1st Advantage MortgageThe median Jackson County household earns $57,106, and 18% of residents live below the poverty line. Whatever your own numbers, compare written offers on APR, fees and total cost, and verify the lender is licensed in Ohio before sharing details.
On this page
- Jackson County by the numbers
- The Jackson County job picture
- Household income in Jackson County
- Housing costs in Jackson County
- Jackson County and the counties next door
- Towns and communities in Jackson County
- Budget math at the Jackson County median
- More Jackson County figures
- Borrowing situations common in Jackson County
- Licensing and complaints for Jackson County
- Steps before you apply in Jackson County
- Related local guides
- Frequently asked questions
Jackson County by the numbers
Roughly 32,650 residents live in Jackson County, Ohio, 71st by population among the state's 88 counties and county equivalents. Land area is 420 square miles (2024 Gazetteer), so density runs near 78 per square mile. No metropolitan area includes Jackson County in the 2023 federal delineation, so its numbers stand on their own rather than as part of a metro. The Census Bureau counts 4 places in the county (4 incorporated, 0 census-designated); the largest is Jackson, with about 6,231 residents, or 19% of the county.
The Jackson County job picture
Education and health care employs 24% of working residents, the largest share; manufacturing is next with 19%. Compared with Ohio, the county leans toward manufacturing (19% against 15%). The survey's unemployment rate for Jackson County averages 3.8% over 2020 to 2024 (state: 4.8%). Long commutes are common here: 22% of workers spend 45 minutes or longer getting to work. Only 7.6% of homes here go without a vehicle.
| Where residents work | Jackson County | Difference from Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 23.9% | -0.4 pts |
| Manufacturing | 18.8% | +4.1 pts |
| Retail trade | 12.9% | +1.8 pts |
| Construction | 9.5% | +3.5 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 8.1% | -0.3 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 5.8% | -4.4 pts |
Industry shapes paperwork. Salaried and public jobs are easy to verify, while hourly, tipped, commission or contract earners in Jackson County should have bank statements and tax returns ready.
Household income in Jackson County
At $57,106, the typical Jackson County household income is 13% below the median U.S. county ($65,681).
| Household income | Jackson County | vs Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 32.0% | +8.2 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 45.7% | +4.1 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 17.5% | -8.0 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 4.7% | -4.4 pts |
Some 32% of households here live on less than $35,000 a year; 22% have six-figure incomes. Census counts 18.5% of Jackson County residents in poverty, against 13.3% across Ohio. If your income is irregular, as it often is with tips, gig work or seasonal jobs, plan around your leaner months rather than the Jackson County median.
Housing costs in Jackson County
Renters in Jackson County pay a median of $769 a month, 26% below the Ohio figure of $1,034. Rent takes 30% or more of income for 46% of renter households here. With a median value of $150,700, a typical Jackson County house costs 2.6 times what the median household earns in a year. Owners occupy 74% of homes. The median home was built in 1979, so roofs, wiring and heating systems are a common source of repair bills.
| Housing | Jackson County | Ohio statewide | Typical U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $769/mo | $1,034/mo | $877/mo |
| Median home value | $150,700 | $214,800 | $185,300 |
| Owners | 74% | 67% | 75% |
| Rent-burdened renters | 46% | 46% | 45% |
| Burdened owners | 19% | 21% | n/a |
| Mobile homes | 19.0% | 3.4% | n/a |
| Vacant units | 11% | 8% | n/a |
Because most Jackson County households own, home repairs are a frequent reason to borrow. An unsecured personal loan leaves the house out of the deal, while a HELOC uses it as collateral.
