Jackson County's composite score of 72.5 towers above the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the top 35% of all U.S. counties. This competitive standing reflects balanced strengths across affordability, taxes, and health.
2 / 5
Slightly ahead of West Virginia benchmark
Jackson ranks just above the state average with a score of 72.5 versus 72.2 statewide, placing it among the upper tier of West Virginia counties. The county demonstrates consistency with regional performance while maintaining distinct local advantages.
3 / 5
Most affordable housing and low taxes
Jackson leads on cost (86.8) and tax burden (86.4), offering the lowest median rent in this group at $720/month and an effective tax rate of 0.563%. These advantages combine to create one of the region's most budget-friendly living environments.
4 / 5
Income growth and economic resilience are weak
Income levels (19.7) rank among the lowest in the group, with a median household income of $55,671 limiting earning potential for residents. Risk resilience (43.6) is moderate, indicating the economy could face headwinds during downturns.
5 / 5
Ideal for financially disciplined retirees
Jackson County is designed for people with fixed incomes or modest earnings who need maximum housing affordability and minimal tax burden. If you can live on a steady income and prioritize low overhead costs, Jackson delivers excellent livability value.
Jackson County's composite score of 72.5 towers above the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the top 35% of all U.S. counties. This competitive standing reflects balanced strengths across affordability, taxes, and health.
Slightly ahead of West Virginia benchmark
Jackson ranks just above the state average with a score of 72.5 versus 72.2 statewide, placing it among the upper tier of West Virginia counties. The county demonstrates consistency with regional performance while maintaining distinct local advantages.
Most affordable housing and low taxes
Jackson leads on cost (86.8) and tax burden (86.4), offering the lowest median rent in this group at $720/month and an effective tax rate of 0.563%. These advantages combine to create one of the region's most budget-friendly living environments.
Income growth and economic resilience are weak
Income levels (19.7) rank among the lowest in the group, with a median household income of $55,671 limiting earning potential for residents. Risk resilience (43.6) is moderate, indicating the economy could face headwinds during downturns.
Ideal for financially disciplined retirees
Jackson County is designed for people with fixed incomes or modest earnings who need maximum housing affordability and minimal tax burden. If you can live on a steady income and prioritize low overhead costs, Jackson delivers excellent livability value.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Jackson County's effective rate of 0.563% is significantly lower than the national median of 0.867%, placing it in the lowest quartile of American counties. Residents here pay just $871 annually in property tax versus the national median of $2,690.
Among the higher rates in West Virginia
Jackson County ranks slightly above the state average of 0.497%, with an effective rate of 0.563%. The median property tax of $871 exceeds West Virginia's state median of $699 by $172, making Jackson one of the pricier counties in the state.
Higher than Lewis, lower than Marion
Jackson's 0.563% rate falls between Lewis County's 0.470% and Marion County's 0.602%. A Jackson homeowner pays about $232 more annually than a Lewis County resident on a typical home but roughly $118 less than Marion County.
Annual tax on a median Jackson home
The median Jackson County home valued at $154,600 incurs roughly $871 in annual property tax at the current rate. Homeowners with mortgages may see this rise to $858 when factoring in local tax adjustments.
Check if you're overassessed
Many Jackson County homeowners find their assessed values exceed current market conditions during reassessment periods. A simple appeal to the county assessor—filed free of charge—can lead to meaningful annual savings on your property tax bill.
Jackson keeps housing costs below national average
Jackson County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio beats the U.S. average and suggests stronger affordability for renters. At $720 monthly rent on a $55,671 median income, Jackson households retain more disposable income than most American peers.
West Virginia's most affordable renting county
Jackson's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, nearly a percentage point below West Virginia's 16.9% average. The median rent of $720 is also the lowest in this group, $40 under the state norm.
The bargain among Appalachian peers
Jackson's $720 rent undercuts all neighboring counties including Lewis ($737), Lincoln ($727), and Harrison ($848). This makes Jackson an attractive anchor for renters prioritizing affordability in rural West Virginia.
