TennesseePop. 68,435Smaller cities
Is Jackson a Good Place to Live? Jackson, Tennessee: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Jackson ranks #1215 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #492 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.5, #5 of 524) and short commutes (18.2 min, #56 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (727 per 100,000, #419 of 444) and low household income ($53,032, #490 of 524).
Jackson by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Jackson's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Jackson?
Jackson's cost of living index is 85.5, 15% below the US level of 100 and #38 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,145/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $224,512, 33% below the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
| Measure | Jackson | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 85.5#38 of 1,308 | 91.9 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $224,512#189 of 1,187 | $334,108 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,421/mo#274 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $217,800#289 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,145/mo#379 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.1x#604 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25.9%#1083 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Jackson housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Jackson is in the Jackson, TN metro.
Tennessee housing market →Is Jackson safe?
Jackson recorded 727 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 48% above Tennessee's 492. That ranks #979 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #419 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jackson Police Department. Property crime runs 2,644 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Jackson | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 727#979 of 1,085 | 492 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,644#894 of 1,085 | 1,637 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Jackson?
The median household in Jackson earns $53,032, 36% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 22.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Jackson | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $53,032#1183 of 1,312 | $71,997 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 22.2%#1173 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Jackson?
The median resident of Jackson is 35.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 27.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #880 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Jackson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 27.8%#880 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 51.2% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Jackson's schools and health?
Jackson's 19 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $11,115 spent per pupil. 44.9% of adults are obese and 16.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Jackson | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 90.4% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.9#445 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,115#1051 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 44.9%#1283 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 16.7%#1255 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.6%#1219 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 13.2%#973 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,159 students are enrolled in Jackson's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Jackson?
The average commute in Jackson is 18.2 minutes (Tennessee 26.5); 1% of workers take transit and 9.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Jackson scores 7.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #1149 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.1°F and winters 41.2°F, with 53.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Jackson | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 18.2 min#204 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5%#570 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 71.7% | 75% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3% | 1.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.7% | 12.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.6#1149 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 48.7 | 29.3 | 4.1 |
| Feb | 53 | 32.5 | 4.4 |
| Mar | 62.2 | 39.6 | 5.6 |
| Apr | 72.1 | 48.4 | 5.1 |
| May | 80 | 57.9 | 5.6 |
| Jun | 87.1 | 65.7 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 90 | 69 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 89.5 | 67.1 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 83.9 | 59.5 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 73.3 | 48.1 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 60.8 | 37.8 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 51.4 | 32.2 | 5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jackson Mckellar- Sipes Airport.
| Measure | Jackson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 60°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 78.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 41.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 53.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jackson Mckellar- Sipes Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Jackson?
Madison County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Madison County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 69% of US counties.
| Measure | Jackson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 36#161 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.19%#905 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Madison County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Madison County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.099% | 97% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.018% | 81% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0022% | 77% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.046% | 8% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Jackson compare with similar-size cities?
Jackson is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #492 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 68,435.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson, TNPop. 68,435 | #1215 | 44.4 | $53,032 | $1,145/mo | 727 | 18.2 min |
| Portland, MEPop. 68,854 | #131 | 67.1 | $79,540 | $1,577/mo | 245 | 19.4 min |
| Schenectady, NYPop. 68,847 | #907 | 51.6 | $58,399 | $1,145/mo | 705 | 22 min |
| Weston, FLPop. 68,837 | #492 | 58.2 | $139,825 | $2,851/mo | part year | 29.6 min |
| Spring, TXPop. 68,580 | #1145 | 46.8 | $88,997 | $1,711/mo | no data | 33.8 min |
| Shawnee, KSPop. 68,542 | #153 | 66.0 | $109,940 | $1,322/mo | 228 | 22.3 min |
| Grand Junction, COPop. 68,142 | #730 | 54.5 | $70,080 | $1,142/mo | 536 | 15.8 min |
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #1312 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 | 25.9 min |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #801 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data | 33.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Jackson compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Jackson ranks #19 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 44.4 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 26% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 48% above the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical Tennessee home.
