Jackson County's composite score of 66.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 54th percentile nationally. Despite real challenges, the county maintains livability fundamentals that keep it competitive nationally.
2 / 5
Below South Dakota's county average
At 66.7, Jackson County falls below the state average of 71.3, positioning it among South Dakota's less competitive counties. The gap signals structural challenges that prospective residents should understand before relocating.
3 / 5
Exceptional housing affordability
Housing costs are remarkable with a cost score of 91.5—the highest among these eight counties—and median home values of just $111,500. Monthly rents average only $460, making Jackson County one of the most accessible housing markets in the region.
4 / 5
Severe income and health deficits
The income score of 0.8 reflects a median household income of just $26,686, less than half the national median and indicating significant economic distress. Health outcomes are weak at 47.8, and the county faces substantial structural challenges reflected in its lower overall composite score.
5 / 5
For the exceptionally budget-conscious only
Jackson County is best suited for individuals or families with very limited financial resources or those seeking extremely low-cost housing as a stepping stone. Without strong local employment, health care infrastructure, or income growth prospects, it remains a high-risk choice for most families seeking stable, prosperous living.
Jackson County's composite score of 66.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 54th percentile nationally. Despite real challenges, the county maintains livability fundamentals that keep it competitive nationally.
Below South Dakota's county average
At 66.7, Jackson County falls below the state average of 71.3, positioning it among South Dakota's less competitive counties. The gap signals structural challenges that prospective residents should understand before relocating.
Exceptional housing affordability
Housing costs are remarkable with a cost score of 91.5—the highest among these eight counties—and median home values of just $111,500. Monthly rents average only $460, making Jackson County one of the most accessible housing markets in the region.
Severe income and health deficits
The income score of 0.8 reflects a median household income of just $26,686, less than half the national median and indicating significant economic distress. Health outcomes are weak at 47.8, and the county faces substantial structural challenges reflected in its lower overall composite score.
For the exceptionally budget-conscious only
Jackson County is best suited for individuals or families with very limited financial resources or those seeking extremely low-cost housing as a stepping stone. Without strong local employment, health care infrastructure, or income growth prospects, it remains a high-risk choice for most families seeking stable, prosperous living.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.