countyscore
49.6
County Score
Soil Quality 70.9Lawn Care 69.2Health 66.5

County Report Card

About Jackson County, Wisconsin

A Typical American Profile

Jackson County scores a 49.6, placing it almost exactly at the national median of 50.0. It represents the quintessential middle-of-the-road experience for American livability.

Matching the Wisconsin Standard

The county's 49.6 composite score sits just below the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It reflects the stable, balanced characteristics typical of the Badger State.

Reliable Health and Safety

The county’s strongest suits are its health score of 66.5 and safety score of 60.6. These factors contribute to a secure environment for the local population.

Tax Burdens and Water Issues

A low tax score of 16.1 stems from a 1.430% effective rate, while water quality scores only 30.3. Cost of living also faces pressure with a cost score of 49.1.

Balanced Living for Moderate Incomes

This county is a solid fit for middle-income residents seeking a safe and healthy environment. It offers a balanced lifestyle for those who prefer steady, predictable community metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax16.1Cost49.1Safety60.6Health66.5Schools53.4Income55.9Risk52Water30.3Weather50.1
🏛16.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡52
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧30.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.2
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Monroe County
Wisconsin
41.9
Clark County
Wisconsin
51.4
Trempealeau County
Wisconsin
56
La Crosse County
Wisconsin
42.2
Eau Claire County
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Wood County
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Juneau County
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Buffalo County
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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 near national tax average

Jackson County's effective rate of 1.430% nearly matches the U.S. median of 1.290%, placing it slightly above the middle nationally. This means Jackson County homeowners pay roughly in line with typical American property tax burdens.

Below-average for Wisconsin

Jackson County ranks 27th among Wisconsin's 72 counties with an effective rate of 1.430%, below the state average of 1.436%. The median tax bill of $2,672 comes in under the state median of $3,081, saving typical households about $400 annually.

Most affordable in immediate region

Jackson County's 1.430% rate is lower than nearby Juneau County (1.524%), Iowa County (1.557%), and La Crosse County (1.629%). Only Iron County (1.145%) offers notably cheaper tax rates in this rural area.

On a median home: $2,672 yearly

A typical $186,900 home in Jackson County generates an annual tax bill of $2,672, about $223 per month. The bill decreases slightly to $2,636 for homeowners with mortgages, reflecting state tax credits.

Appeal overassessments to county assessor

Jackson County conducts regular reassessments that sometimes inflate property values above market rates. Homeowners who notice their assessed value exceeds comparable recent sales should file an appeal—the county assessor's office can explain the process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

Jackson County near national affordability

Jackson County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio sits right at the national sweet spot, just below the 15% threshold where housing affordability becomes strained. Median household income of $65,508 is slightly below the national median, but housing costs scale appropriately to local wages.

Middle ground in Wisconsin

Jackson County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio edges just below Wisconsin's 14.9% state average, placing it slightly above the state median for affordability. Median rent of $789 is 11% less than the state average, offering modest savings for tenants.

Balanced costs in west-central Wisconsin

Jackson County rents of $789 fall between rural Iron County ($640) and more developed Juneau County ($847). Home values average $186,900—affordable compared to Jefferson ($253,800) and Iowa ($248,100) counties while remaining above Iron County's $155,200.

Jackson County income allocation

Renters allocate $789 monthly (14.4% of the $65,508 median income) while homeowners spend $983 (18.0% of income). Both figures remain within healthy affordability ranges, though homeownership requires a slightly higher income commitment than renting.

Jackson County for balanced living

Jackson County offers solid middle-ground housing costs without the premium prices of southern counties or the economic constraints of rural alternatives. Its 14.4% rent ratio puts you ahead of most Wisconsin markets while home values stay under $190,000.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson County lags national earnings

Jackson County's median household income of $65,508 falls 12.3% short of the national median of $74,755. This income gap limits household capacity for savings, investment, and major purchases.

Below Wisconsin's median income

Jackson County ranks below the Wisconsin state average of $71,715, with households earning 8.7% less than typical state residents. The shortfall reflects a local economy dependent on lower-wage sectors.

