RANK #326 / 996 · POP 160,637 · MI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.4%
Jackson County, Michigan, known as the "Crossroads of Michigan," offers a blend of urban and rural living, situated about 75 miles west of Detroit. The county seat, the city of Jackson, holds a notable place in history as a significant stop on the Underground Railroad and the birthplace of the Republican Party. Commuting to nearby cities like Ann Arbor or Lansing typically takes around 30-45 minutes, with Interstate 94 and US 127 providing key routes. The area boasts abundant outdoor recreation, including thousands of acres of protected forests, numerous lakes for fishing and kayaking, and extensive trails for hiking and biking. It also has one of the highest concentrations of golf courses per capita in the United States.
Life in Jackson County appeals to families and those seeking a more relaxed pace, with a lower cost of living compared to national averages. The public schools in Jackson County are generally rated above average. The local economy is experiencing growth, driven by investments in infrastructure and the expansion of advanced manufacturing and energy sectors. This has led to job creation and a focus on workforce development, attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.8x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Jackson County Solar Project
Geronimo Power
|
$180M | