countyscore
44.4
County Score
Schools 67.2Lawn Care 65.8Safety 58.6

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Texas

Respectable Performance Near the Median

Jackson County scores 44.4, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. It maintains a solid standing by offering a balanced array of services and a stable economy. This score indicates a dependable, if not exceptional, quality of life for its residents.

Leading the Texas State Average

With a score of 44.4, Jackson County exceeds the Texas state average of 41.9. It is a reliable performer in the Gulf Coast region, providing better overall metrics than many neighboring rural counties. Its consistency across several data points makes it a stable state choice.

Education and Safety Lead the Way

The county boasts a School Score of 67.2 and a Safety Score of 58.6, both of which are strong indicators of community health. Residents also benefit from a reasonable Income Score of 44.4, supported by a $61,752 median household income. These metrics highlight a community that prioritizes its next generation.

Environmental Risk and Health Access

The Risk Score of 28.3 is a weak point, likely due to coastal weather vulnerabilities. Health access also remains a challenge with a score of 28.1. These factors represent the main trade-offs for living in this otherwise stable coastal prairie county.

A Solid Choice for Families

Jackson County is best for families who value high-quality schools and a safe, communal environment. It provides a decent middle-class lifestyle with manageable costs and good safety. While residents must prepare for coastal risks, the day-to-day quality of life remains high.

Score breakdown

Tax34.3Cost40.3Safety58.6Health28.1Schools67.2Income44.4Risk28.3Water44.8Weather16.1
🏛34.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡58.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤28.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡28.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧44.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤16.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65.8
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 →
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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 taxes modestly below national median

At 1.052%, Jackson County's effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The median property tax of $1,847 remains about 31% below the national median of $2,690.

Jackson County ranks below Texas state average

Jackson County's 1.052% effective rate falls notably below the state average of 1.276%, ranking it among lower-tax counties statewide. Homeowners pay $1,847 annually versus the state average of $2,193.

Jackson County offers moderate regional taxation

Jackson County's 1.052% rate falls between Houston County (0.921%) and Howard County (1.093%), offering middle-ground taxation for the region. At $1,847 in median taxes, Jackson County sits comfortably below Hunt and Jack counties but above the lowest-taxing peers.

What Jackson County homeowners actually pay

The median Jackson County home valued at $175,500 generates an estimated $1,847 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $2,683; without, around $1,346.

Your property tax assessment may be inflated

Many Texas homeowners discover their homes are assessed above fair market value, making them eligible to challenge their appraisals. Filing a protest costs nothing and could lower your annual tax bill—a worthwhile option for Jackson County homeowners.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson County's modest affordability gap

Jackson County's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national baseline, indicating moderate housing pressure that remains within manageable range. With median household income of $61,752—17% below the national average—residents face tighter affordability than wealthier U.S. regions but enjoy relatively stable housing costs.

Near parity with Texas average

Jackson County's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio runs 1.5 points above Texas's 18.1% state average, putting it slightly above the state's typical housing burden. Median rent of $1,011 stands 5% above the state average of $963, reflecting modest pricing pressure in an otherwise typical market.

Upper-middle tier housing costs

Jackson County's 19.6% burden ranks above Hutchinson County (15.6%), Howard County (16.7%), and Jack County (17.7%), but below Hunt County (20.3%) and Irion County (21.2%). Its $1,011 median rent places it in the region's upper-moderate cost range.

Jackson County housing expenses

Renters pay $1,011 monthly and homeowners pay $809, moderate-to-elevated costs, against median income of $61,752 annually. Housing claims 19.6% of renter income—approaching the upper bound of comfort and requiring careful household budgeting to leave room for other priorities.

Jackson County: consider if income stable

Jackson County works well if you're relocating with stable, above-county-median income that makes its $1,011 rent comfortable, or if you're purchasing at the $175,500 median home value. Check whether your current housing payment falls below Jackson's costs; if not, you may find better affordability in Howard, Hutchinson, or Jack counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson County income below U.S. average

Jackson County's median household income of $61,752 trails the national median of $74,755 by $13,003, reflecting economic challenges relative to national norms. This gap places Jackson County in the lower-middle range of U.S. counties by household income.

Below Texas statewide average

At $61,752, Jackson County falls short of Texas's state average of $64,737 by $2,985, ranking it among the lower-earning counties statewide. Per capita income of $32,146 also slightly trails the state average of $33,197.

Lower earnings compared to nearby counties

Jackson County's $61,752 income ranks in the lower tier of this region, behind Hutchinson ($65,470), Jack County ($65,693), and Hunt County ($70,112). Only Houston County ($54,563) and Hudspeth County ($39,336) earn notably less.

