countyscore
31.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 69.9Health 59.8Property Tax 56.8

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Oregon

Jackson County Below National Average

With a composite score of 31.4, Jackson County sits well below the national median of 50.0. The data suggests residents face more livability challenges than in the average U.S. county.

Trailing the Oregon Average Score

The county falls behind the Oregon average of 42.5. High risks and low safety scores drag down its performance compared to other parts of the state.

Reliable Incomes and Low Taxes

Income levels remain a strength with a score of 69.9 and a median of $71,443. The tax score of 56.8 also offers a moderate burden for residents.

Critical Safety and Environmental Risks

Safety scores are low at 6.4, while environmental risk also scores poorly at 7.5. These numbers indicate significant vulnerability to crime and natural hazards.

Best for Career-Focused Individuals

Jackson County suits professionals who need access to solid income streams but are willing to manage higher local risks. It is a region where economic opportunity outweighs environmental security.

2040608010056.811.96.459.831.169.97.519.641.8Tax56.8Cost11.9Safety6.4Health59.8Schools31.1Income69.9Risk7.5Water19.6Weather41.831.5/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Jackson County DNA

Foverall

How Jackson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jackson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (69.9/100) but notably weak in Safety (6.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
56.8
Cost
11.9-36.1
Safety
6.4-48.6
Health
59.8+9.799999999999997
Schools
31.1-22.9
Income
69.9+18.900000000000006
Risk
7.5-39.5
Water
19.6-38.4
Weather
41.8-14.200000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Jackson County

Whether buying or refinancing in Jackson County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$400,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,310/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$400,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$52,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,443/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Klamath County
Oregon
36.7
Douglas County
Oregon
36.8
Josephine County
Oregon
35.7
Siskiyou County
California
37.9
Curry County
Oregon
41.9
Coos County
Oregon
29.2
Del Norte County
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39.9
Lane County
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30.8

Deep Dives

Jackson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jackson County

via TaxByCounty

Jackson's taxes slightly above U.S. average

Jackson County's effective tax rate of 0.758% sits above the national median of 0.720%, placing it in the upper-middle range of U.S. counties. The median tax bill of $3,032 exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting Jackson's higher median home value of $400,200.

Mid-range among Oregon counties

Jackson ranks 20th among Oregon's 36 counties by effective tax rate at 0.758%, slightly below the state average of 0.775%. Its median property tax of $3,032 runs 10% above Oregon's state median of $2,745.

Pricier than Hood River's rate

Jackson County's 0.758% rate exceeds Hood River's state-leading 0.588% and slightly trails Deschutes' 0.616%, positioning it as the middle option in south-central Oregon. Jackson's median home value of $400,200 falls between Hood River ($571,200) and Deschutes ($596,000).

What $400,200 homes cost to own

Jackson County homeowners pay $3,032 annually on a median home valued at $400,200. Those with mortgages pay slightly more at $3,078, while owners without mortgages pay $2,954.

Appeal overvalued assessments

Jackson County's mixed real estate market—spanning urban Medford to rural areas—can produce uneven assessments that favor some neighbors over others. If your home's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales, Oregon gives you a free path to correct it through appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson County: above average cost pressure

Jackson County renters spend 22.0% of income on housing, significantly above both Oregon's 19.4% state average and the national norm. Median household income of $71,443 trails the national average, yet $1,310 monthly rent creates noticeable affordability pressure for many residents.

Southern Oregon's high-cost county

Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% ranks it among Oregon's least affordable counties, with rents $173 above the state median. The county's appeal as a cultural and outdoor destination drives housing costs notably higher than neighboring Douglas County.

Pricier than Douglas, cheaper than the mountains

Jackson's $1,310 monthly rent falls between Douglas County's $995 and the mountain counties—well below Deschutes' $1,674 but above Grant's $840. Home values of $400,200 place it in Oregon's mid-to-upper range, reflecting Medford's role as southern Oregon's regional hub.

Housing costs strain budgets significantly

Jackson County households earning $71,443 pay $1,310 in rent (22.0% of income) or $1,362 in owner costs (22.9% of income). Both tenure types consume more than one-fifth of gross income, representing meaningful affordability challenges for renters and modest homebuyers.

Southern Oregon's cultural center—at a price

Jackson County offers Medford's cultural amenities, arts scene, and southern Oregon lifestyle, but at a 22% rent-to-income ratio that strains budgets compared to Douglas County's 20.2%. Choose Jackson if the lifestyle amenities justify the affordability trade-off versus more affordable southern Oregon alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson matches national income trends

Jackson County's median household income of $71,443 runs slightly below the U.S. median of $74,755, a modest $3,300 shortfall. The county's southern Oregon location supports diverse economies including healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Just below Oregon's county average

At $71,443, Jackson County slightly trails Oregon's county average of $69,965, though the difference is minimal. Per capita income of $38,797 exceeds the state average of $37,652.

