Jackson County

Missouri · MO

#115 in Missouri
60
County Score

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Missouri

Jackson County above but not by much

Jackson County's composite score of 64.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 28%, placing it modestly above average nationally. However, it's the lowest performer in this eight-county group, signaling economic tradeoffs compared to rural peers.

Notably below Missouri average

Jackson County scores 64.2, significantly below Missouri's state average of 74.8—a gap of 10.6 points. The county ranks last among this comparison group and trails most rural Missouri counties on livability metrics.

Highest incomes offset costs

Jackson County's income score of 27.2 is the highest in this group, with median household income of $67,178 reflecting urban economic opportunity. This earning power somewhat cushions the impact of higher housing costs.

Taxes and housing costs significantly higher

Jackson County's tax score of 70.0 (1.148% effective rate) and cost score of 69.1 are the lowest in this group, with median home values of $213,300 and rent at $1,151/month. These higher costs compress the livability advantage despite strong incomes.

Urban tradeoffs for opportunity

Jackson County suits higher-earning professionals and families prioritizing job access and urban amenities over affordability or tax minimization. The 64.2 score reflects a metro area where earning potential outweighs the burden of higher taxes and housing costs.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70Cost69.1SafetyComing SoonHealth67.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.2Risk3.5WaterComing Soon
🏛70
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠69.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼27.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
67.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
3.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

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'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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