Jackson County, Minnesota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Jackson County is located in Minnesota with a total population of 9,964. It is the 67th most populous county out of 87 in Minnesota. The county encompasses 5 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Jackson County is 44.5 years. This is 15% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 10.6% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Jackson County is $69,955. This is 20% lower than the state median of $87,556. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 11% lower. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%. This is about average than the state poverty rate of 9.2%. The unemployment rate is 2.4%. This is 39% lower than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $145,400. Housing costs are 52% lower than the state median of $305,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Jackson County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 81.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 72.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Jackson County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.4% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.5%. The Black or African American population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 6.7%. The Asian population (1.0%) is well below the state average of 5.0%.

Education

24.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 36% lower than the state rate of 38.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.9%.