Jackson County's composite score of 77.8 stands nearly 28 points above the national median of 50.0, reflecting a location with stronger livability fundamentals than the vast majority of American counties. This advantage is driven primarily by low taxes and affordable housing.
2 / 5
Slightly above Tennessee's mean
Jackson County scores 77.8 compared to Tennessee's state average of 76.3, placing it comfortably in the upper half of Tennessee counties on overall livability.
3 / 5
Exceptional housing values and tax rates
Jackson County delivers a cost score of 86.8 with the lowest median home value in the group at just $135,200, plus a tax score of 88.3 and effective tax rate of 0.496%. For budget-conscious homebuyers, this combination is exceptional.
4 / 5
Significantly below-average household income
Jackson County's income score of 10.5 is the lowest in the group, reflecting a median household income of $41,475—substantially below state and national averages. This income constraint may limit household purchasing power and economic opportunity despite housing affordability.
5 / 5
Perfect for ultra-budget homebuyers
Jackson County suits first-time homebuyers, retirees on fixed incomes, and families prioritizing lowest possible home prices over income growth. It offers the deepest housing values but requires acceptance of lower wage environments.
Jackson County's composite score of 77.8 stands nearly 28 points above the national median of 50.0, reflecting a location with stronger livability fundamentals than the vast majority of American counties. This advantage is driven primarily by low taxes and affordable housing.
Slightly above Tennessee's mean
Jackson County scores 77.8 compared to Tennessee's state average of 76.3, placing it comfortably in the upper half of Tennessee counties on overall livability.
Exceptional housing values and tax rates
Jackson County delivers a cost score of 86.8 with the lowest median home value in the group at just $135,200, plus a tax score of 88.3 and effective tax rate of 0.496%. For budget-conscious homebuyers, this combination is exceptional.
Significantly below-average household income
Jackson County's income score of 10.5 is the lowest in the group, reflecting a median household income of $41,475—substantially below state and national averages. This income constraint may limit household purchasing power and economic opportunity despite housing affordability.
Perfect for ultra-budget homebuyers
Jackson County suits first-time homebuyers, retirees on fixed incomes, and families prioritizing lowest possible home prices over income growth. It offers the deepest housing values but requires acceptance of lower wage environments.
Score breakdown
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🏛88.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Jackson County's 0.496% effective tax rate falls in the bottom 20% nationally, well shy of the 0.71% national median. Residents pay only $671 annually—one-quarter the national median of $2,690.
Below state average but typical
Jackson County's 0.496% rate runs below Tennessee's 0.511% state average, ranking it among the lower-taxed half of the state's 95 counties. The median tax of $671 is $345 below the state median of $1,016.
Lowest taxes in the local cluster
Jackson County's 0.496% effective rate is the lowest among its immediate neighbors, beating Humphreys County (0.479%) slightly and well below Hickman (0.567%) and Houston (0.574%). This rural area enjoys relatively modest tax burdens across the board.
What your $135,200 home costs
Jackson County homeowners with the median-valued property pay approximately $671 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related expenses, the total tax obligation reaches about $874 per year.
Check if you're overassessed
Even modest tax bills deserve a second look. Jackson County residents can file a free assessment appeal if they believe their property value is overstated.
Jackson faces severe national affordability crisis
Jackson County's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the worst affordability levels in the nation, driven by a median household income of just $41,475—44% below the national average. Renters here spend nearly a quarter of all earnings on $804/month rent, far exceeding sustainable housing cost benchmarks.
Tennessee's most unaffordable county for renters
Jackson County's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio dramatically exceeds Tennessee's 17.6% state average, making it the state's most strained rental market. The gap of 5.7 percentage points reflects both below-average wages and mid-range housing costs that create acute affordability pressure.
Worst affordability in the entire region
Jackson's 23.3% ratio towers above every surrounding county—Houston (15.1%), Johnson (14.7%), Humphreys (16.8%), and Hickman (18.4%). The $804 rent is mid-range regionally, but when combined with the county's lowest median income ($41,475), it creates an unaffordable squeeze unique to Jackson.
