Median Income
$34,317
54% lower than US avg
Home Value
$75,900
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.0%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$494
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.8%
33% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.5%
33% higher than US avg
How Jackson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,128
Median Age44.8 yrs
Density848/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$34,317
Per Capita$25,330
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty16.5%
County GDP$307M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$75,900
Rent$494
Ownership56.4%
Zillow$82,699
Housing Units1,310
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property2,661/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary409/100K
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain49.0 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation886 ft (270 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.0%
High School+81.6%
Graduate+11.1%
School Score4.96
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute18 min
Broadband89.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Jackson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Jackson receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Jackson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Jackson is $34,317, 54% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 16.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Jackson is $75,900, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $494 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Jackson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,661 per 100,000, 36% above the national average.
Education
19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Jackson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Jackson has a population of 2,128 with a density of 848 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 44.8 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.7% female and 44.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 25.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.8yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Jackson is $34,317, which is 54% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,330 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $885, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 354 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $34,317 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,330 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $885 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,236 |
| Gini Index | 0.455 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.5% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 354 |
| County GDP | $307M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 37 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,740 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Jackson is $75,900, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $82,699. Monthly rent averages $494 (58% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $660 for a one-bedroom to $866 for a two-bedroom apartment. 56.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,310 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $1,740 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $75,900 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $82,699 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $494 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $619 |
| 1 Bedroom | $660 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $866 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,204 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,209 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,310 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,740 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.29% |
In Jackson, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,259. The dentist ratio is 1:6,676. 21.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Jackson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.1% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,259 |
| Dentists | 1:6,676 |
| Mental Health | 1:418 |
| Dental Visits | 51.1% |
| Premature Death | 18,853/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 21.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Jackson has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,661 per 100,000, 36% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,047, burglary at 409, vehicle theft at 205 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Jackson receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Jackson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,661.2/100K |
| 36% above US avg |
| Burglary | 409.4/100K |
| Theft | 2,047.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 204.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Jackson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 305 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 49.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 886 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.5°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 886 ft (270 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (6.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 848/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.5654°N, 83.3762°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Breathitt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lake Cumberland Regional (SME)
77 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.0"
29% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.12"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
55 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
55 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
70 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
118 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
90 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
78 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
59 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
111 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
116 km |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
7 km SW of New Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
127 km |
| May 26, 2021 |
8 km NW of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
Kentucky-Tennessee border region |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
137 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
139 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 23 fatalities, 386 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
18 km |
2 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
43 km |
10 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
42 km |
1 |
| Mar 4, 1955 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF2 |
85 km |
6 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2001 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1996 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1990 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1984 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1982 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
57 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
12 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
79 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
95 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
97 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
69 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
47 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
21 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
39 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
57 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
59 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
70 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
82 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
86 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
13,124 |
45 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
11,817 |
78 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
10,990 |
79 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,817 |
14 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
10,183 |
85 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
10,148 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
5.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Jackson has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 33°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.1") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Jackson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $491 |
| Toddler | $489 |
| Preschool | $489 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $348 |
| Toddler | $355 |
| Preschool | $355 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Jackson
What is the population of Jackson?
Jackson has a population of 2,128 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 848 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.7% female and 44.3% male.
Is Jackson expensive to live in?
Jackson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $34,317, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $75,900 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $494 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Jackson safe?
Jackson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,661 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Jackson receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Jackson?
Jackson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Jackson?
Jackson has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $885. There are 354 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Jackson?
The median home value in Jackson is $75,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $82,699. For renters, the median monthly rent is $494. Fair market rent is $660 for a 1-bedroom and $866 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.4%. The average annual property tax is $1,740.
How are the schools in Jackson?
Schools in Jackson score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.0% of adults in Jackson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.6% have completed high school. 11.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Jackson?
The obesity rate in Jackson is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,259.
What is transportation like in Jackson?
The average commute in Jackson is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Jackson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Jackson is 96.5% White. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 25.1% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
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