countyscore
35.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 75Soil Quality 72.9

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Missouri

The High Price of Urban Living

Jackson County carries a composite score of 35.7, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This puts it in the bottom 20% of counties nationwide, primarily due to high costs and environmental risks. It reflects the trade-offs often found in major metropolitan areas.

Trailing the State Average

The county's score of 35.7 sits far below the Missouri state average of 50.3. While it serves as the state's economic engine, its low score highlights the high tax and cost burden compared to rural counties. It ranks near the bottom of the state for overall livability metrics.

Strong Incomes and Excellent Water

Jackson County offers the highest incomes in this set, with a median household income of $67,178. It also features superior infrastructure, earning an impressive Water Score of 86.0. These urban amenities attract a professional workforce that values modern services.

High Costs and Environmental Risk

The county struggles with an extremely low Risk Score of 3.5, indicating high vulnerability to various hazards. Financial pressures are also heavy, with a Cost Score of 18.1 and a Tax Score of 28.3 due to a 1.148% tax rate. Median rent is the highest in the group at $1,151.

Best for High-Earning Urbanites

Jackson County is designed for professionals and city-lovers who prioritize high-quality infrastructure and career opportunities. While the cost of living and taxes are high, the access to premium water and high-paying jobs is a significant draw. It is less suited for those seeking a quiet or low-cost lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax28.3Cost18.1Safety39.4Health47.9Schools36Income59.5Risk3.5Water86Weather54.7
🏛28.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠18.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡39.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤47.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨72.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75
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

Clay County
Missouri
45.5
Wyandotte County
Kansas
37.4
Ray County
Missouri
42.2
Johnson County
Kansas
42
Lafayette County
Missouri
56.2
Platte County
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45.2
Cass County
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Leavenworth County
Kansas
39.9

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 County's taxes run high

At 1.148%, Jackson County's effective rate significantly exceeds the national median of 0.94%, placing it in roughly the 75th percentile nationally. Residents pay $2,448 annually on a median home valued at $213,300—nearly matching the national median property tax of $2,690.

Missouri's highest-taxing county

Jackson County's 1.148% effective rate substantially exceeds Missouri's state average of 0.733%, making it the most heavily taxed county in the state by far. The median tax of $2,448 runs more than double the state median of $1,199, reflecting both higher assessments and higher home values.

Tax burden far exceeds peers

Jackson County's 1.148% rate dwarfs all neighboring counties—Harrison (0.824%), Henry (0.801%), Howard (0.869%), and Howell (0.554%) are all substantially lower. Jackson's tax burden is the exception in Missouri, closer to national levels than to regional norms.

Jackson County homeowner costs

On a median home value of $213,300, Jackson County's 1.148% rate produces an annual tax of roughly $2,448, or about $204 per month. With mortgage-related assessments, the bill can reach approximately $2,574 yearly.

Jackson assessments warrant review

Given Jackson County's exceptionally high tax rate, homeowners should carefully review their property assessments to ensure they reflect fair market value. If your home is assessed higher than comparable recent sales in your neighborhood, filing an appeal could substantially reduce your tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson's rents far exceed norms

Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% significantly exceeds national affordability benchmarks, signaling serious housing strain for renters. With monthly rents of $1,151 on a median household income of $67,178, renters here dedicate one-fifth of earnings to housing alone.

Missouri's most expensive county

At 20.6%, Jackson County's rent burden towers above Missouri's state average of 15.6%, making it the state's least affordable region for renters. Its median rent of $1,151 nearly reaches double the state median of $768, reflecting significant urban housing demand.

Premium pricing, premium location

Jackson County's $1,151 rent dwarfs all regional peers—roughly 50% higher than Henry ($740) and nearly double Hickory ($699)—reflecting Kansas City's metropolitan pull. Its median home value of $213,300 aligns with major urban markets, far exceeding smaller county baselines.

Metropolitan costs strain budgets

Renters spend $1,151 monthly while owners invest $1,201 against a median household income of $67,178. This means renters dedicate 20.6% of earnings to housing—dangerously close to the 30% threshold where affordability crisis begins—while owners commit 21.4%.

Jackson demands solid income

Relocating to Jackson County requires above-median household income to maintain financial stability—renters here face near-critical affordability pressure. If your salary exceeds $75,000 and you value urban amenities, Jackson's metropolitan advantages justify housing costs; otherwise, surrounding counties offer dramatic savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson County tops regional income

Jackson County's median household income of $67,178 closes to 10.1% below the national median of $74,755—the smallest gap among these eight counties. This reflects Jackson's status as Missouri's most economically robust county in this sample.

