Jackson County

Oklahoma · OK

#60 in Oklahoma
65.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Oklahoma

Jackson County tops the nation

Jackson County's composite score of 65.8 significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it well above the 50th percentile nationally. This resilient score reflects a county that delivers livability better than most American communities, despite modest income levels.

Slightly below Oklahoma's middle

Jackson County ranks in the lower-middle tier of Oklahoma counties with a score of 65.8 versus the state average of 68.4. Still, it remains above the national baseline, making it a competitive option within its state context.

Tax relief and affordable living

Jackson County excels in tax burden (84.5 score) with an effective rate of just 0.633%, and offers accessible housing at $865/month rent and $145,000 median home values. The county balances cost-effectiveness with reasonable health outcomes, scoring 59.5 on health measures.

Income growth and risk management

At a median household income of just $61,497, Jackson County's income score of 23.5 is notably low, suggesting limited wage growth and economic opportunity. The risk score of 14.0 also indicates challenges in resilience and stability that merit attention.

For budget-conscious, stable families

Jackson County suits families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes and rapid career advancement. This is a county for people seeking stability and cost-of-living advantages rather than wage-driven economic dynamism.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.5Cost79.9SafetyComing SoonHealth59.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.5Risk14WaterComing Soon
🏛84.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠79.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼23.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
59.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
14
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 taxes: well below national average

Jackson County's effective tax rate of 0.633% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.88%, placing it in the lower half of American counties. The median property tax here is just $918 annually—less than a third of the national median of $2,690—because homes are smaller and less expensive than the national average.

Slightly lower taxes than typical Oklahoma county

Jackson County's 0.633% effective rate ranks just below Oklahoma's state average of 0.652%, making it one of the more affordable counties in the state for property taxation. The median tax bill of $918 is slightly lower than the state median of $959, reflecting Jackson's smaller home valuations.

Competitive rates among southwestern Oklahoma peers

Jackson County's 0.633% rate falls between Kiowa County (0.573%) and Harmon County to the west, making it a moderate-tax option in the panhandle region. Compared to Kay County (0.684%) and Le Flore County (0.653%) further east, Jackson offers taxpayers a slight advantage in effective rates.

Median annual tax on Jackson County home

The typical Jackson County homeowner with a $145,000 house pays about $918 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,501 annually when including escrow costs, while those without mortgages pay $496.

Appeal your assessment if you think it's high

Many Jackson County homeowners are assessed above market value and don't realize they can appeal. If your property feels overvalued, contact the county assessor's office about a formal reassessment—thousands of Oklahomans successfully reduce their tax burden this way each year.

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson County rents vs national affordability

Jackson County residents spend 16.9% of income on rent, slightly below the national average, making it one of Oklahoma's more affordable rental markets. The median household income of $61,497 lags the national median of $74,755, but the $865 monthly rent burden remains manageable compared to higher-cost metros nationwide.

Middle of the pack in Oklahoma

Jackson County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks it better than the state average of 17.0%, placing it among the more affordable Oklahoma counties. With median rent at $865—$51 above the state average of $814—the county maintains reasonable housing costs relative to local wages.

Jackson's housing costs in regional context

Jackson County's $865 rent sits between Kingfisher County ($915) to the north and Jefferson County ($588) to the south, reflecting moderate regional variation. Owner costs of $850/month and a median home value of $145,000 position Jackson as a middle option among its Oklahoma neighbors.

How Jackson incomes meet housing needs

Renters in Jackson County pay $865/month while homeowners spend $850/month on mortgages, both drawing from a median household income of $61,497. Together, housing consumes roughly 29–33% of household budgets when both rents and mortgages are considered, leaving room for other expenses.

Considering a move to Jackson County?

Jackson County offers below-state-average rental affordability with median incomes near $62,000 and modest owner costs around $850/month. If you're relocating from a higher-cost state or county, this region rewards work-from-home professionals and retirees seeking lower housing burdens.

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson County earns above the national median

With a median household income of $61,497, Jackson County households earn about 18% less than the U.S. median of $74,755. This ranking places Jackson County in the middle range nationally, suggesting economic stability relative to many rural counties across America.

Top earner in Oklahoma's income rankings

Jackson County's median household income of $61,497 significantly exceeds Oklahoma's state average of $58,273, marking it among the higher-earning counties in the state. The county's per capita income of $32,371 also surpasses the state average of $30,609 by nearly 6%.

Jackson County outearns most nearby counties

Jackson County households earn $10,746 more annually than Jefferson County ($48,750) and $10,586 more than Johnston County ($50,911). Only Kingfisher County, with $70,617, edges out Jackson in the region, underscoring Jackson's solid economic position among southern Oklahoma counties.

Rent remains affordable for Jackson households

Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% falls below the standard affordability threshold of 30%, indicating housing costs are manageable relative to median income. The county's median home value of $145,000 is accessible to families earning the median income, supporting long-term wealth building through homeownership.

Build generational wealth in Jackson County

Jackson County's favorable income-to-housing ratio creates opportunity for households to invest beyond housing costs. Consider directing savings toward retirement accounts, education funds, or diversified investments to maximize the wealth-building potential of your stable local economy.

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson County's life expectancy edges above national average

At 73.0 years, Jackson County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 71.4 years, a meaningful health advantage. Only 22.0% report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 27.2%, suggesting a healthier population overall.

County ranks above average in Oklahoma

Jackson County's 73.0-year life expectancy exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 72.7 years, placing it in the healthier half of the state's 77 counties. The 22.0% poor/fair health rate also outperforms the state pattern.

Stronger health profile than adjacent counties

Jackson County residents enjoy longer lifespans and better self-reported health than neighboring Jefferson (71.5 years) and Kiowa (70.1 years) counties. The county also boasts 73 primary care providers per 100,000—more than double the regional average.

Insurance access supports daily health care

With a 14.1% uninsured rate—just below Oklahoma's 15.3% state average—most Jackson County residents have health coverage for routine care and emergencies. The county offers solid mental health provider access with 251 per 100,000, supporting behavioral health needs.

Check your coverage options today

If you're among the 14.1% uninsured in Jackson County, marketplace plans and Medicaid expansion may lower your costs significantly. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore coverage that fits your budget and health needs.

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson County faces moderate disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 86.04, Jackson County ranks as relatively moderate—significantly higher than the nation's average and well above Oklahoma's state average of 55.47. This elevated risk reflects exposure to multiple natural hazard types that residents should understand and prepare for.

Among Oklahoma's riskiest counties

Jackson County ranks among the higher-risk counties statewide, with its 86.04 composite score placing it well above the state average. The county's exposure to tornadoes and wildfires drives much of this elevated standing within Oklahoma.

Higher risk than neighboring counties

Jackson County's risk score of 86.04 substantially exceeds nearby Kiowa County (35.78) and Harmon County to the south. This makes Jackson County one of the more hazard-exposed areas in its region, warranting greater preparedness.

Tornadoes and wildfires dominate

Tornado risk peaks at 69.94—well above average—while wildfire risk reaches 65.94, making these the two primary natural hazards residents face. Flooding risk (25.10) and earthquake risk (41.92) are secondary concerns but still warrant basic preparedness.

Secure comprehensive hazard coverage now

Homeowners should prioritize tornado and wind damage coverage through standard homeowners policies, then layer wildfire and flood insurance where available. Given Jackson County's multi-hazard exposure, a conversation with an insurance agent about gaps in coverage could save thousands in recovery costs.

ByCounty Network

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