Mid-range earner in southern Oregon

Jackson households earn $16,197 less than Deschutes County ($87,640) but $2,392 more than Jefferson County ($73,051). Economic diversification in Medford and Ashland supports relatively stable income levels compared to more rural counties.

Housing costs approach the limit

Jackson County's 22% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the recommended 20% threshold, with median home values at $400,200. Housing absorbs a growing share of income, particularly for families at the median income level.

Balance housing with future investments

As housing costs rise, Jackson residents should establish clear savings priorities: fund an emergency cushion, maximize employer retirement benefits, and then explore additional investment vehicles. Diversification protects wealth as property values fluctuate.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Crime in Southern Oregon

Jackson County faces a total crime rate of 3,202.1 per 100K, which is significantly higher than the national average. This results in a lower safety score of 94.9 for the region.

Trailing the State Average

With a safety score of 94.9, Jackson County falls below the Oregon state average of 96.3. Twelve reporting agencies coordinate to handle the crime volume in this populated region.

Higher Activity Than Neighbors

Jackson County’s crime rate of 3,202.1 is notably higher than neighboring Douglas County’s 2,578.1. It remains one of the more active crime areas among Oregon’s larger counties.

Theft and Property Concerns

Property crime is the biggest issue at 2,903.4 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 298.7. These numbers highlight a persistent challenge with theft and burglary in local neighborhoods.

Invest in Home Security

High property crime rates make a robust home security system a necessity. Alarm systems and active neighborhood monitoring are effective tools for deterring crime in this area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large, 68-School Network

Jackson County features a massive educational landscape with 68 public schools serving 29,031 students. This extensive system includes 40 elementary schools and 10 middle schools across 10 districts.

Steady Growth in Student Achievement

The county maintains a graduation rate of 82.8%, slightly above the Oregon state average. With a school score of 50.3 and $7,273 in per-pupil spending, the area offers a stable and productive learning environment.

Medford SD 549C Dominates the Region

Medford SD 549C is the largest district, managing 25 schools and 13,812 students. The county is also a leader in school choice, offering 10 charter schools that represent nearly 15% of all public campuses.

Suburban Focus with Large Campuses

Over half of the schools are located in suburban areas, catering to the county's many residential neighborhoods. South Medford High School is the largest campus, hosting 1,870 students in a vibrant, large-school atmosphere.

Suburban Living Near Top Districts

Families often look for homes in Central Point or Medford to gain access to the county's largest and most resource-rich schools. The diversity of school types, including many charters, makes this an ideal market for parents wanting options.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson: Among Nation's Most Hazardous Counties

Jackson County scores 92.53 on the composite risk scale, placing it among the most disaster-prone counties in America. This relatively moderate risk rating reflects extreme exposure across wildfire, earthquake, and flood hazards, with nearly all scoring above 93. The county faces one of the nation's most complex natural disaster environments.

Oregon's Second-Most Hazardous County

Jackson's 92.53 composite score ranks it second only to Douglas County in Oregon's disaster risk hierarchy, far exceeding the state average of 63.43. Wildfire (99.05), earthquake (97.36), and flood (93.13) all score at near-maximum levels, creating compounded vulnerability. Jackson represents Oregon's second zone of exceptional multi-hazard concentration.

Nearly As Dangerous As Douglas County

Jackson's 92.53 score nearly matches Douglas County's 92.94, making them the state's two most hazardous communities by far. Both counties share wildfire and earthquake exposure above 97, creating nearly identical multi-hazard profiles. All other neighboring counties—from low-risk Grant (32.12) to moderate-risk Deschutes (84.92)—face substantially lower overall exposure.

Wildfire, Earthquake, Flood: Maximum Triple Threat

Jackson County faces the nation's highest wildfire risk at 99.05, combined with earthquake (97.36) and flood (93.13) risks that are nearly equally severe. This convergence of three maximum-level hazards creates exceptional compound disaster vulnerability. Tornado activity remains minimal at 6.52, providing the only area of reduced exposure.

Comprehensive Multi-Hazard Insurance Mandatory

Jackson residents must immediately secure wildfire and earthquake insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude both, leaving homes critically unprotected. Flood insurance is equally non-negotiable given the 93.13 risk score, especially for properties in designated zones. Consult a disaster-preparedness specialist to build a comprehensive insurance strategy for Oregon's second-most-hazardous county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Jackson County

via WaterByCounty

Significant Challenges for Drinking Water Health

Jackson County receives an F grade due to a high volume of 246 health violations in five years. Its violation rate of 135.4 per 100,000 people is more than double the Oregon average of 65.5. This data points to systemic issues within local water infrastructure and compliance.

