66.7
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 92Disaster Risk 89.9

County Report Card

About Jackson County, South Dakota

Strong Livability Despite Economic Hurdles

Jackson County scores a 66.7 overall, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This high composite score is driven by extreme affordability and safety rather than wealth. It offers a lifestyle that is statistically more accessible than the majority of U.S. counties.

A Leader in State Affordability

Jackson County outperforms the South Dakota average of 55.9 by more than 10 points. While it faces income challenges, its scores in cost of living and safety are among the highest in the state. This makes it a unique outlier in the state’s demographic landscape.

Unmatched Safety and Housing Affordability

The county achieves a stellar safety score of 97.5 and a cost score of 92.0. With a median gross rent of just $460 and median home values of $111,500, housing is exceptionally attainable. These strengths provide a massive advantage for those living on fixed incomes or working remotely.

Bridging Gaps in Income and Health

The income score is 0.0, reflecting a low median household income of $26,686, and the health score sits at 8.9. Tax data is currently unavailable for this county, making it difficult to assess the total fiscal burden. These metrics highlight a need for improved local services and economic diversification.

Best for Budget-Conscious Remote Workers

Jackson County is a perfect match for individuals who value extreme affordability and a low-crime environment. Those with external income sources will find the $460 median rent and 89.9 risk score highly attractive. It serves as a safe, low-cost harbor for those who don't rely on the local job market.

Score breakdown

TaxComing SoonCost92Safety97.5Health8.9Schools68.8Income0Risk89.9Water86Weather31.9
🏛
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠92
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼0
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
8.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓68.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
89.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤31.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱39
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
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Jackson County

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

See Today's Rates

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 tax data limited but homes are affordable

Complete tax rate data for Jackson County is unavailable, but homeowners without mortgages report paying roughly $750 annually on median homes valued at $111,500. This suggests an effective rate significantly below the national median of 1.28%.

Limited data in statewide comparison

While Jackson County's effective rate isn't published, its homes are priced 12% below South Dakota's median home value. The $750 annual payment on a typical home indicates a tax burden well below the state median of $1,785.

Affordable housing in region

Jackson County's median home value of $111,500 is lower than Jones County ($117,100) and Jerauld County ($127,000), positioning it as the most affordable in the immediate region. The limited tax data suggests competitive rates as well.

Roughly $750 annually without mortgage

Based on available data, homeowners without mortgages in Jackson County pay approximately $750 per year on a median-valued home. This represents one of the lowest tax burdens in the state.

Verify assessment accuracy

Even in lower-tax counties, homeowners should confirm their assessments reflect true market value. If your property is assessed above what comparable homes are selling for, you have the right to appeal.

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson County faces severe affordability crisis

Renters in Jackson County spend 20.7% of their income on housing—nearly 50% higher than the national benchmark and far above South Dakota's 13.8% average. With a median household income of just $26,686, residents here struggle significantly more than peers elsewhere in the state and nation.

Least affordable county in South Dakota

Jackson County's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio represents the most severe housing affordability burden in South Dakota, driven by extremely low household incomes rather than high rents. This ranking reflects deeper economic challenges that extend beyond the housing market.

Income gap drives affordability crisis

While Jackson's $460 monthly rent is actually the lowest in the region, the county's median household income of $26,686 is roughly one-third that of neighboring counties like Hutchinson or Kingsbury. This income-rent mismatch creates the state's worst housing affordability situation.

Housing dominates household budgets here

Renters allocate $460 monthly to housing from a $26,686 annual income, consuming 20.7% of earnings and leaving limited funds for essentials. Homeowners face a $593 monthly payment, which represents 26.6% of income—a severely unaffordable level.

Weigh opportunity before moving to Jackson

Jackson County's affordability crisis stems from economic conditions, not housing costs alone—prospective residents should carefully assess employment and income opportunities before relocating. While rents are low, the median household income suggests limited local earning potential compared to other South Dakota counties.

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson faces a significant income gap

Jackson County's median household income of $26,686 falls 64% below the national median of $74,755, representing one of the most economically challenged counties in the country. This stark disparity reflects limited employment opportunities and higher rates of poverty in the region.

Lowest earner in South Dakota

Jackson County's $26,686 median income is less than 40% of South Dakota's state average of $66,926, placing it at the bottom of all state counties. Per capita income of $17,120 is less than half the state average of $35,667.

