countyscore
64.2
County Score
Property Tax 97.2Cost of Living 89.3Safety 75.9

County Report Card

About Jackson Parish, Louisiana

Well Above the National Median

Jackson Parish earns a solid composite score of 64.2, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in a strong position relative to thousands of peers across the country.

A Top Performer in Louisiana

Compared to the Louisiana state average of 53.0, Jackson Parish stands out as a high-performing outlier. It remains one of the more livable areas in the state based on this data-driven metric.

Exceptional Tax and Cost Benefits

The county excels with a near-perfect tax score of 97.2 and an affordable housing score of 89.3. Median home values sit at just $107,400, providing incredible value for residents.

Addressing Water and Income Gaps

Low scores in water quality (3.0) and household income (5.4) present significant hurdles for the parish. The median household income of $43,345 lags behind many neighboring regions.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

Jackson Parish is an ideal destination for those with portable incomes or fixed pensions who prioritize low taxes and housing costs. It offers a high quality of life for those less dependent on the local labor market.

2040608010097.289.375.936.744.25.473.8339Tax97.2Cost89.3Safety75.9Health36.7Schools44.2Income5.4Risk73.8Water3Weather3964.2/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Jackson Parish DNA

D+overall

How Jackson Parish compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jackson Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (97.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
97.2+45.2
Cost
89.3+41.3
Safety
75.9+20.900000000000006
Health
36.7-13.299999999999997
Schools
44.2-9.799999999999997
Income
5.4-45.6
Risk
73.8+26.799999999999997
Water
3-55
Weather
39-17
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Compare mortgage rates in Jackson Parish

Whether buying or refinancing in Jackson Parish, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$107,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$719/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$107,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $43,345/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Lincoln Parish
Louisiana
49.8
Ouachita Parish
Louisiana
35.3
Winn Parish
Louisiana
67.8
Caldwell Parish
Louisiana
58.8
Bienville Parish
Louisiana
64.2
Union Parish
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66.8
Claiborne Parish
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68.8
Richland Parish
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58.1

Deep Dives

Jackson Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jackson Parish

via TaxByCounty

Jackson Parish taxes far below national average

At 0.330%, Jackson Parish's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.565%, placing the parish in the bottom 15% nationally for property tax burden. Homeowners here pay $354 annually on a median home worth $107,400—less than one-seventh the national median tax of $2,690.

Among Louisiana's most affordable parishes

Jackson Parish ranks among the lowest-taxed parishes in Louisiana, with an effective rate 21% below the state average of 0.421%. This keeps median property taxes at just $354, compared to the state median of $732.

Slightly lower than rural counterparts

Jackson Parish's 0.330% rate edges out Jefferson Davis Parish (0.282%) but undercuts Lincoln Parish (0.499%) and Lafourche Parish (0.498%). Among rural northeast Louisiana parishes, Jackson stands in the middle tier for affordability.

What homeowners actually pay yearly

On Jackson Parish's median home value of $107,400, the annual property tax is approximately $354 without a mortgage and $528 with one (including assessments). This amounts to about $30 per month for most homeowners—among the lowest in the state.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Even in low-tax parishes, property assessments can be inflated, particularly on rural or agricultural land. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent sales nearby, filing an appeal through the parish assessor's office could lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jackson Parish

via CostByCounty

Jackson Parish lags behind national affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 19.9%, Jackson Parish renters spend a slightly higher share of their earnings on housing than the national average—but the real pressure comes from income: the median household earns just $43,345, compared to $74,755 nationally. That 42% income gap means housing costs hit harder here, even at lower absolute dollar amounts.

Just above average for Louisiana housing burden

Jackson Parish ranks slightly above the state average for housing affordability, with its 19.9% rent-to-income ratio barely edging the Louisiana average of 19.5%. The median rent of $719/month is well below the state median of $873, suggesting lower absolute costs offset by lower incomes.

Among Louisiana's most affordable rentals

At $719/month, Jackson Parish rents are the lowest among these eight Louisiana counties—$154 cheaper than the state median. Compared to neighboring Jefferson Parish's $1,162/month, Jackson Parish offers dramatic savings, though the difference in incomes narrows the affordability advantage.

Rent takes 19.9% of income; homeownership even cheaper

The median renter in Jackson Parish dedicates $719 monthly to rent against a $43,345 household income, consuming 19.9% of earnings. Homeowners fare better, with a median monthly cost of just $482 on a median home value of $107,400—the lowest among these eight counties.

Consider Jackson Parish for budget-conscious living

If housing affordability tops your priority list, Jackson Parish delivers low rents and modest home prices that beat most Louisiana neighbors. Just remember: lower housing costs reflect lower incomes overall, so factor in local job market and salary expectations before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jackson Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Jackson Parish trails national income

Jackson Parish households earn $43,345 annually, 42% below the national median of $74,755. This significant gap reflects broader income challenges across rural Louisiana and ranks the parish in the lower income tier nationally.