Mid-range earner among regional peers

Jackson County households earn $6,450 more than Iron County ($59,058) but $15,096 less than Iowa County ($83,372). The income positioning reflects Jackson County's rural character and limited high-wage employment.

Housing costs consume growing share

Jackson County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio is above regional average, meaning housing affordability tightens for renters and would-be homebuyers. The median home value of $186,900 stretches modest household incomes.

Leverage low-cost wealth tools

Jackson County households earning $65,508 can use employer 401(k) matches and Roth IRAs as accessible wealth-building vehicles requiring no investment expertise. Starting with even $100 monthly builds long-term security and tax advantages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Performance in Jackson County

Jackson County maintains a high safety score of 98.6. Its total crime rate of 911.3 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating the Wisconsin Safety Average

The county performs better than the Wisconsin state average of 98.3 on the safety index. Two local agencies report data that shows Jackson County is safer than many of its state peers.

Reliable Security for Local Families

At 911.3 crimes per 100,000 residents, Jackson County presents a safer profile than the state average of 1,103.1. It remains a secure choice for families compared to more urban Wisconsin counties.

Violent Crime is Remarkably Rare

Violent crime occurs at a rate of just 66.8 per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average. While property crime is the primary concern at 844.5, it still trails the national average by over 1,100 points.

Secure Your Home Perimeter

Securing your home's perimeter is the best way to combat local property crime. Jackson County residents should consider automated lighting to further discourage theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson County health trails national average

At 76.4 years, Jackson County residents live about 1.5 years below the U.S. average of 77.9 years. Nearly 17.3% report poor or fair health—above the national average of 17.4%—marking one of the lowest life expectancies in this county group.

Jackson County ranks below state median

Jackson County's 76.4-year life expectancy falls 1.4 years short of Wisconsin's 77.8-year average. This gap suggests residents face health challenges exceeding statewide patterns.

Jackson County faces steeper health challenges

With a 76.4-year life expectancy and 17.3% poor/fair health rate, Jackson County trails nearly all peers—falling well behind Iowa County (79.7 years) and Kewaunee County (79.9 years). Only Juneau County shows comparable health struggles.

Solid provider access, but gaps remain

Jackson County has 90 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the second-highest in this group, yet the 7.1% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Wisconsin's 7.0%. For some residents, lacking insurance may still block access to these available providers.

Bridge the insurance gap in Jackson County

Over 7% of Jackson County residents are uninsured—above state average and among the highest here. Secure your coverage today at Healthcare.gov to ensure you can use the strong provider network your county has built.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Balanced Mix of Town Schools

Jackson County serves 2,916 students through 10 public schools spread across three distinct districts. The infrastructure is well-distributed, featuring four elementary, one middle, and five high schools.

Steady Growth and Local Investment

The county's 88.3% graduation rate beats the national average, supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $8,123. These investments contribute to a school score of 55.1, reflecting a consistent focus on student advancement.

Black River Falls Leads District Growth

Black River Falls School District is the largest, managing four schools and 1,572 students. The Melrose-Mindoro and Alma Center districts provide additional options for the county's nearly 3,000 students, though no charter schools are currently active.

Split Between Town and Country

The locale is evenly split with five schools in towns and five in rural areas, maintaining an average school size of 365 students. Black River Falls High is the largest campus with 479 students, offering a traditional town-center school experience.

Find Your Community in Jackson County

Whether you prefer the convenience of town living or the space of the countryside, Jackson County offers diverse educational settings. Start your home search here to join a community that values its local school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

Jackson County: Below-Average National Risk

Jackson County's composite risk score of 48.06 places it in the Relatively Low category, substantially below many U.S. counties. The county faces moderate but manageable natural disaster exposure.

Below Wisconsin's Average Risk

Jackson County scores 48.06 compared to Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, positioning it in the lower-risk half of state counties. The county's risk profile is about 20% below the statewide norm.

Safer Than Juneau, Similar to Iowa

Jackson County (48.06) sits between Iowa County's lower risk (23.38) and Juneau County's higher exposure (70.80). Within its region, Jackson County offers moderate protection against major natural disasters.