Dramatically behind peers

Jackson County lags every neighboring county by a wide margin—Jones County ($64,688) earns 142% more, while even the next-lowest county, Lawrence ($66,766), earns 2.5 times as much. This isolation underscores unique economic challenges in the area.

Housing affordability is critical here

Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% exceeds safe affordability thresholds significantly, leaving families with less than 80% of income for all other necessities. At a median home value of $111,500, homeownership demands careful financial planning and stable employment.

Focus on income growth and stability

Jackson County families should prioritize job training and skill development to increase earning potential, as building wealth from a lower income base requires disciplined strategies. Connect with nonprofits and local workforce development programs offering financial literacy and matched savings programs.

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Maximum Safety in Jackson County

Jackson County achieved a 100.0 safety score by reporting zero crimes per 100K residents. This stands in stark contrast to the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in South Dakota

The county reports no crime activity, placing it well above the state average safety score of 98.8. Two reporting agencies provide the data confirming this quiet 2022 period.

Standing Out for Safety

While neighboring counties may experience typical rural crime, Jackson's reported rate of 0.0 remains exceptional. This level of safety is rare even among its peers in South Dakota.

Quiet on All Fronts

Both violent and property crime rates were 0.0 per 100K in the most recent reporting cycle. This means no incidents were officially recorded by the local sheriff or police departments.

Keep Your Community Secure

Jackson County is currently an exceptionally safe place to live and work. Simple habits like locking doors and garages help ensure these statistics stay at zero.

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson County faces serious health crisis

At 64.1 years, Jackson County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by more than a decade—a stark 12.3-year gap. Nearly 1 in 4 residents (24.8%) report being in poor or fair health, among the highest rates in the nation.

Lowest life expectancy in South Dakota

Jackson County's 64.1-year life expectancy falls 11.3 years below South Dakota's state average of 75.4 years. This dramatic disparity signals urgent health challenges that demand attention and resources.

Limited primary care options available

Primary care provider data for Jackson County isn't available, but the county does have 72 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—above state norms. Residents may face barriers accessing the healthcare infrastructure they need most.

High uninsured rate compounds health challenges

Jackson County's 16.2% uninsured rate significantly exceeds South Dakota's 11.1% average, meaning 1 in 6 residents lack coverage. This insurance gap likely delays preventive care and treatment, worsening health outcomes.

Health coverage is within reach

If you're uninsured in Jackson County, don't wait—affordable options exist. Contact your county health department or visit healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health center services designed for your situation.

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Jackson County's Rural School Infrastructure

Jackson County supports five public schools including three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. A total of 314 students are enrolled across these facilities, all managed by a single school district. This structure provides multiple early-education touchpoints before students transition to the central middle and high schools.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Jackson County achieves an impressive 90.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 82.4% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. The county invests $9,994 per pupil, which is well above the South Dakota average of $7,409. These strong investments and outcomes yield a solid composite school score of 60.0.

The Kadoka Area School District

The Kadoka Area School District 35-2 is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing all five schools for its 314 students. There are no charter schools available, ensuring that the local district remains the primary focus for community educational resources. This single-district model allows for consistent curriculum and administrative oversight across the entire county.

Small Schools in a Rural Setting

Every school in Jackson County is situated in a rural locale, with an average school size of 63 students. Kadoka Elementary is the largest campus with 124 students, while smaller outposts like Longvalley Elementary serve just 32 students in a K-8 setting. The education experience here is defined by personalized attention and a quiet, focused atmosphere.

Education Excellence in Jackson County

Homebuyers looking for high graduation rates and strong per-pupil investment will find Jackson County to be a standout option in South Dakota. The county’s commitment to its schools is reflected in performance numbers that exceed both state and national averages. Explore local real estate to find a home within this high-achieving rural school system.

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson County enjoys very low risk

With a composite risk score of 10.18, Jackson County ranks as very low and sits well below South Dakota's average of 26.84. The county experiences natural disaster exposure significantly lower than most of the nation.

Among the safest in South Dakota

Jackson County's composite score of 10.18 ranks it among South Dakota's lowest-risk counties, where the state average is 26.84. The county's natural hazard exposure is minimal relative to most statewide peers.

