Jackson County
KS · Pop. 13,277 · Rural County
Jackson County, Kansas covers 656 square miles with a population of 13,277 and a density of 20.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, soybeans, corn. The median home price is $194,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.19%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 165-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.9°F and average winter lows of 17.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 37.8 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Holton Community Hospital is 5.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 80.1% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $194,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Holton Community Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 5.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, soybeans, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 20.2 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.3% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
At a glance
Jackson County, KS is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 57/100
- Median home price
- $194k
- Property tax
- 1.19%
- Growing season
- 165 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 37.8"
- Broadband
- 80.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Holton Community Hospital, 5.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Jackson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Jackson County?
- Jackson County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 165-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.9°F, and average winter lows of 17.1°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $194,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.19%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 80.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Holton Community Hospital is 5.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Kansas Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Kansas
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The closest counties to Jackson County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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