Waiting for Comprehensive Watershed Analysis

Watersheds in Jackson County have not yet been included in federal §303(d) assessments. As a result, the percentage of impaired water bodies is currently listed as N/A in national databases. Local environmental health must be tracked through alternative state and local reporting.

Widespread Data Collection Across the Basin

A robust network of 301 monitoring sites has logged 103,527 measurements over the past five years. Tracking focuses heavily on physical properties, organics, and pesticides. This data is critical for identifying pollution sources in a county with high violation counts.

Below Average Flows on the Rogue River

The Rogue River at Raygold near Central Point is discharging 2,100 cfs, which is 73% of its typical mean. This deficit impacts a large 2,053 square mile drainage area, reducing the river's capacity to dilute pollutants. Lower flows can exacerbate existing water quality issues in the region.

Prioritize Drinking Water Safety and Testing

Given the county's extremely high violation rate, residents should actively monitor public notices and consider independent water testing. The prevalence of organics and pesticides in monitoring reports suggests these are persistent concerns. Use advanced filtration systems to mitigate these recurring health risks.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jackson County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Annual Temps and Dry Air

Jackson County averages 52.1°F, aligning it with typical national temperature medians. However, its 27.1 inches of annual precipitation is lower than the average American county.

Among Oregon's Warmest Regions

The county's 52.1°F average temperature exceeds the state average of 50.5°F. It is also drier than the state benchmark, receiving 27.1 inches of rain compared to Oregon's 37.4 inches.

Warmer and Drier than Douglas

Jackson is slightly cooler than its northern neighbor Douglas County (53.6°F). However, it is significantly more arid, with only 27.1 inches of rain compared to Douglas's 42.8 inches.

High Summer Heat and Moderate Snow

Summers are intense, with a July average of 70.0°F and a notable 45 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winters remain relatively mild at 38.8°F, though the county still sees 21.1 inches of snow.

Stay Cool During Long Summers

With 45 days of extreme heat, high-capacity cooling systems are vital for home comfort. Residents should also prepare for winter by maintaining equipment to clear over 20 inches of seasonal snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

Diverse Southern Soils

Jackson County's specific pH and taxonomic data are not recorded in the current set. Oregon's state average pH of 5.26 is quite acidic compared to the national median of 6.5. A local soil test will reveal if you need lime to balance your garden beds.

Analyzing Soil Structure

We lack specific sand, silt, and clay percentages for this southern Oregon region. Knowing your soil's texture is vital for determining how much water it can hold during hot summers. Test your soil's workability by squeezing a moist clump in your hand.

Fertility in the Rogue Valley

Local organic matter and water capacity data are currently unavailable. The state average organic matter of 29.41% suggests what is possible with careful soil management. Increasing your local organic content will help your plants survive the dry summer months.

Watching the Water Table

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups are unmeasured for this county. Proper drainage is essential for both gardening success and building stability in the valley. Monitor your property during winter rains to identify any areas where water lingers.

Abundant Zone 8a Growth

The 8a hardiness zone allows for a wide variety of heat-loving crops like tomatoes, peppers, and grapes. You have a long growing season that supports both spring and fall harvests. Start your seeds early and enjoy the bounty of this productive climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

Intense Summer Heat in Jackson

Jackson County has a lawn difficulty score of 37.6, which is slightly below the state average of 38.9. In this 8a hardiness zone, the primary challenge is not the cold, but the significant summer heat. Maintaining a green lawn here requires a strategic approach to water and grass selection.

Surviving 45 Extreme Heat Days

Lawns in Jackson County must endure 45 days of extreme heat annually, nearly double the state average. While the 27.1 inches of annual precipitation is decent, it often falls outside the peak growing season. With 2,485 growing degree days, your lawn will grow vigorously but will require heavy irrigation to survive the scorching summers.

Building a Heat-Resistant Soil Base

Specific soil data is limited, but heat-stressed regions benefit greatly from high organic matter to retain moisture. You should focus on deep soil preparation to encourage roots to grow far below the hot surface. Regular mulching and the addition of compost can help protect the soil from the intense 45 days of heat.

Navigating 32 Weeks of Drought

Jackson County spent 32 weeks in drought over the past year, and 78.2% of the county is currently abnormally dry. During the peak of summer, it is best to water deeply and infrequently to sustain deep root systems. This method helps your turf withstand the frequent extreme heat days without excessive water waste.

Choosing Heat-Tolerant Turf Varieties

Tall Fescue is highly recommended for this 8a zone because of its deep root system and heat tolerance. With the last spring frost occurring on May 6, you have a long window to get your lawn established. Be sure to seed early enough so the grass is mature before the intense summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, Oregon has a composite county score of 31.5 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 Oregon?
Jackson County ranks #33 among all counties in Oregon 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, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Jackson County is $3,032, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 56.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, Oregon is $71,443 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 69.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, Oregon a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 31.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Oregon. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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