Housing costs strain moderate incomes

A rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% is above the ideal but manageable threshold, suggesting notable housing cost pressure. A median home value of $175,500 is substantial relative to the median household income, requiring careful mortgage planning.

Invest strategically despite income constraints

Jackson County residents earning $61,752 should focus on maximizing employer retirement benefits and building emergency savings before investing. As financial stability improves, consider low-cost index funds and homeownership as pathways to long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jackson County Boasts Low Crime Rates

Jackson County reports a total crime rate of 952.7 per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This low activity earns the county a safety score of 98.5.

A Top Performer in Texas Safety

The county's safety score of 98.5 is nearly two points higher than the Texas average of 96.8. Four reporting agencies contribute to a reliable and comprehensive data set for the county.

Safer than Most Surrounding Counties

Jackson County's crime rate of 952.7 is much lower than Houston County's 1,596.7. It stands out in the coastal plains region for maintaining consistently low incident numbers.

Analyzing Violent and Property Incident Rates

Violent crime sits at 246.5 per 100,000, while property crime is 706.2. Both figures represent much safer conditions than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Effective Home Protection in Jackson County

Property theft is the primary concern for local homeowners, though rates are remarkably low. Visible deterrents like home alarm systems and motion lights are effective at keeping crime away from your door.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson County leads on longevity

Jackson County's life expectancy of 76.3 years exceeds the U.S. average of 78.9 years... wait, that's incorrect. At 76.3 years, Jackson trails the U.S. by 2.6 years but ranks among the highest in the region. The county's 23.9% poor/fair health rate is moderate for rural Texas.

Highest life expectancy in study

Jackson County's 76.3-year life expectancy tops all eight counties and exceeds Texas's 74.3-year average by 2 years. The county demonstrates strong population health outcomes compared to statewide peers.

Limited primary care, moderate access

Jackson County has just 13 primary care providers per 100K—the lowest in the region and well below Hunt County (27 per 100K) and Jack County (34 per 100K). Mental health provider availability at 33 per 100K is moderate, suggesting residents may face delays accessing routine medical care despite the county's strong longevity profile.

Insurance and provider access strong

Jackson County's uninsured rate of 19.8% matches the state average exactly, and strong health outcomes suggest effective healthcare access. Despite lower primary care provider density, the county achieves exceptional longevity, possibly reflecting strong community health initiatives or healthier baseline population characteristics.

Maintain Jackson County's health gains

Jackson County's top-tier longevity reflects effective health management—if uninsured, enrollment maintains this trajectory. Visit healthcare.gov or local health departments to find affordable coverage and continue regular preventive care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Twelve Schools Serving the Coastal Plains

Jackson County supports 3,201 students through a network of 12 public schools. The system is comprised of five elementary, three middle, and four high schools across three districts. This structure ensures that families across the county have access to local education at every level.

Stellar Graduation Rates Near the Coast

Jackson County boasts a remarkable 97.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region and well above the 87% national average. The county achieves a 57.1 school score, outperforming the state average of 55.3. Per-pupil spending is efficient at $6,966 per year.

Edna ISD and Industrial ISD Lead Enrollment

Edna ISD is the largest district, serving 1,573 students, followed closely by Industrial ISD with 1,188 students. Ganado ISD provides a third option, serving 711 students in the eastern part of the county. No charter schools currently operate in the area, leaving education to the three established districts.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Experience

Nine of the county's 12 schools are located in rural settings, while three serve as town hubs. The average school size is 267 students, providing a small-town atmosphere for all grade levels. Edna High School is the largest campus in the county, yet it remains manageable with just 431 students.

Secure a Future in Jackson County Schools

The nearly perfect graduation rate in Jackson County makes it a standout choice for families and investors alike. High-performing districts like Edna and Industrial are major draws for the local housing market. Look for your next home in these districts to capitalize on strong educational foundations.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson County faces substantial coastal risk

Jackson County scores 71.69 on the composite risk scale, exceeding the national average and reflecting a relatively low overall rating despite significant hurricane exposure. The score places the county in the upper-middle risk band nationally, concentrated in coastal hazards.

Elevated risk for Gulf Coast Texas

At 71.69, Jackson County ranks above Texas's state average composite risk of 49.00, placing it in the elevated-risk tier among the state's counties. The exposure is driven predominantly by its position in the active hurricane zone.

Hurricane hotspot on Gulf Coast

Jackson County's composite risk of 71.69 exceeds neighboring Matagorda and Wharton counties, primarily due to its exceptional hurricane risk score of 94.03. The county's coastal location creates unmatched tropical system exposure in the immediate region.

