Jackson County's livability score of 66.7 is 33% higher than the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the 67th percentile among American counties. It's a solid performer on national livability measures.
2 / 5
Middle-upper range within Wisconsin
Jackson County scores 66.7, marginally above Wisconsin's 65.6 state average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 72 counties. It's a reasonably livable Wisconsin community by composite standards.
3 / 5
Affordability and cost dominates
Jackson County's cost score of 79.3 reflects strong housing affordability with median rent at $789/month and homes valued at $186,900. Tax burden is reasonable at 1.430% effective rate.
4 / 5
Risk exposure and income lag
The risk score of 52.0 is the county's notable weakness, suggesting moderate environmental or hazard exposure relative to peers. Income at $65,508 median household (26.1 score) also trails state benchmarks.
5 / 5
Good fit for pragmatic newcomers
Jackson County suits practical families and professionals seeking affordable rural living with acceptable livability overall, though risk factors warrant consideration. It's a no-nonsense Wisconsin option with balanced trade-offs.
Jackson County's livability score of 66.7 is 33% higher than the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the 67th percentile among American counties. It's a solid performer on national livability measures.
Middle-upper range within Wisconsin
Jackson County scores 66.7, marginally above Wisconsin's 65.6 state average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 72 counties. It's a reasonably livable Wisconsin community by composite standards.
Affordability and cost dominates
Jackson County's cost score of 79.3 reflects strong housing affordability with median rent at $789/month and homes valued at $186,900. Tax burden is reasonable at 1.430% effective rate.
Risk exposure and income lag
The risk score of 52.0 is the county's notable weakness, suggesting moderate environmental or hazard exposure relative to peers. Income at $65,508 median household (26.1 score) also trails state benchmarks.
Good fit for pragmatic newcomers
Jackson County suits practical families and professionals seeking affordable rural living with acceptable livability overall, though risk factors warrant consideration. It's a no-nonsense Wisconsin option with balanced trade-offs.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛62.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.