Jackson County
WI · Pop. 20,971 · Rural County
Jackson County, Wisconsin covers 988 square miles with a population of 20,971 and a density of 21.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on corn, hay, soybeans. The median home price is $187,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.43%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 129-day growing season, average summer highs of 78°F and average winter lows of 7.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 34.2 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Black River Memorial Hospital is 3.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 54.4% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $187,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Black River Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 3.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 21.2 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- A 129-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.43% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Broadband reaches only 54.4% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- Average winter lows of 7.1°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Jackson County, WI is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 39/100
- Median home price
- $187k
- Property tax
- 1.43%
- Growing season
- 129 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 34.2"
- Broadband
- 54.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Black River Memorial Hospital, 3.1 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 4b with a 129-day growing season, average summer highs of 78°F, and average winter lows of 7.1°F. The established crops are corn, hay, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $187,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.43%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 54.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Black River Memorial Hospital is 3.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Wisconsin Resources
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LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Wisconsin
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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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