Flooding and Tornadoes Lead Threats

Jackson County's flood risk scores 54.71, its highest exposure, while tornado risk reaches 51.56. Wildfire risk at 30.98 rounds out the county's notable hazards, though earthquake and hurricane risks remain low.

Prepare for Flood and Tornado Season

Jackson County residents should invest in flood insurance, especially in lower-lying areas, and develop a tornado safety plan. Standard homeowners policies don't cover flooding—verify you have separate flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jackson County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Upper Midwest Weather

Jackson County’s 43.9°F average temperature is nearly 10 degrees lower than the national median. This reflects a climate of cold winters and mild, humid summers.

Representing the Wisconsin Standard

The county’s 43.9°F average is nearly identical to the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. It serves as a reliable benchmark for typical Central Wisconsin weather patterns.

Typical Central Wisconsin Patterns

Jackson County is slightly cooler than Juneau County, which averages 45.4°F. Its 36 inches of annual precipitation is very close to the state average of 34.5 inches.

Crisp Winters and Humid Summers

January lows average 14.8°F, contributing to 44.5 inches of annual snowfall. Summers are comfortable with a 69.5°F July average and only 6 days of extreme 90°F heat.

Versatile Gear for Seasonal Swings

Residents need a four-season wardrobe to handle the 55-degree swing between January and July. Standard home heating systems must be robust enough for the 18.2°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

Acidity Meets High Organic Content

Jackson County soil maintains an average pH of 5.37, which is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.63. This level is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, suggesting a need for lime if growing pH-sensitive crops. The lack of specific taxonomic data is offset by the county's strong organic performance.

A Sand-Heavy Foundation

The soil is comprised of 42.1% sand, 25.0% silt, and a low 8.3% clay content. This high sand percentage ensures excellent aeration for plant roots and prevents the soil from hardening when dry. However, this mix can lead to faster nutrient leaching compared to heavier clay soils.

Rich Organic Reserves

With 18.63% organic matter, Jackson County sits well above the state average of 11.02% and dwarfs the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity exactly matches the state average of 0.204 in/in. This combination provides a fertile environment that holds moisture effectively despite its sandy base.

Natural Filtration and Flow

While official drainage classes are not listed, the 42.1% sand content typically indicates rapid drainage and high permeability. This helps prevent standing water after storms, making it a stable choice for various building projects. Gardeners should plan for frequent, light watering to keep the upper layers moist.

Resilient Growing in Zone 4b

The USDA Hardiness Zone 4b environment supports cool-weather staples like potatoes and diverse root vegetables. With an overall soil score of 70.9, the land outperforms the state average of 68.2. Take advantage of the high organic matter by starting a vegetable patch this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Ease in Jackson County

Jackson County earns a lawn difficulty score of 69.2, making it easier to manage than the state average of 64.4. This Hardiness Zone 4b region benefits from consistent moisture and manageable summer temperatures.

Ideal Rainfall for Healthy Turf

The county receives 36.0 inches of rain annually, surpassing both the state average and the national ideal for turf. With 2,274 growing degree days, grass has sufficient thermal energy to establish quickly during the summer months.

Managing Sandy, Acidic Ground

A soil pH of 5.37 indicates acidic conditions that likely require lime to optimize nutrient uptake for grass. The high sand content of 42.1% means water moves through the soil rapidly, necessitating careful nutrient management.

Excellent Natural Drought Resistance

Jackson County recorded zero weeks in drought over the past year, a rare feat compared to its neighbors. Current data shows 0.0% of the county is dry, meaning natural rainfall currently supports most lawn needs.

Seeding for Success in 4b

Hardy mixtures of Kentucky Bluegrass are ideal for this climate and should be sown after May 6. Ensure your lawn is established before the growing season ends with the first frost on October 3.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 49.6 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 Wisconsin?
Jackson County ranks #43 among all counties in Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Jackson County is $2,672, with an effective tax rate of 1.43%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 16.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, Wisconsin is $65,508 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 55.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 49.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Wisconsin. 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

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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