Education, Employment and Housing

Jackson County, TN, has six public schools, including Jackson County High School, with a graduation rate of 89%. Approximately 10.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the state average. The district’s average test scores are around 28% proficiency in math and 33% in reading. School safety measures include secure entrances and routine drills. Educational programs feature Career and Technical Education (CTE) and dual enrollment options. Adult education is available via Upper Cumberland Adult Education; in 2023, 8.3% of residents had no high school diploma.

As of 2023, Jackson County, TN, has an employment rate of about 52%. Major industries include health care (19%), manufacturing (16%), and retail trade (11%). The most common occupations are production (13%), office/administrative support (11%), and sales (10%). Nearly 70% of employed residents commute outside the county for work, with popular destinations including Cookeville and Nashville. The average commute time is approximately 34 minutes.

Jackson County, TN has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with median home values around $170,000 as of 2023. Rental options are limited, and median rents average $750 per month. The housing market has seen values increase by roughly 10% year-over-year. Most homes are single-family, with some mobile and manufactured homes. Popular neighborhoods include Gainesboro and Dodson Branch. Property tax rates are approximately $0.96 per $100 of assessed value, keeping annual property taxes lower than the national average. The area is rural, offering a quiet lifestyle with affordable housing options.

Demographics

As of 2022, Jackson County, TN has a population of approximately 11,730. The median age is around 45 years, with 21% under 18 and 20% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution is about 50% male and 50% female. The racial makeup is predominantly White (94.3%), with small percentages of Black or African American (1.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2%), and other races.

Elections

Jackson County, Tennessee, has approximately 7,100 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include federal, state, and local offices, with major parties being Republican and Democrat. In the 2020 presidential election, about 78% voted Republican. The Jackson County Election Commission administers elections, oversees four main polling locations, and handles absentee and early voting. Recent issues include voter turnout, which was around 60% in the last general election. Voters can register online or in person. Key matters for local elections often involve infrastructure, education funding, and rural services. Results and information are available at the county Election Commission office.

County Crime & Safety

Jackson County, TN, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. According to the latest FBI data, the county reported a violent crime rate of approximately 195 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of about 1,120 per 100,000 in 2022. Law enforcement agencies utilize an online portal for crime reporting and maintain regular community engagement. Residents feel generally safe, though some property-related incidents occur, emphasizing the importance of ongoing vigilance and community programs to sustain safety levels.