Below average within Louisiana

At $43,345, Jackson Parish median household income falls $11,905 short of Louisiana's state average of $55,250. The parish ranks in the lower third of all Louisiana counties for household earnings.

Among the region's lowest earners

Jackson Parish households earn substantially less than nearby Lincoln Parish ($38,035) and far below LaSalle Parish ($67,077). The $23,732 gap between Jackson and LaSalle reflects stark regional income disparities across north-central Louisiana.

Rent remains affordable here

At 19.9% of household income, Jackson Parish rents stay within the 30% affordability threshold, meaning most residents can access housing without financial strain. However, the lower base income limits households' capacity to save or invest in other needs.

Build financial security today

Jackson Parish residents earning $43,345 should prioritize emergency savings and retirement planning through employer 401(k)s or IRAs to build long-term wealth. Even modest monthly investments compound significantly—saving just $50/month grows to over $6,000 in five years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jackson Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Jackson Parish Among Nation's Safest

Jackson Parish earns an impressive safety score of 99.1, placing it far above the national average. Its total crime rate of 576.4 per 100K is a fraction of the 2,385.5 national figure.

Beating the Louisiana Average

The parish's 99.1 safety score significantly outperforms the Louisiana state average of 97.1. It maintains one of the strongest safety profiles in the region.

A Quiet Neighbor in North Louisiana

Jackson Parish reports much lower crime than its neighbors, with a rate of 576.4 compared to Lincoln Parish's 2710.9. Its total crime volume sits well below the state average of 1853.7.

Understanding the Local Data

Violent crime is low at 106.0 per 100K, while property crime stands at 470.4. Since only one agency reported data in 2022, residents should view these low figures as a partial snapshot of local safety.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

Low crime rates offer security, but proactive measures like outdoor lighting keep it that way. Simple home monitoring helps ensure Jackson Parish remains a safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jackson Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Educational Infrastructure

Jackson Parish operates a lean education system with 5 total schools serving 2,161 students across a single district. The infrastructure includes one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school, alongside two specialized institutions.

Meeting National Graduation Benchmarks

The parish maintains a graduation rate of 87.0%, matching the national average and exceeding the state mark of 85.4%. While per-pupil spending of $7,623 is slightly lower than the state average, the parish achieves a school score of 53.3, keeping pace with Louisiana's median performance.

Unified District Administration

The Jackson Parish School District manages all 2,161 students within the county, offering a consistent administrative approach. There are currently no charter schools in operation, meaning every public student attends a traditional district-run campus.

Rural Roots and Campus Diversity

The educational landscape is entirely rural or town-based, with three schools in rural settings and two in town locales. Quitman High School is the largest campus with 785 students, while Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School offers a more intimate setting for just 162 learners.

Find Your Home in Jackson Parish

Families seeking a close-knit community with reliable graduation outcomes should explore the housing market here. With school quality consistently meeting national standards, finding a home near these established campuses is a sound investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jackson Parish

via RiskByCounty

Jackson Parish: Well Below the Curve

Jackson Parish scores 26.18 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting far below the national median. This means your county faces significantly less overall natural disaster risk than most of the country, giving you a genuine advantage in hazard exposure.

Safest Parish in Louisiana

Among Louisiana's 64 parishes, Jackson Parish ranks among the very safest with a composite score of 26.18 compared to the state average of 62.37. Your parish's risk profile stands out as a genuine exception in a state historically vulnerable to major disasters.

Island of Stability in North Louisiana

Neighboring Lincoln Parish scores 64.34—more than double Jackson's risk level—and LaSalle Parish, another northern neighbor, scores 12.15. Jackson Parish sits in a relatively low-risk zone compared to parishes south and east toward coastal areas.

Watch for Hurricanes and Tornadoes

Hurricane risk (65.37) and tornado risk (62.63) are Jackson Parish's primary concerns, though both remain below state averages. Flood risk (27.58) stays minimal, reflecting your location away from coastal surge zones and major river systems.

Prioritize Wind and Tornado Coverage

While Jackson Parish enjoys lower overall risk, homeowners should maintain robust wind and hail insurance to handle tornado and hurricane damage. A standard homeowners policy typically covers wind, but verify your coverage limits and consider additional protection if your home is older or mobile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Jackson Parish

via WaterByCounty

Jackson Parish drinking water receives failing grade

Jackson Parish carries a Water Quality Grade of F with 237 health violations over the last five years. The violation rate of 1,317.0 per 100,000 residents is more than triple the Louisiana state average of 407.2.

Dissolved oxygen and mercury impact local watersheds

According to 2022 federal assessments, 81.6% of the 38 monitored water bodies in the parish fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. Top impairment causes include dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, and mercury fish consumption advisories.

Sparse monitoring network tracks parish water quality

Water quality data remains limited with only three active monitoring sites recording 749 measurements over five years. Technicians primarily focus on physical characteristics, organic compounds, and nutrient levels.