Hurricanes dominate threat landscape

Hurricane risk reaches 94.03, positioning Jackson County as one of Texas's most hurricane-vulnerable areas and a direct target for tropical systems. Flood risk at 55.31 and wildfire risk at 63.90 create secondary hazards, compounding the coastal exposure.

Hurricane-specific coverage non-negotiable

Jackson County homeowners must prioritize comprehensive wind and hail coverage to address the extreme hurricane threat, plus mandatory separate flood insurance given coastal vulnerability. Hurricane-resistant home improvements—reinforced roof attachment, impact-resistant windows—should be considered as long-term investments.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jackson County

via WeatherByCounty

A Wet and Humid Coastal Profile

Jackson County receives a robust 40.9 inches of annual precipitation, making it significantly wetter than the national median. While local temperature records are sparse, the environment is characteristic of the humid Gulf Coast.

Wetter Than the Average Texas Interior

At 40.9 inches of rain, Jackson County is significantly more humid than the Texas state average of 31.9 inches. This extra moisture supports the local agriculture and coastal wetlands.

Coastal Humidity Without the Winter Ice

Like its neighbors along the Gulf, Jackson County records 0.0 inches of snowfall. The climate is defined by high humidity and heavy seasonal rains rather than winter weather.

Consistent Moisture and Snow-Free Winters

The county averages 40.9 inches of rain but sees no snow at all throughout the year. While summer temperature data is missing, the coastal proximity typically ensures high humidity during the warmest months.

Prepare for Rain and Gulf Humidity

With 40.9 inches of annual rain, high-quality rain gear and proper home drainage are essential. Residents should prioritize dehumidification systems to maintain indoor air quality in this moist coastal environment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral soils of the Gulf Coast

Jackson County has a soil pH of 6.64, which is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. This is more acidic than the state average of 7.09, reflecting its position near the humid Gulf Coast. These neutral soils are highly sought after because they allow for maximum nutrient availability for most crops.

Sandy textures on the coastal plain

The soil is primarily sand at 52.5%, with 25.5% clay and 22.0% silt. This high sand content promotes rapid drainage in the upper soil profile and makes the earth easy to till. However, the significant clay fraction provides enough body to keep the soil from becoming overly loose or dry.

Rich organic matter for coastal farming

Organic matter is impressive at 2.10%, surpassing both the Texas average of 1.66% and the national average of 2.0%. While the available water capacity is slightly below state average at 0.124 in/in, the overall soil score is a high 44.5. This indicates very high potential for agricultural productivity and gardening success.

Managing high runoff potential

Jackson County falls into hydrologic group D, which means the soil has very low infiltration rates when saturated. In this coastal environment, heavy rainfall can lead to significant runoff and standing water. Drainage planning is a key consideration for both residential landscaping and large-scale agriculture.

Tropical vibes in Zone 9a

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, Jackson County is ideal for citrus, figs, and long-season vegetables. The high organic matter and neutral pH provide an incredible head start for any garden enthusiast. Start your own coastal oasis and enjoy the benefits of some of the state's best soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

One of Texas' Easiest Lawn Climates

Jackson County features a high lawn difficulty score of 65.8, far exceeding both the state average (31.7) and national average (50.0). Located in the warm Zone 9a, the environment is exceptionally hospitable for lush, coastal turfgrasses. Growing a beautiful lawn here is much simpler than in almost any other Texas region.

Plentiful Rain for Coastal Growth

Annual precipitation averages 40.9 inches, which is well above the state average and falls perfectly within the ideal lawn range. This consistent moisture supports rapid growth and reduces the need for expensive irrigation systems. The coastal influence helps maintain a productive growing environment for the majority of the year.

Sandy Soils with Ideal pH

The soil pH is 6.64, which is nearly perfect for turfgrass nutrient absorption. With a composition of 52.5% sand and 25.5% clay, the ground drains quickly after heavy coastal rains. This prevents the root rot issues often found in heavier, clay-dominant soils elsewhere in Texas.

Severe Drought Challenges Current Lawns

Despite favorable averages, the county is currently struggling with 100% severe drought coverage and has spent 38 weeks in drought this year. This anomaly requires residents to use water-saving techniques like deep soaking to protect their established turf. Watch for local water restrictions, as the current D2+ conditions are much harsher than usual.

St. Augustine is the Local King

The sandy, slightly acidic soil of Zone 9a is perfect for St. Augustine or Centipede grass. Because the climate is so warm, you can start your lawn early in the spring with very little risk of late-season frost. These varieties will flourish with the high natural rainfall once the current drought breaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, Texas has a composite county score of 44.4 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 Texas?
Jackson County ranks #109 among all counties in Texas 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, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Jackson County is $1,847, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 34.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, Texas is $61,752 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 44.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, Texas a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 44.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #109 in Texas. 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.

ByCounty Network

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