Comparable safety to Hyde County

Jackson County (10.18) offers similar protection to nearby Hyde County (6.49) and is notably safer than Lake County to the northeast (32.63). This Black Hills region county benefits from a favorable risk environment across the area.

Wildfire is the primary concern

Jackson County faces a wildfire risk score of 85.53—exceptionally high despite its low composite score, reflecting the landscape's seasonal fire vulnerability. Tornado (18.67) and flood (13.64) risks remain minimal.

Wildfire preparedness and standard coverage

Jackson County homeowners should ensure policies cover wildfire damage and maintain defensible space around structures, given the area's fire season dynamics. Standard homeowners insurance is generally adequate for other hazards in this very low-risk county.

Weather & Climate in Jackson County

via WeatherByCounty

Hot Summers in the Badlands Region

Jackson County maintains an annual average temperature of 48.5°F, which is lower than the national median but high for the Northern Plains. The area is characterized by a semi-arid climate with intense summer peaks. It experiences more extreme heat than many other parts of the American Midwest.

One of South Dakota's Warmest Spots

With an annual average of 48.5°F, Jackson County is nearly three degrees warmer than the South Dakota state average. However, it is also drier than average, receiving only 19.3 inches of precipitation annually. This combination creates a rugged, high-heat environment during the summer months.

Higher Heat Than Neighboring Western Counties

Jackson County stands out with 46 extreme heat days per year, far exceeding the state average. Its winter temperatures are also milder than northern neighbors, with a December-February average of 25.6°F. Despite the heat, it still receives 38.1 inches of snow, similar to the regional average.

A Climate of Intense Sun and Snow

Summer is the dominant season, featuring 46 days above 90°F and a July average of 75.0°F. Winters are surprisingly temperate for the region, with a January average of 24.0°F. Still, the county manages to accumulate 38.1 inches of snow throughout the colder months.

Maximum Cooling and Sun Protection

Residents must prioritize robust cooling systems to handle 46 days of extreme heat. Outdoor workers should plan for intense sun exposure during the 75.0°F July peak. While winters are milder at 24.0°F, snow removal tools are still required for the 38.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring Local Soil Characteristics

Soil specifics for Jackson County are currently limited, though regional trends suggest a shift toward the state’s typical alkaline profile. Most soils in this part of South Dakota hover near the state pH average of 7.05, slightly above the national median.

Foundation for Water Movement

Numerical data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is unavailable for this specific area. These ratios are the primary drivers of how water and air move through the root zone for local flora.

Targeting State Fertility Benchmarks

Without site-specific organic matter data, we look to the state's 3.75% average as a target for soil health. The county’s agricultural success depends on maintaining these levels against the national average of 2.0%.

Evaluating Land Suitability

Official hydrologic and drainage classifications are missing from current soil records for Jackson County. Local land managers typically determine suitability for building and farming through careful on-site observation and historical knowledge.

Heat Tolerant Garden Crops

Gardeners in Zone 5a enjoy a favorable climate for a variety of South Dakota staples. Focus on heat-tolerant crops like peppers and tomatoes that can make the most of the long summer sun.

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

Jackson County’s High-Maintenance Landscape

With a score of 39.0, Jackson County is one of the more difficult places in South Dakota to keep a green lawn. The combination of Zone 5a temperatures and limited rainfall puts significant stress on traditional turfgrass species.

Extreme Heat and Low Rainfall

Lawns face 46 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average of 24. This heat, combined with just 19.3 inches of annual rain, means irrigation is a necessity rather than an option for maintaining a healthy lawn.

Preparing for Unknown Soil Variables

While specific texture data is not available, the local climate suggests a need for heavy mulching to retain soil moisture. Testing your specific site for pH and drainage is critical before investing in new sod or seed.

Surviving 30 Weeks of Drought

Drought persists in Jackson County, with 98.2% of the area currently abnormally dry and 30 weeks of drought recorded recently. Consider Buffalo grass or other native species that can survive long periods without supplemental water in this arid climate.

Timing Your Jackson County Planting

Focus on heat-tolerant varieties that can handle the intense summer sun. Aim to seed in early May after the last frost or in late September before the October 1st frost date to give roots time to establish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 66.7 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 South Dakota?
Jackson County ranks #8 among all counties in South Dakota on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, South Dakota is $26,686 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 0/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 66.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in South Dakota. 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.