countyscore
38.6
County Score
Property Tax 59.4Water Quality 56.6Income & Jobs 53.3

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Mississippi

Facing National Livability Headwinds

Jackson County’s composite score of 38.6 falls below the national median of 50.0. This reflects the complex challenges of managing a high-income but high-risk coastal area.

Lower Than the Mississippi Average

Despite its coastal prominence, the county’s 38.6 score is lower than the state average of 48.4. This suggests that while income is higher, other factors depress overall livability.

High Earnings and Clean Water

The county enjoys a strong income score of 53.3, with a median household income of $64,756. Water quality is also a highlight, scoring 56.6.

Extreme Natural Risk and High Costs

Environmental risk is a major concern with a very low score of 7.7. Housing affordability is also an issue, as the cost score of 27.9 reflects higher-than-average home values of $181,700.

Best for Coastal Professionals

Jackson County suits working professionals who prioritize higher wages and coastal access. Residents must be prepared for higher living costs and the persistent threat of natural hazards.

Score breakdown

Tax59.4Cost27.9Safety38.9Health35.5Schools34.2Income53.3Risk7.7Water56.6Weather40.9
🏛59.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡38.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧56.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱20.8
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

George County
Mississippi
40.5
Harrison County
Mississippi
30.1
Mobile County
Alabama
33
Stone County
Mississippi
38.6
Perry County
Mississippi
60.7
Greene County
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Hancock County
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Baldwin County
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48.6

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 run below national average

Jackson County's effective tax rate of 0.733% falls below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the bottom half of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,332 is about half the national median of $2,690.

Right at Mississippi's state average

Jackson County's 0.733% rate matches Mississippi's state average almost exactly at 0.743%, putting it squarely in the middle of the tax distribution statewide. This makes Jackson fairly typical among Mississippi counties.

Lower taxes than nearby Hinds County

Jackson County's 0.733% rate trails Hinds County's 0.919% by about 2 percentage points. However, Jackson's higher median home value ($181,700 vs. $151,200) results in similar absolute tax bills to neighboring counties.

Median homeowner pays $1,332 annually

On Jackson County's median home value of $181,700, homeowners pay approximately $1,332 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, this figure rises to about $1,567 when escrow is factored in.

Jackson homeowners should verify assessments

Properties assessed above fair market value cost you money year after year—contact the Jackson County assessor to review your assessment. If your home's value has declined or is overestimated, an appeal could save hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson County: higher income, higher costs

Jackson County's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Mississippi's 19.6% state average, reflecting a county where both incomes and housing costs run elevated. With median household income at $64,756—86% of the national median—and median rent at $1,087, Jackson represents Mississippi's most economically dynamic region but with correspondingly steeper housing prices.

Jackson County leads state in earnings

Jackson County's median household income of $64,756 is the highest in this comparison group and runs 34% above Mississippi's typical county. Though its 20.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 19.6%, Jackson's strong income base makes housing more sustainable than in most Mississippi counties.

Highest wages, steepest rents

Jackson County's $1,087 median rent is the highest in this region—only Hinds County ($1,032) comes close—but Jackson's median income of $64,756 dwarfs comparison counties like Hinds ($49,966) or Humphreys ($32,976). This income advantage makes Jackson's pricier housing more manageable in real terms.

Strong incomes offset elevated housing

Renters spend $1,087 monthly while homeowners face $963, with median home value at $181,700—the highest in this cluster—and median income at $64,756 annually. Housing consumes 20.1% of gross income for renters, remaining affordable despite Jackson's position as Mississippi's economic engine.

Pay more, earn more in Jackson County

Jackson County offers Mississippi's strongest job market and highest incomes at $64,756 median, though housing costs run steep with rents at $1,087 and home values averaging $181,700. This coastal county suits households prioritizing career opportunity and economic growth over rock-bottom housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson County Approaches National Average

Jackson County's median household income of $64,756 is 13% below the U.S. median of $74,755, representing Mississippi's closest approach to national income levels. The $9,999 gap reflects stronger employment opportunities tied to Pascagoula's port, shipbuilding, and military presence.

Mississippi's Top Income Earner

Jackson County leads all Mississippi counties with a median household income of $64,756, exceeding the state median of $48,514 by 33%. This outsized performance reflects coastal economic advantages, including maritime commerce, defense contracts, and tourism-related employment.

Jackson Dominates Regional Income

Jackson County's median income of $64,756 substantially exceeds all neighbors, including Itawamba County ($59,508), Jasper County ($47,157), and Hinds County ($49,966). The gap underscores Jackson's unique coastal economic base and higher-wage job availability.

