Jackson
Missouri

What stands out

If you had to describe Jackson County in numbers, start here: natural-hazard risk is in the top 4% of American counties (96 of 100), home internet speed is in the top 5% of American counties (301 Mbps), and homeownership is in the bottom 6% of American counties (59%). Within Missouri it ranks 2nd of 115 counties for natural-hazard risk.

Where you are

You live in Jackson County, Missouri. 715,526 people live here with you. The population grew 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -385).

Missouri stopped taxing Social Security and public pensions for all residents in 2024 and has been cutting its top income-tax rate toward 4.5%. Home prices are well below the national average in both Kansas City and St. Louis. The state's property tax on vehicles, paid every year, surprises new arrivals; tornado exposure is high across the state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $65,169 a year, higher than 63% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $71,613. Unemployment runs 2.9%, lower than 71% of American counties. 12% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 21 minutes each way.

Missouri takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,882 a year.

Home

The median home costs $251K, pricier than 56% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,086 a month. Property tax is 1.19% of home value, roughly $2,336 a year on that median home, higher than 72% of American counties. 59% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 54% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 35 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 75.5 years, shorter than 53% of American counties. There are 3,359 active physicians in the county, about 46.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.4 of 5 stars. 10.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.86 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 69% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted almost evenly. 38% of eligible voters turned out. Under Missouri law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 56°F, highs near 67 and lows near 46, warmer than 52% of American counties. About 34 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 96 out of 100, riskier than 96% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 301 Mbps down, faster than 95% of American counties. There are 8 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 27 breweries, 20 museums, 1 National Park Service site.