Renters squeezed hardest; homeownership more viable
Jackson renters allocate a punishing 23.3% of the $41,475 median income to $804/month rent, far exceeding the recommended 25% total housing burden. Homeowners fare better at 13.5% ($468/month), and the $135,200 median home value represents just 3.3 years of gross income—making purchase more feasible than renting.
Jackson requires careful financial planning
Jackson County's severe affordability challenges mean renters face unusually high housing costs relative to available income. Consider this county carefully only if employment opportunities or other factors justify the above-average housing burden compared to neighboring alternatives.
Jackson County's median household income of $41,475 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 44.5%—one of the largest disparities in the nation. This profound gap signals economic distress and limited wage-earning opportunities in the county.
Tennessee's most income-challenged county
Jackson County ranks among Tennessee's lowest-income counties, with $41,475 falling 29.7% below the state average of $58,994. Per capita income of $27,572 stands just 87.6% of the state's $31,458 average.
Significantly behind all rural peers
Jackson's $41,475 median income falls sharply below all neighboring counties: Humphreys ($59,333), Hickman ($57,223), and Houston ($54,475). This isolation suggests unique structural economic challenges requiring targeted intervention.
Housing strain limits financial progress
Jackson County's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs consume nearly one-quarter of household earnings. The median home value of $135,200 strains budgets already compressed by low wages.
Seek support and skill development
Jackson County residents should explore workforce development programs, SNAP benefits, and housing assistance to stabilize finances. Community colleges, apprenticeships, and job retraining can create pathways to better-paying employment and long-term wealth.
Jackson County residents have a life expectancy of 71.9 years, roughly 2.6 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years. More than one in four residents (25.4%) report poor or fair health, compared to 17.8% nationally. These health gaps reflect significant challenges facing the county.
Jackson ranks 58th among Tennessee counties
At 71.9 years, Jackson County's life expectancy trails Tennessee's 72.4-year state average by 0.5 years. The county's 25.4% poor/fair health rate is among Tennessee's worst, exceeding the state average by 7.3 percentage points. Jackson faces below-average health outcomes statewide.
Poorest primary care access in the region
Jackson County's life expectancy of 71.9 years is lower than Jefferson County (72.9 years) and Johnson County (72.3 years). Most critically, its primary care access is the most limited in the region at just 9 providers per 100K—less than one-fifth of Knox County's 109 per 100K. With 13.8% uninsured, Jackson residents face steep barriers to basic care.
Severe primary care shortage defines local care
Jackson County's 13.8% uninsured rate is the highest among regional peers, leaving thousands without affordable healthcare access. With only 9 primary care providers per 100K, residents often travel far for routine care or skip preventive visits entirely. Mental health data is limited, but the broader provider shortage suggests limited behavioral health capacity.
Take action on health insurance today
With one in seven Jackson County residents uninsured, affordable coverage options are worth exploring immediately. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to see plans in your price range and check eligibility for Medicaid or tax credits. Getting insured removes barriers to care and protects your family's financial health.
Jackson County's composite risk score of 22.52 places it in the very low category, nearly 30 points below Tennessee's state average of 52.45. This strong safety profile reflects minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.
Among Tennessee's safest counties
With a score of 22.52, Jackson County ranks among Tennessee's lowest-risk counties for natural disaster exposure. The county substantially beats the state average of 52.45, offering residents considerably better protection than most peers statewide.
Safer than Houston and Johnson
Jackson County (22.52) outperforms Houston County (13.10) on composite risk—though Houston remains the state's safest overall—and significantly beats Johnson County (28.18). Jackson's tornado risk (53.05) is notably higher than both neighbors, representing the county's primary natural hazard.
Tornado risk stands out most
Jackson County's primary natural hazard exposure comes from tornado risk at 53.05, which exceeds the national average and represents the county's most significant threat. Flood risk (36.99) and earthquake risk (46.79) remain moderate, while wildfire and hurricane risks stay low.
Focus on tornado preparedness
Jackson County homeowners should ensure their policies include comprehensive wind and hail coverage to address the county's elevated tornado risk of 53.05. A community safe room or personal shelter plan offers the best additional protection for this primary hazard.