Jackson's lean housing budget
Jackson residents earning $55,671 annually spend just $720 on rent (15.5%), one of the lowest burdens statewide, while homeowners invest $576 monthly on median-valued homes of $154,600. This leaves Jackson households with breathing room for other expenses.
The most affordable option in our snapshot
Jackson County stands out for renters and modest-income homebuyers seeking the lowest housing-cost burden in West Virginia. If your budget is tight, Jackson's combination of low rents and reasonable home values makes it a practical choice over pricier Jefferson or income-stretched Logan.
Jackson County's median household income of $55,671 falls 26% short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks near the bottom third of all U.S. counties, though it remains slightly above West Virginia's state average of $54,746.
Below-average performer within West Virginia
Jackson County ranks in the lower half of West Virginia's 55 counties for median household income. At $55,671, it sits only $925 above the state average, indicating limited economic advantage over most neighboring counties.
Jackson sits among region's lower earners
Jackson's $55,671 median falls between Lewis County ($52,279) and Harrison County ($58,326), placing it squarely in the struggling middle. The county reflects economic patterns common to rural Appalachia, with fewer high-wage employment sectors.
Housing affordability remains tight
Jackson's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% is healthier than some peers, but median home values of $154,600 still stretch household budgets. For families earning the median, housing costs consume a significant share of available income.
Jackson residents can build wealth steadily
Even with modest median incomes, Jackson households can grow savings through consistent discipline and low-cost investing. Open a high-yield savings account and contribute regularly to retirement plans to compound wealth over time.
Jackson County's 73.2-year life expectancy aligns closely with the national average of 74.5 years, and its 21.4% poor/fair health rate beats the national average of 23%. Residents here enjoy relatively stable health compared to Americans nationwide.
Jackson exceeds West Virginia average
At 73.2 years, Jackson's life expectancy runs 1 year above West Virginia's state average of 72.2 years. The county's 21.4% poor/fair health rate ranks in the top half of the state, reflecting better-than-average health outcomes regionally.
Healthy living in an unequal region
Jackson's 73.2-year life expectancy is 1 year longer than Harrison County's (73.1) but 7 years ahead of Logan County (66.2). However, Jackson's 36 primary care providers per 100K—less than one-third of Harrison's density—means residents travel farther for routine medical care.
Lower uninsured, but sparse doctors
Jackson's 7.1% uninsured rate is the lowest among regional peers, meaning 9 in 10 residents have coverage. The challenge: only 36 primary care providers per 100K population, forcing many to seek care in neighboring counties or delay preventive visits.
Build your safety net now
With fewer doctors available locally, having solid insurance is even more critical in Jackson County. Check healthcare.gov today to ensure your plan covers telehealth visits and referrals to specialists—options that can bridge the provider gap.
Jackson County sits slightly above national baseline
Jackson County's composite risk score of 56.46 exceeds West Virginia's state average of 49.21, placing it in the relatively low risk category. Compared to high-hazard counties across the nation, Jackson faces below-average overall disaster exposure.
Among West Virginia's safer counties
Jackson County ranks in the lower-risk half of West Virginia's 55 counties, with a composite score of 56.46 that reflects controlled hazard exposure. Its main vulnerabilities cluster in flood and hurricane risks rather than spreading across multiple hazard types.
Lower tornado risk than Harrison County
Jackson County's composite score of 56.46 sits well below Harrison County's 73.60, driven by Jackson's much lower tornado risk of 12.75 versus Harrison's 34.99. Both counties face similar flood exposure (Jackson 75.83, Harrison 86.70), but Jackson's stronger protection from severe convective storms gives it an edge.
Flooding and hurricanes threaten Jackson County
Flooding represents Jackson County's primary hazard with a risk score of 75.83, affecting low-lying areas and stream corridors throughout the county. Hurricane exposure ranks second at 56.53, with tornado danger (12.75) and wildfire risk (20.39) posing lower but present threats.
Prioritize flood and wind coverage in Jackson
Jackson County's 75.83 flood risk means flood insurance should be a non-negotiable part of your property protection plan. Add comprehensive wind and hail coverage to address the 56.53 hurricane risk, and consider umbrella liability protection for weather-related incidents.