Monitoring the Dugdemona River near Jonesboro

The primary USGS gauge for this 355-square-mile drainage area is located on the Dugdemona River. While current flow data is unavailable for this station, it remains a critical point for tracking regional watershed discharge.

Prioritize filtration and heed fish advisories

Given the high rate of health violations, residents should consider certified home water filtration and regular testing. Additionally, the presence of mercury in 81.6% of assessed waters necessitates following all local fish consumption advisories.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jackson Parish

via WeatherByCounty

A Rainy Humid Climate

Jackson Parish experiences significant annual rainfall of 55.4 inches, which is much higher than the national median. While specific temperature data is limited, the region follows the typical humid subtropical pattern found throughout the American South.

Below the Louisiana Rain Average

The parish receives 55.4 inches of precipitation, slightly less than the Louisiana state average of 60.8 inches. It maintains a drier profile than its coastal counterparts while remaining consistently humid year-round.

Comparing Northern Louisiana Rainfall

Jackson Parish's 55.4 inches of rain is nearly identical to neighboring Lincoln Parish at 55.6 inches. This consistency across the northern region highlights a shared climate that is slightly less saturated than the southern parishes.

Mild Winters and Rare Snow

Winters are mild with an average annual snowfall of only 0.2 inches. While specific heat metrics are unavailable, the region follows the state's pattern of long, damp summers and brief, cool winters.

Preparing for Year-Round Moisture

Residents should prioritize moisture control and gutter maintenance to handle 55.4 inches of annual rain. Because snow is rare at 0.2 inches, heavy winter equipment is rarely necessary, but rain gear remains a daily essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jackson Parish

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soil in the northern piney woods

Jackson Parish features a highly acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.23. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and falls below the Louisiana state average of 5.74. While taxonomic data is currently unclassified, the pH levels define the local growing environment.

Sandy ground with low clay content

The soil is predominantly sand at 55.3%, which makes it easy to work but less effective at holding nutrients. With only 14.0% clay and 30.7% silt, these soils typically drain quickly but may struggle to stay fertile without supplementation.

Modest organic levels and water retention

The parish holds 1.86% organic matter, which is slightly below the national 2.0% average and far behind the 6.38% state average. Consequently, the available water capacity of 0.137 in/in is lower than the state benchmark of 0.182 in/in, indicating lower drought resistance.

Slow infiltration in Hydrologic Group D

Despite the sandy texture, the soil belongs to Hydrologic Group D, suggesting it has a high runoff potential when thoroughly wet. While specific drainage class data is unavailable, this classification warns of potential pooling during heavy Louisiana rains.

Garden success in Zone 8b

The local climate in hardiness zone 8b pairs with sandy soils to favor acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. With proper irrigation to manage the lower water capacity, Jackson Parish residents can maintain productive vegetable gardens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jackson Parish

via LawnByCounty

Jackson Parish Lawn Care Difficulty

Jackson Parish carries a lawn difficulty score of 39.4, which is significantly more challenging than the national median of 50.0. Despite being tougher than the U.S. average, local conditions are slightly easier than the Louisiana state average of 33.8. The region sits in hardiness zone 8b, requiring turf that can handle both southern heat and occasional winter dips.

Wet Climate Drives Mowing Needs

With 55.4 inches of annual precipitation, Jackson Parish exceeds the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. This high moisture level fuels rapid growth and requires a frequent mowing schedule to prevent thatch buildup. Although specific heat day data is limited, the high rainfall suggests a humid environment where fungal pressure remains a constant threat.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Soil

The soil pH in Jackson Parish is quite acidic at 5.23, falling well below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most grasses. A high sand content of 55.3% ensures drainage but means nutrients may leach out quickly. Homeowners should plan for regular lime applications and frequent, light fertilization to maintain healthy turf.

Recent Drought Trends in Jackson

Over the past year, the parish endured 17 weeks of drought conditions, with 100% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. Roughly 18.1% of the county faces severe drought, making deep, infrequent watering essential to establish deep root systems. Mulching lawn clippings can help retain moisture in the sandy soil during these dry spells.

Starting Your Jackson Parish Lawn

Centipede and St. Augustine grasses thrive in this 8b hardiness zone and handle the acidic soil better than most varieties. While specific local frost dates are unavailable, mid-spring remains the best window for seeding or sodding once soil temperatures consistently rise. Proper site preparation and pH balancing are the most critical steps for success here.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jackson Parish's county score?
Jackson Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 64.2 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 Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Jackson Parish ranks #13 among all counties in Louisiana 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 Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Jackson Parish is $354, with an effective tax rate of 0.33%. This earns Jackson Parish a tax score of 97.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jackson Parish?
The median household income in Jackson Parish, Louisiana is $43,345 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jackson Parish earns an income score of 5.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jackson Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Jackson Parish scores 64.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Jackson Parish 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 Parish with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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