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Jackson County

LA · Pop. 14,939 · Suburban County

84/100Homestead Score

Jackson Parish sits in Louisiana across 569 square miles, home to 14,939 people at 26.3 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, peas. The median home price is $107,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.33%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 234-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.6°F and average winter lows of 34.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 56.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Jackson Parish Hospital is 9.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 48.9% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.33%
Growing Season: 234 days
Broadband: 48.9%
Density: 26.3/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 234-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.33% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $107,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Jackson Parish Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 9.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • Annual rainfall of 56.7 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.

Cons

  • Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
  • Broadband reaches only 48.9% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
  • A poverty rate of 24.3% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
  • The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.

At a glance

Jackson County, LA is a strong overall fit for homesteading.

Homestead score
84/100
Median home price
$107k
Property tax
0.33%
Growing season
234 days (zone 8b)
Annual rainfall
56.7"
Broadband
48.9%
Nearest hospital
Jackson Parish Hospital, 9.9 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.33%
Median Household Income$43,345
Poverty Rate24.3%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$107K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone8b
Growing Season234 days
Annual Rainfall56.7 inches
Avg Summer High90.6°F
Avg Winter Low34.6°F
Top CropsHay, Haylage, Peas

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought1/10
Wildfire4/10
Tornado7/10
Flood3/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalJackson Parish Hospital (9.9 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage48.9%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.8%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Jackson County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Jackson Parish?
Jackson Parish is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 234-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.6°F, and average winter lows of 34.6°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, peas.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $107,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.33%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 48.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Jackson Parish Hospital is 9.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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Nearby counties

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.