Median Income
$57,328
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,900
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.8%
18% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$702
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.1%
19% lower than US avg
How Jackson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,298
Median Age42.9 yrs
Density635/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans10.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,328
Per Capita$36,381
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty10.1%
County GDP$1,429M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,900
Rent$702
Ownership69.8%
Zillow$201,384
Housing Units1,688
Rent Burden31.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property833/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking15.1%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,311 ft (400 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.8%
High School+95.4%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute15 min
Broadband91.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Jackson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Jackson receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include 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 $57,328, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. 10.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Jackson is $118,900, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $702 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x 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 833 per 100,000, 58% below the national average.
Education
27.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Jackson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Jackson has a population of 3,298 with a density of 635 people per square mile, spread across 4.6 square miles. The median age is 42.9 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (88.3%), with 1.5% Hispanic, 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.8% of residents, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 10.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.8%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.2%
61% below US avg
The median household income in Jackson is $57,328, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,381. The average weekly wage is $1,033, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 705 business establishments, including 49 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,328 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,381 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,033 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,768 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.1% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 705 |
| County GDP | $1,429M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 49 |
| Healthcare | 84 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,403 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 7.5% |
The median home value in Jackson is $118,900, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,384, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $702 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $846 for a one-bedroom to $973 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,688 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $3,403. 31.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,900 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $201,384 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $702 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $671 |
| 1 Bedroom | $846 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,283 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,288 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,688 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,403 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.86% |
In Jackson, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245. The dentist ratio is 1:1,310. 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Jackson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,245 |
| Dentists | 1:1,310 |
| Mental Health | 1:983 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,227/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 84 |
Jackson has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 833 per 100,000, 58% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. 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 |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 832.8/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 245 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Jackson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,311 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,311 ft (400 m) |
| Area | 4.6 sq mi (11.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 635/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6257°N, 94.9886°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Martin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
67 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.7"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
101 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
90 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
535 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 396 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
86 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
73 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
49 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Jackson has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.6").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,104 |
| Toddler | $986 |
| Preschool | $925 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Jackson
What is the population of Jackson?
Jackson has a population of 3,298 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 635 people per square mile, spread across 4.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Jackson expensive to live in?
Jackson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $57,328, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,900 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $702 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, 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 833 per 100,000 (below 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Jackson?
The job market in Jackson is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,033. There are 705 business establishments in the area, including 49 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 7.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Jackson?
The median home value in Jackson is $118,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,384. For renters, the median monthly rent is $702. Fair market rent is $846 for a 1-bedroom and $973 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,403.
How are the schools in Jackson?
Schools in Jackson score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.8% of adults in Jackson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Jackson?
The obesity rate in Jackson is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245.
What is transportation like in Jackson?
The average commute in Jackson is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Jackson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Jackson is 88.3% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 94.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 10.6% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
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