Strong Financial Stability

Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% is comfortably within the affordability zone, and median home values of $181,700 reflect robust local wealth. Households here have meaningful income after housing costs, enabling savings and debt management.

Build Substantial Retirement Assets

With median household income of $64,756, Jackson County households can aggressively fund retirement and investment accounts—targeting 15–20% savings rates. Diversify across tax-advantaged accounts (401k, IRA, HSA) and taxable investments to build multi-million-dollar wealth over a working lifetime.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jackson County Stays Below National Average

Jackson County reports 1,393.0 crimes per 100,000 residents, which remains well below the national average of 2,385.5. The county holds a solid safety score of 97.8, reflecting a relatively secure environment.

Comparing Safety to State Benchmarks

While the safety score is slightly below the state average of 98.4, the crime rate is higher than the Mississippi average of 978.4. Seven agencies provide a comprehensive look at the local safety landscape.

Jackson County's Higher Regional Profile

Jackson County's crime rate is significantly higher than Hinds County's rate of 224.2. This makes it a busier area for law enforcement compared to some of its more rural neighbors.

Property Theft Drives Local Crime Numbers

Property crime sits at 1,274.7 per 100,000, while violent crime accounts for 118.3 incidents. Residents are statistically more likely to encounter theft or burglary than violent offenses.

Essential Security for Jackson County

With property crime being the primary local issue, home security systems provide essential peace of mind. Visible cameras and alarm systems are proven deterrents against property-related offenses.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson County leads Mississippi in health

At 73.5 years, Jackson County's life expectancy is the highest among these eight counties and just 2.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Only 19.4% report poor or fair health—the best rate in this group and approaching the national average.

Jackson County outpaces state on every metric

At 73.5 years, Jackson County's life expectancy beats Mississippi's 70.9-year average by nearly 3 years. The 12.5% uninsured rate is the lowest in this county set, showing strong coverage across Jackson.

Strongest provider network in region

Jackson County has 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 180 mental health providers per 100,000—robust access reflecting its more developed healthcare infrastructure. These rates support the county's best-in-group outcomes.

Coverage and access drive daily health wins

With 12.5% uninsured and nearly 1 primary care provider per 2,200 residents, Jackson County residents have real options for preventive and acute care. Strong mental health capacity at 180 per 100K means behavioral health crises have pathways to help.

Sustain Jackson's health advantage

If you're among the 12.5% uninsured in Jackson County, maintaining coverage keeps you connected to the healthcare system that delivers strong outcomes. Check marketplace and Medicaid options at healthcare.gov.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Coastal Hub of Public Education

Jackson County supports a large network of 46 schools serving approximately 22,900 students. The infrastructure includes 22 elementary schools and 11 high schools across four distinct districts.

Strong Investment and Above-Average Results

With an 88.3% graduation rate, the county outperforms both the state and national averages. Local investment is high at $6,577 per pupil, fueling a school score of 51.7 that exceeds the state average.

Major Districts on the Gulf Coast

The Jackson County School District is the largest by enrollment with 8,906 students, while the Pascagoula-Gautier District manages the most schools with 19. No charter schools are currently operating in the county.

Suburban Life and Large High Schools

Most students attend one of the 29 suburban schools, including Ocean Springs High, which is the largest at 1,899 students. The average school size is 573, reflecting the county's relatively dense population.

Discover Top Schools Near the Coast

Strong academic performance and robust funding make Jackson County a premier destination for families. Research homes in Ocean Springs or Gautier to take advantage of these highly-rated districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson County faces elevated national disaster risk

Jackson County's composite risk score of 92.33 ranks as relatively moderate nationally—81% above Mississippi's state average of 50.94. Hurricane exposure (97.79) and wildfire risk (94.15) drive this elevated profile, making the coastal county uniquely vulnerable.

Mississippi's riskiest county overall

Jackson County ranks as the highest-risk county in Mississippi for natural disasters, narrowly ahead of Hinds County. Residents face significantly greater hazard exposure than virtually any other Mississippian, requiring comprehensive disaster preparedness.

Far riskier than inland neighbors

Jackson County's score of 92.33 vastly exceeds nearby inland counties like Harrison and Pearl River, reflecting its critical coastal location. The county's exposure to Atlantic hurricanes and proximity to Gulf weather systems create hazards absent in neighboring inland communities.

