sandier northern counties. This slow drainage keeps the soil hydrated and prevents the essential nutrients from washing away during heavy Minnesota storms.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 5a

Jackson County's Zone 5a climate is ideal for high-yield soy, corn, and large vegetable gardens. Take advantage of the nutrient-dense clay and start a vegetable patch that will thrive in this southern sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Growing Conditions in Jackson

Jackson County offers a favorable lawn difficulty score of 70.4, beating both the state and national averages. As a Zone 5a region, it enjoys a slightly longer and warmer growing season than northern Minnesota. This makes the county a strong environment for establishing and maintaining a traditional lush lawn.

Balanced Rain and Summer Heat

The county receives 30.5 inches of annual precipitation, aligning perfectly with the Minnesota state average. With 2,487 growing degree days and 8 days of extreme heat, the climate supports steady growth without the stress of constant scorching temperatures. This balance allows for a predictable mowing schedule throughout the 70.9°F average July season.

Excellent Soil for Water Retention

Jackson County has a higher clay content of 25.6%, which is excellent for holding moisture and nutrients in the soil. The pH of 6.82 is almost perfectly centered in the ideal range for grass, ensuring maximum efficiency from your fertilizer. This soil profile is generally much more forgiving than the sandy soils found further north.

Recent Dry Spells Require Attention

Despite having only 7 weeks of drought last year, the county is currently 100.0% abnormally dry. This current dry status means homeowners should be proactive with watering to prevent their lawns from entering early dormancy. The higher clay content will help the lawn bounce back quickly once normal rainfall patterns return.

May Start for Zone 5a Lawns

Plan to begin your lawn work after the last spring frost on May 2 to ensure tender new shoots survive. You have until the first frost on October 2 to finish your fall maintenance and overseeding. Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are top performers in this climate, benefiting from the county's nutrient-rich, clay-based soil.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 72.5 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 Minnesota?
Jackson County ranks #4 among all counties in Minnesota 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, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Jackson County is $1,329, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 44.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, Minnesota is $69,955 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 66.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 72.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Minnesota. 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

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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.