Significantly above state average

At $67,178, Jackson County exceeds Missouri's state average of $59,503 by 12.8%, indicating economic strength well above typical state conditions. The county ranks in Missouri's upper tier by income.

Clear economic leader in cohort

Jackson County's $67,178 income decisively outpaces all seven peer counties, leading by $4,550 over Howard County ($62,628). This income advantage reflects Jackson's larger, more diversified economy centered on Kansas City.

Housing costs rise with prosperity

Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% is the highest in this group, reflecting elevated home values of $213,300. While housing costs consume more income, absolute earning power keeps affordability manageable.

Invest for long-term prosperity

Jackson County's per capita income of $38,344—highest in this sample—creates substantial capacity for wealth-building. Households should prioritize retirement savings, real estate investment, and diversified portfolios to build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jackson County Safety in Perspective

Jackson County maintains a safety score of 97.8, performing better than the state average. Its total crime rate of 1376.7 per 100K is roughly 42% lower than the national average.

Outperforming the Missouri Average

The county stays ahead of Missouri’s average safety score of 97.0. Seventeen reporting agencies coordinate to manage public safety across this high-activity county.

Safely Positioned Relative to the State

Jackson County’s crime rate of 1376.7 per 100K is lower than the Missouri state average of 1926.2. It offers a relatively high level of security compared to other large counties.

Lower Violent Crime Than National Trends

Violent crime is low at 186.9 per 100K, which is about half the national average. Property crime at 1189.8 per 100K is also well below the national mark of 2,015.7.

Stay Vigilant Against Property Crime

Because property crime accounts for most local reports, homeowners should invest in monitored security systems. Visible cameras and smart locks serve as effective deterrents against opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson County near national health average

At 74.8 years, Jackson County residents live just 1.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The 17.6% poor/fair health rate is notably better than the national average, suggesting solid overall wellness.

Above Missouri's average on all fronts

Jackson County's 74.8-year life expectancy exceeds Missouri's state average of 74.3 years by 0.5 years. Its 11.1% uninsured rate also beats the state average of 12.5%.

Strong health among region's diverse counties

Jackson County's 74.8-year life expectancy ranks solidly in the middle-to-upper range of these eight counties. Its 84 primary care providers and 310 mental health providers per 100K lead the region in healthcare infrastructure.

Robust healthcare access and coverage

Jackson County residents enjoy the region's strongest healthcare infrastructure: 84 primary care providers and 310 mental health providers per 100K. At 11.1% uninsured, the county's coverage rate is among the best, enabling equitable access to care.

Keep Jackson County's coverage rate strong

With 88.9% of residents insured, Jackson County leads the region in healthcare coverage. If you're among the 11.1% without insurance, visit healthcare.gov to access coverage options in your area.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Missouri's Diverse and Expansive Education Hub

Jackson County operates a massive network of 240 public schools, serving 106,117 students across 32 districts. This robust infrastructure includes 132 elementary schools and a wide array of middle, high, and alternative campuses.

Competitive Spending and National Success

The county maintains an 88.2% graduation rate, which sits above the national average of 87.0%. Educational investment is healthy at $6,741 per pupil, exceeding the state average and fueling its 240 diverse schools.

A Leader in Charter and District Choice

Lee's Summit R-VII is the largest district with 17,775 students, followed closely by Kansas City 33. The county also features 43 charter schools, representing nearly 18% of all schools and providing families with significant educational choice.

From Big-City Campuses to Quiet Suburbs

The county offers 109 city schools and 100 suburban campuses, with an average enrollment of 476 students. Massive facilities like Blue Springs High serve over 2,300 students, offering vast extracurricular and academic opportunities.

Endless Opportunities for Homebuyers

Jackson County offers an unparalleled variety of school settings, from innovative urban charters to top-rated suburban districts like Lee's Summit and Blue Springs. Whatever your family's needs, you can find a home near a school that fits.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson County faces highest national risk

Jackson County's composite risk score of 96.50 places it in the Relatively High category and far exceeds the national average. Your county ranks among America's most natural disaster-exposed communities, with exceptional vulnerability to multiple hazard types.

Missouri's riskiest county

At 96.50, Jackson County scores 191% of Missouri's statewide average of 50.56, ranking it as the state's single most disaster-exposed county. This extraordinary score reflects vulnerability across nearly every natural hazard category.

Far riskier than all nearby counties

Jackson County's 96.50 score dwarfs Howell County (77.77) and Iron County (69.50), making it vastly more hazard-exposed than any regional peer. Your county's risk profile stands apart statewide and nationally.