Hurricanes and wildfires dominate threats

Hurricane risk of 97.79 stands as Jackson County's most severe hazard—among the highest in the nation—while wildfire risk of 94.15 creates a secondary major threat. Flood (86.83) and tornado (89.98) risks round out four serious hazards requiring distinct preparedness strategies.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Jackson County homeowners must maintain both flood insurance and windstorm coverage—critical protections standard policies frequently exclude. Review your policy annually and ensure coverage limits reflect actual rebuilding costs, not outdated valuations, given the county's exceptional hurricane exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jackson County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Coastal Living on the Gulf

Jackson County averages 66.5°F, which is significantly higher than the national median temperature. The maritime influence of the Gulf of Mexico creates a consistently warm and humid environment.

One of Mississippi's Warmest Counties

The county’s 66.5°F average outpaces the state average of 63.9°F by a wide margin. It ranks as a top-tier warm zone due to its southern coastal position.

Leading the State in Precipitation

Jackson receives a massive 67.2 inches of rain annually, far more than the state average of 59.6 inches. This makes it one of the wettest counties in the entire region.

Tropical Summers and Snowless Winters

July averages 80.8°F with high humidity, though the ocean breeze keeps extreme heat days to 60 per year. Winters are very mild at 52.2°F and snowfall is practically nonexistent at 0.1 inches.

Managing High Humidity and Rain

Residents must invest in high-capacity drainage and moisture control to manage 67.2 inches of annual rain. The mild winters require only light layers, as freezing temperatures are rare.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

Extremely Acidic Coastal Entisols

Jackson County features Entisols with a very low average pH of 4.75, making it one of the most acidic counties in the state. This level is significantly below the Mississippi average of 5.30 and nearly two points away from the national median of 6.5. This acidity is a defining trait of the local coastal ecosystem.

Dominantly Sandy Coastal Composition

The soil is 59.4% sand, the highest sand content among these counties, with only 9.1% clay. This 'Sand' dominant texture provides excellent aeration but offers very little natural structural stability. It is easy to dig but prone to shifting and rapid leaching.

Abundant Organic Matter with Low Retention

Remarkably, Jackson County has 4.05% organic matter, more than double the state average of 1.81%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is low at 0.144 in/in. This suggests that while the soil is nutrient-rich, it drains so quickly that plants may need supplemental water.

Poorly Drained with High Runoff Risk

Classified as poorly drained and part of hydrologic group D, these soils often have a high water table despite their sandy texture. This combination creates unique challenges for construction and septic systems. Large rain events may lead to surface saturation despite the high sand content.

Year-Round Growing in Zone 9a

In the warm 9a hardiness zone, Jackson County gardeners can grow almost year-round. The high organic matter is perfect for tropical ornamentals and citrus, provided you manage the extreme acidity. Start a coastal garden today and enjoy the benefits of this rich, sandy soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

Mississippi's Most Challenging Lawn Conditions

Jackson County faces a steep uphill battle with a very low lawn difficulty score of 20.8. This is far below the state average of 30.9 and the national median of 50.0. In the warm Hardiness Zone 9a, your lawn must deal with intense humidity and extremely high rainfall that few grass types can withstand without constant care.

Drenched by Record-Level Rainfall

A staggering 67.2 inches of rain falls here annually, far exceeding the ideal 30-50 inch range for most lawns. This excessive moisture, combined with 60 extreme heat days and 6,341 growing degree days, creates a prime environment for lawn diseases and fungi. You will need a strict maintenance schedule to manage the rapid, water-fueled growth.

Highly Acidic, Sandy Soil Hurdles

The soil pH is critically low at 4.75, which is well below the ideal range for healthy turf. With 59.4% sand and a poorly drained classification, your lawn may suffer from both nutrient washout and standing water. Heavy lime applications and specialized fertilizers are required to overcome these coastal soil limitations.

High Drought Frequency Despite Rains

Paradoxically, Jackson County has suffered through 21 weeks of drought over the past year. Currently, 100% of the county is considered abnormally dry, which is particularly stressful for lawns in sandy soil that doesn't hold water. During these dry periods, you must water deeply to ensure moisture reaches the roots through the sand.

Tough Grass for Coastal Living

St. Augustine grass is the best bet for this zone as it handles the coastal humidity and sandy soil better than most. Aim to plant after the last spring frost on March 8 to maximize the long growing season that lasts until late November. Be prepared for a high-maintenance journey to keep your lawn green in these extreme conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 38.6 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 Mississippi?
Jackson County ranks #68 among all counties in Mississippi 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, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Jackson County is $1,332, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 59.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, Mississippi is $64,756 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 53.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 38.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Mississippi. 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.