CountyScore

Jackson County

Minnesota · MN

#10 in Minnesota
76.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Minnesota

Jackson ranks among America's most livable

Jackson County's composite score of 76.3 is 26.3 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 25% of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects exceptional affordability paired with solid health outcomes.

Minnesota's most livable county in this group

Jackson ranks highest among these eight counties with a score of 76.3, outpacing the Minnesota state average of 70.9 by more than 5 points. It's a top-tier performer within the state's strong livability landscape.

Extreme affordability sets the standard

Jackson's cost score of 83.7 is the highest in this group, with a median home value of just $145,400 and rent at only $736/month—exceptional value. Health scores of 81.6 and tax efficiency of 76.6 complete a strong affordability picture.

Income growth remains limited here

The county's income score of 29.1 reflects a median household income of $69,955, the third-lowest in this group. This limits long-term wealth-building potential despite excellent affordability.

Perfect for budget-first rural families

Jackson County is ideal for families and retirees prioritizing maximum affordability and value above all else, in a stable rural setting. The combination of lowest housing costs and strong health services makes it unbeatable for those stretching limited resources.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax76.6Cost83.7SafetyComing SoonHealth81.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.1Risk77.6WaterComing Soon
🏛76.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤81.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡77.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Jackson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Grant County
Arkansas
76.3
Median income: $72,512
Huerfano County
Colorado
76.3
Median income: $52,139
Saguache County
Colorado
76.3
Median income: $54,283
Ohio County
Indiana
76.3
Median income: $67,942
Wibaux County
Montana
76.3
Median income: $64,792

Deep Dives

Jackson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson leads in life expectancy, lags in access

Jackson residents live to 79.7 years on average—3.3 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years and 1.0 year above Minnesota's 78.7-year average. Yet 12.5% report poor or fair health and 5.5% lack insurance, with severe primary care provider shortages limiting everyday healthcare access.

Jackson ranks high on life expectancy, low on access

Jackson's 79.7-year life expectancy places it in Minnesota's top tier for longevity, yet the county has just 10 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this entire cohort. This paradox reflects strong public health outcomes masking critical access barriers.

Jackson excels in longevity but lacks primary care

Jackson's 79.7-year life expectancy is second-highest in the region, trailing only Hubbard County (80.1 years), but its 10 primary care providers per 100,000 is far below all neighbors, including Grant County (33). This gap means residents live long but struggle to access routine care.

Critical primary care shortage constrains access

Jackson has just 10 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a severe shortage—though 81 mental health providers per 100,000 offer strong behavioral health support. With 5.5% uninsured, those with coverage still face long waits and travel barriers to find a primary care physician.

Secure coverage and plan ahead.

If you're uninsured, enrolling now is critical given Jackson's provider scarcity—having coverage helps you access the limited primary care available. Visit MNsure.org by December 15th or call 1-855-366-7873 to get connected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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