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Jackson County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#32 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
61.8
County Score
Cost of Living 84.5Property Tax 78.9Lawn Care 76.8

County Report Card

About Jackson County, West Virginia

Jackson County ranks well above national levels

Jackson County secures a 61.8 composite score, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This places the county in a competitive position for overall quality of life.

Matching the West Virginia state average

The county's score of 61.8 nearly matches the West Virginia average of 62.0. It offers a representative experience of the state's best livability standards.

Highly affordable living and low taxes

Housing affordability is a standout feature, evidenced by a cost score of 84.5 and median rent of $720. A low 0.563% effective tax rate further boosts the local tax score to 78.9.

Low income levels and water quality

The income score of 26.9 reflects a median household income of $55,671, which trails national benchmarks. Additionally, water infrastructure needs attention with a score of 37.1.

Perfect for budget-conscious homeowners

Jackson County is best suited for individuals or retirees who prioritize low cost of living and affordable $154,600 home values. It offers a peaceful, low-tax lifestyle for those not dependent on high local salaries.

Score breakdown

Tax78.9Cost84.5Safety62.2Health44.9Schools53Income26.9Risk43.6Water37.1Weather58.3
🏛78.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡62.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤44.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡43.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧37.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.8
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's taxes trail the nation

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson County

via CostByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson income lags behind national median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jackson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jackson County Maintains High National Safety Scores

Jackson County boasts a remarkable safety score of 98.6, placing it well above typical national benchmarks. Its total crime rate of 872.0 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers indicate a exceptionally secure environment for residents compared to the rest of the country.

Competitive Safety Rankings Within West Virginia

Jackson County’s crime rate of 872.0 is lower than the West Virginia state average of 949.0. With a safety score of 98.6, the county slightly exceeds the state average safety score of 98.5. This makes it one of the more secure regions in the state, supported by six reporting agencies.

Quiet Living Compared to Nearby Kanawha

Jackson County is significantly safer than its neighbor to the south, Kanawha County, where the crime rate reaches 3241.9. While Jackson County maintains a rate of 872.0, it offers a starkly different pace of life. This regional contrast makes it a preferred haven for those seeking a lower-crime environment.

Elevated Violent Crime Rates Require Attention

In a departure from state trends, Jackson County's violent crime rate of 405.5 exceeds the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is exceptionally low at 466.5, which is far below the national average of 2,015.7. This unique data split suggests that while property is safe, interpersonal conflicts are more frequent.

Prioritizing Personal and Home Security

The low property crime rate is encouraging, but residents should remain vigilant about personal safety. Simple habits like locking doors and being aware of surroundings help mitigate the localized violent crime risks. Community-based neighborhood watch programs can further strengthen the county's already high safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jackson County

via HealthByCounty

Jackson matches U.S. life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jackson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Thirteen Schools Serving the Jackson Community

Jackson County manages a streamlined education system consisting of eight elementary, two middle, and two high schools. A single district oversees the education of 4,135 students across these 13 total public facilities.

Consistent Performance and Efficient Spending

Jackson County maintains a 92.0% graduation rate, which aligns closely with the state average and exceeds the national average of 87.0%. The county operates with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,015, which is lower than the state average of $7,773 and nearly half the national median.

The Jackson County Schools District

Jackson County Schools operates as the exclusive provider of public education in the area, enrolling all 4,135 students. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring all local resources remain focused on the 13 traditional district schools.

A Rural and Town Educational Mix

The landscape features eight rural schools and five town-based schools, offering a blend of environments for the average school population of 345 students. Ripley High School is the largest campus with 812 students, nearly double the size of Ravenswood High's 429 students.

Invest in a Community Focused on Education

Jackson County offers a stable educational environment with graduation rates that consistently beat national figures. Families looking for a close-knit school community should consider homes near the high-performing Ripley or Ravenswood campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson County

via RiskByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jackson County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm summers and moderate national standing

Jackson County averages 53.5°F annually, placing it near the national median. It experiences more extreme heat days than many temperate US counties, totaling 23 days above 90°F.

Warmer and drier than the state average

Jackson County's 53.5°F average exceeds the state norm of 52.8°F. While its 47.0 inches of rain matches the state exactly, its 17.9 inches of snow is significantly lower than the West Virginia average.

Low snowfall compared to interior neighbors

Jackson County receives only 17.9 inches of snow, far less than Gilmer's 25.1 inches. It shares the same high heat frequency as Kanawha County, with both seeing 23 days of 90°F weather.

Significant heat and mild winter totals

July reaches a warm average of 74.3°F with 23 days of extreme heat. Winters are relatively mild for West Virginia, with a January average of 31.4°F and less than 18 inches of snow.

Focus on cooling and storm drainage

With 23 days of 90°F heat, high-efficiency air conditioning is a necessity for local comfort. Homeowners should also ensure gutters are clear to handle the 47 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson County

via SoilByCounty

Defining the Jackson County ground

Jackson County's specific soil pH and taxonomic data are not currently available in this dataset. However, with a state average pH of 5.25, local soils likely require some lime to approach the 6.5 national median.

Wait for the texture reveal

Composition data for sand, silt, and clay is currently limited for this area. Understanding your local mix is vital, as it dictates how easily roots can penetrate the ground and how well water moves.

Measuring fertility by the state average

The county's available water capacity is not yet recorded against the 0.142 in/in state average. Most West Virginia soils benefit from consistent composting to boost these essential fertility markers.

Planning for the rains

Information on dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups is currently unavailable for Jackson County. Localized percolation tests are recommended before starting any major drainage or construction work.

A green light for Zone 6b

Located in Hardiness Zone 6b, Jackson County is perfect for a wide variety of mid-Atlantic favorites. From berry bushes to summer squash, your backyard is ready for a productive growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson County

via LawnByCounty

Jackson County Offers a Favorable Lawn Environment

With a difficulty score of 76.8, Jackson County is one of the easier places in West Virginia to keep a lawn green. This score sits well above the national benchmark of 50.0 and the state average of 66.5. The local Zone 6b hardiness classification allows for a wide variety of cool-season grass types.

High Precipitation Offsets Extra Summer Heat

Jackson County sees 23 days of extreme heat annually, which is higher than the state average of 17. However, 47.0 inches of annual precipitation provides the necessary moisture to keep turf hydrated during these hot stretches. The 3,473 growing degree days signal a consistent growing season that requires regular mowing.

Prepare Your Foundation with Soil Samples

While specific regional soil metrics aren't available, the high precipitation suggests a potential for nutrient leaching. Homeowners should test their soil to ensure it maintains the 6.0-7.0 pH level required for nutrient uptake. Amending with organic matter can help improve the unnamed soil structures found across the county.

Brief Drought History with Clear Skies

The county experienced 9 weeks of drought over the last year, which is relatively low for the region. Currently, the entire county remains clear of abnormally dry conditions. Maintaining a higher mowing height during the summer can help shade the soil and preserve moisture levels.

Spring Planting Begins in Early May

Wait until the last spring frost passes around May 1st to start your new lawn projects. Fine Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in the Zone 6b climate of Jackson County. These cool-season grasses provide a lush carpet that can withstand the local temperature fluctuations.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson County's county score?
Jackson County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 61.8 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 West Virginia?
Jackson County ranks #32 among all counties in West Virginia 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, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Jackson County is $871, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Jackson County a tax score of 78.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson County?
The median household income in Jackson County, West Virginia is $55,671 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson County earns an income score of 26.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Jackson County scores 61.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in West Virginia. 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.

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🏛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.