Jackson County and the counties next door
Nearest neighbors first, measured between county centers (18 to 32 miles). 1 of the six report a higher median household income than Jackson County; Lawrence County is highest at $58,325 and Meigs County lowest at $46,873.
| County | Miles | Median household income | Median rent | Homeownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson County | - | $57,106 | $769/mo | 74% |
| Vinton County, OH | 18 mi | $55,336 | $728/mo | 76% |
| Gallia County, OH | 22 mi | $56,830 | $813/mo | 75% |
| Pike County, OH | 24 mi | $52,736 | $907/mo | 68% |
| Scioto County, OH | 25 mi | $50,609 | $742/mo | 68% |
| Lawrence County, OH | 29 mi | $58,325 | $848/mo | 72% |
| Meigs County, OH | 32 mi | $46,873 | $722/mo | 75% |
Towns and communities in Jackson County
Here are the 4 most populous of the county's 4 Census places, with income and rent from the same 2020 to 2024 survey. About 42% of Jackson County residents live in one of the 4. Incomes vary by place: $56,193 at the median in Wellston, $44,821 in Oak Hill. Rent is cheapest in Wellston ($534) and steepest in Oak Hill ($795). Live in one of these Jackson County communities, or between them? This is your local guide.
| Name | Kind | Pop. | Income | Rent | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | city | 6,231 | $53,538 | $759 | 3 mi |
| Wellston | city | 5,452 | $56,193 | $534 | 8 mi |
| Oak Hill | village | 1,545 | $44,821 | $795 | 8 mi |
| Coalton | village | 588 | $45,955 | $567 | 7 mi |
Budget math at the Jackson County median
Here is the Jackson County median household run through a simple DTI check. Your numbers will differ.
- Start: $4,759 gross per month ($57,106 / 12)
- Rent at the median, $769, takes 16% of that
- With a 36% ceiling, about $944 remains for car, card, student and any new loan payments
Two-income households and single earners in Jackson County land in very different places on this math, so run it for your own budget.
More Jackson County figures
16% of Jackson County adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or more. About 8% go without health insurance.
| Measure | Jackson County | Ohio statewide | Typical U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 40.0 | 39.7 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's or higher | 15.9% | 31.5% | 22.2% |
| No high school diploma | 13.5% | 8.2% | n/a |
| No health insurance | 7.9% | 6.4% | 7.8% |
| No vehicle | 7.6% | 7.5% | 5.4% |
| Work from home | 6.0% | 13.0% | 8.7% |
| Poverty rate | 18.5% | 13.3% | 13.2% |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 3.8% | 4.8% | 4.4% |
| Travel time to work | Workers |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 31.6% |
| 15 to 29 min | 30.9% |
| 30 to 44 min | 15.7% |
| 45 to 59 min | 7.8% |
| 60+ min | 13.9% |
Borrowing situations common in Jackson County
The county's numbers point to a few situations that come up often for Jackson County borrowers.
- Long drives. With 22% of commutes over 45 minutes, tires and repairs are fixed costs in many Jackson County budgets.
- 19% mobile homes. Many are not titled as real estate, so home-equity options may not apply; an unsecured loan is the usual route.
- Assistance before credit. With a 18% poverty rate, check no-cost options before any Jackson County loan.
- Rent squeeze. 46% of renters spend 30%+ of income on rent; borrow only if the loan cuts what you pay overall.
Licensing and complaints for Jackson County
The Ohio Division of Financial Institutions is the place to verify any lender's Ohio license. A CFPB complaint gets forwarded to the company for a response. See the Ohio state guide for the statewide picture.
Steps before you apply in Jackson County
Quick steps for Jackson County:
- Get a written quote for whatever you are paying for in Jackson County.
- Line up offers side by side: APR, fees in dollars, total cost.
- Check the license, then the reviews, then the offer.
- Pick the shortest term whose payment still fits.
Related local guides
The Ohio guide covers the whole state.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jackson County a high-income county?
Its $57,106 median ranks 75th of 88 Ohio counties and compares with $65,681 for the median U.S. county.
Is Jackson County expensive for renters?
Median rent is $769 against $1,034 statewide, and 46% of renter households are cost-burdened.
Does this page cover Jackson?
Yes, along with the other 3 Census places in Jackson County, such as Wellston, Oak Hill, Coalton.
Are Jackson County applicants treated differently?
No. Everyone answers the same questions and is screened on the same objective points; lending partners set their own criteria under fair-lending laws.
Who do I complain to about a lender in Jackson County?
Start with the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions, then the CFPB complaint portal. Keep copies of every message.