| City | Rank in TN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #1 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 |
| Brentwood, TNPop. 45,556 | #2 | 68.0 | $182,088 | $2,825/mo | 62 |
| Collierville, TNPop. 51,515 | #3 | 67.6 | $138,598 | $1,691/mo | 175 |
| Spring Hill, TNPop. 55,765 | #4 | 63.4 | $112,013 | $1,844/mo | part year |
| Hendersonville, TNPop. 63,091 | #5 | 61.5 | $97,200 | $1,653/mo | 140 |
| Lebanon, TNPop. 44,788 | #6 | 60.3 | $72,848 | $1,306/mo | 266 |
| Bartlett, TNPop. 56,876 | #7 | 59.1 | $102,070 | $1,638/mo | 262 |
| Gallatin, TNPop. 48,532 | #8 | 58.9 | $77,518 | $1,395/mo | 180 |
| Smyrna, TNPop. 56,692 | #9 | 58.3 | $81,926 | $1,461/mo | 333 |
| Murfreesboro, TNPop. 161,445 | #10 | 57.1 | $80,108 | $1,481/mo | 404 |
| Johnson City, TNPop. 72,222 | #11 | 55.6 | $57,254 | $1,023/mo | 417 |
| Columbia, TNPop. 45,441 | #12 | 54.1 | $63,719 | $1,197/mo | 371 |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #13 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 |
| Knoxville, TNPop. 195,185 | #14 | 51.8 | $54,039 | $1,191/mo | 685 |
| Cleveland, TNPop. 48,829 | #15 | 51.6 | $58,559 | $1,034/mo | 547 |
| Kingsport, TNPop. 56,262 | #16 | 51.3 | $52,490 | $907/mo | 572 |
| Chattanooga, TNPop. 185,783 | #17 | 50.9 | $64,523 | $1,256/mo | 680 |
| Nashville, TNPop. 690,130 | #18 | 50.4 | $77,371 | $1,586/mo | 961 |
| Jackson, TNPop. 68,435 | #19 | 44.4 | $53,032 | $1,145/mo | 727 |
| Memphis, TNPop. 618,980 | #20 | 37.4 | $51,736 | $1,181/mo | 1,853 |
All 20 Tennessee cities we track, by overall score. Tennessee statewide: median income $71,997, violent crime 492.3 per 100,000.
How is Jackson's score calculated?
Jackson scores 44.4 out of 100, #1215 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Tennessee's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Jackson. Similar-size median 55.5.
42.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Jackson's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
41.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Jackson. Similar-size median 58.9.
22.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Jackson's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Jackson's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
83.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Jackson. Similar-size median 56.1.
22.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Jackson. Similar-size median 42.4.
44.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Jackson. Similar-size median 50.0.
51.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Jackson's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
34.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
49.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Jackson's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Jackson has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Jackson
Is Jackson, TN a good place to live?
Jackson ranks #1215 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #492 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.5, #5 of 524) and short commutes (18.2 min, #56 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (727 per 100,000, #419 of 444) and low household income ($53,032, #490 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Jackson?
Jackson's cost of living index is 85.5, 15% below the US level of 100 and #38 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,145/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $224,512, 33% below the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
What is the crime rate in Jackson?
Jackson recorded 727 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 48% above Tennessee's 492. That ranks #979 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #419 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jackson Police Department. Property crime runs 2,644 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Jackson?
The median household in Jackson earns $53,032, 36% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 22.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Jackson?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,145/mo (Census), #379 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,421/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Jackson?
The typical home value in Jackson is $224,512, down 1.5% in a year, against $334,108 for Tennessee and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $217,800.
How are the public schools in Jackson?
Jackson's 19 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $11,115 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Jackson?
The average commute is 18.2 minutes, #204 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across Tennessee. 5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Jackson?
Jackson averages 60°F over the year, 78.1°F in summer and 41.2°F in winter, with 53.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Jackson walkable?
Jackson scores 7.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1149 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Jackson at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Madison County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 69% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Jackson?
Madison County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Jackson?
Jackson has 68,435 residents. The median resident of Jackson is 35.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 27.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #880 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Jackson compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Jackson ranks #19 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 44.4 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 26% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 48% above the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical Tennessee home.
What cities are similar in size to Jackson?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Jackson's population of 68,435 are Portland, ME (#131 overall), Schenectady, NY (#907 overall), Weston, FL (#492 overall), Spring, TX (#1145 overall), and Shawnee, KS (#153 overall). Jackson is #1215.