Tornado and flood threats extreme

Tornado risk reaches an extraordinary 99.46—among the highest in America—while flood risk scores 96.50, making Jackson County exceptionally vulnerable to both hazards. Earthquake risk (82.16) and wildfire risk (49.17) add additional complexity to an already severe threat environment.

Comprehensive protection non-negotiable

Jackson County residents must secure flood insurance immediately, as standard homeowner's policies exclude flood damage, and verify windstorm coverage for tornado protection. Develop a detailed family evacuation plan, identify or construct a reinforced safe room, and maintain emergency supplies for extended displacement.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jackson County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced Continental Climate in Jackson

Jackson County averages 54.2°F annually, aligning closely with the national median for temperate regions. The area experiences four distinct seasons with a healthy 42.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Reflecting Missouri's Central Climate Standards

Jackson County sits just below the Missouri state average temperature of 54.9°F. Its precipitation levels are also slightly lower than the state average, falling short of the 43.8-inch benchmark by about an inch and a half.

Consistent Weather Across the Metro

Jackson County shares nearly identical summer averages with Johnson County at 75.7°F. While its 10.9 inches of snow is standard for the region, it is slightly less than the 11.9 inches seen just to the east.

Thirty Days of Peak Summer Heat

The county experiences 33 days of extreme heat above 90°F, primarily during the 77.6°F average of July. Winters are cold but manageable, with a seasonal average of 31.6°F and roughly 11 inches of snow.

Prepare for Urban Summer Extremes

With over a month of 90-degree days, urban cooling and hydration are critical for Jackson County residents. Winter preparations should include reliable snow removal equipment for the 10.9-inch average snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Urban and Rural Soils

Jackson County maintains an average pH of 6.43, which is very close to the national median of 6.5. This is notably higher than the Missouri average of 6.09, offering a neutral foundation that most plants prefer. Data on taxonomic order and dominant texture is not currently available for this metropolitan region.

Silt-Heavy Mix with Minimal Sand

The soil composition is dominated by 64.3% silt and 24.2% clay, with just 10.8% sand. This fine-textured mix is excellent for retaining nutrients but can become slick and heavy when wet. The low sand content means these soils are less prone to drying out but require care to avoid compaction in high-traffic areas.

High Water Capacity for Steady Growth

Jackson County features a strong Available Water Capacity of 0.198 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.183 in/in. Organic matter sits at 2.52%, which is above the national average of 2.0% but lower than the Missouri state average of 4.74%. This soil provides a reliable reservoir for water, supporting healthy lawns and crops alike.

Localized Drainage Knowledge is Key

There is currently no dominant drainage class or hydrologic group data available for Jackson County. Given the high silt and clay content, water likely moves slowly through the soil profile in many areas. Urban gardeners and developers should perform site-specific drainage tests to ensure proper water flow.

Prime Growing in the KC Metro

In Hardiness Zone 6b, Jackson County is perfect for a diverse range of flowers, vegetables, and ornamental shrubs. A strong soil score of 72.9 indicates high potential for both home gardens and urban agriculture. Get growing in Kansas City today and take advantage of this well-balanced soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

A Strong Outlook for Kansas City Lawns

Jackson County earns a respectable lawn difficulty score of 75.0, well above the Missouri average of 63.7. The zone 6b climate provides a reliable environment for maintaining attractive residential landscapes with standard care.

Solid Rain and Moderate Heat

The county averages 42.3 inches of rain annually, nearly hitting the Missouri average of 43.7. With 33 days of extreme heat, your lawn faces slightly less heat stress than the state average, supported by 3902 growing degree days.

High-Clay Soils Require Aeration

The soil pH of 6.43 is in the ideal range for grass health, but the 24.2% clay content can lead to compaction. Regular aeration is recommended for these urban and suburban soils to ensure oxygen and water reach the roots.

Moderate Drought and Current Dryness

Jackson County experienced 18 weeks of drought last year, which is manageable with a smart irrigation plan. All of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, so keep an eye on soil moisture during the transition into summer.

Spring Kickoff in Mid-April

After the last frost on April 10, conditions are prime for seeding cool-season grasses. The 3902 growing degree days allow for a robust growing season that stretches until the first frosts arrive in late October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, Missouri has a composite county score of 35.7 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 Missouri?
Jackson County ranks #109 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Jackson County is $2,448, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 28.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, Missouri is $67,178 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 59.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, Missouri a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 35.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #109 in Missouri. 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.