Jackson
North Carolina

What stands out

If you had to describe Jackson County in numbers, start here: the property tax rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0.37%), the median home price is in the top 10% of American counties ($453K), and homeownership is in the bottom 10% of American counties (62%). Within North Carolina it ranks 1st of 100 counties for the property tax rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Jackson County, North Carolina. 42,388 people live here with you. The population grew 1.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +667).

North Carolina has a flat income tax that is being cut each year, 3.99% for 2026 after 4.25% in 2025, with 3.49% scheduled for 2027 if revenue triggers are met, and it does not tax Social Security. Property taxes are moderate and reassessments happen every four to eight years by county. The Research Triangle and Charlotte have driven a decade of in-migration; the mountains and the Outer Banks are second-home markets with hurricane and flood exposure on the coast.

Money

The typical household here brings in $51,482 a year, lower than 76% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,540. Unemployment runs 3.8%, higher than 64% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

North Carolina takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,054 a year.

Home

The median home costs $453K, pricier than 90% of American counties, about 3.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $761 a month. Property tax is 0.37% of home value, roughly $896 a year on that median home, lower than 96% of American counties. 62% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than 59% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 22 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.8 years, longer than 62% of American counties. There are 74 active physicians in the county, about 17.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 13.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.91 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 68% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 8 points. 61% of eligible voters turned out. Under North Carolina law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 53°F, highs near 64 and lows near 43, colder than 60% of American counties. About 51 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 47 out of 100, safer than 52% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 138 Mbps down, slower than 75% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.1 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 3 museums.