Median Income
$80,435
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$227,600
19% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
106/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.7%
6% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$955
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.7%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
58% lower than US avg
How Jackson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population15,532
Median Age34.7 yrs
Density1,445/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$80,435
Per Capita$37,258
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty5.2%
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$227,600
Rent$955
Ownership69.7%
Zillow$267,228
Housing Units6,368
Rent Burden25.4%
Crime
F
Violent106/100K
Property1,505/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault99/100K
Burglary185/100K
Health
Obesity33.7%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking14.3%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (14°C)
AQI46 (Good)
Rain46.6 in/yr
Sunny Days251/yr
Elevation476 ft (145 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.7%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+14.3%
School Score5.18
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 59%
Commute21 min
Broadband91.8%
EV Stations12
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. 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 $80,435, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Jackson is $227,600, 19% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $955 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x 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 106 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,505 per 100,000, 23% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Jackson enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 251 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 46.
Jackson has a population of 15,532 with a density of 1,445 people per square mile, spread across 10.8 square miles. The median age is 34.7 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (90.1%), with 1.5% Hispanic, 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.7yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Jackson is $80,435, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,258. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,435 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,258 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.2% |
| 58% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 10.9% |
The median home value in Jackson is $227,600, 19% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $267,228, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 102.8% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $955 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,197 for a one-bedroom to $1,358 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 6,368 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. 25.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $227,600 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $267,228 |
| Median List Price | $279,700 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $279,700 |
| $/Sq Ft | $143 |
| Homes Sold | 19 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 102.8% |
| Price Drops | 26.5% |
| Inventory | 34 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $955 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $982 |
| Rent Burden | 25.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,095 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,197 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,358 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,769 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,103 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.3% |
| Housing Units | 6,368 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
In Jackson, 33.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 19.0% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-28)
PM2.5
5.1
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
5.4
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
4.4
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.5
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
160.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Jackson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
Food & Exercise
Jackson has a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 99.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 6.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,505 per 100,000, 23% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,221, burglary at 185, vehicle theft at 99 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Jackson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Jackson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 105.6/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 6.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 99.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,504.9/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
| Burglary | 184.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,221.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 99.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 23 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Jackson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 46.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 46. 59% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 476 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.3°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 251 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 476 ft (145 m) |
| Area | 10.8 sq mi (27.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,445/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3823°N, 89.6662°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Cape Girardeau Regional (CGI) 13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.6"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.88"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 46.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 59.3% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Earthquake History
348 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
26 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
91 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
42 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
82 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
138 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
133 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
61 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
132 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
72 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
136 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
78 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
121 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
115 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
63 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
72 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
73 km |
| Sep 9, 2016 |
9 km NW of Tiptonville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
573 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 62 fatalities, 964 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
86 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
96 km |
8 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
58 km |
2 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
66 km |
10 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
87 km |
4 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
39 km |
11 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
77 km |
3 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
57 km |
2 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
0 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
30 km |
1 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WYLIE KING 1 (6,077 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
MILLER KING |
4,130 |
97 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,313 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
96 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
61 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
30 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
30 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,552 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
ESSMAN SPRING RX |
1,495 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,483 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
99 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
34 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,260 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
27 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
27 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,232 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Jackson has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 31°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (2.9").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Jackson
What is the population of Jackson?
Jackson has a population of 15,532 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,445 people per square mile, spread across 10.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is Jackson expensive to live in?
Jackson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $80,435, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $227,600 (19% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $955 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, 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 106 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,505 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Jackson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Jackson?
Jackson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 251 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.6 inches, with 2.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 46.
How is the job market in Jackson?
The job market in Jackson is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 10.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Jackson?
The median home value in Jackson is $227,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $267,228. For renters, the median monthly rent is $955. Fair market rent is $1,197 for a 1-bedroom and $1,358 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.7%.
How are the schools in Jackson?
Schools in Jackson score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.7% of adults in Jackson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 14.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Jackson?
The obesity rate in Jackson is 33.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Jackson?
The average commute in Jackson is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Jackson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Jackson is 90.1% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.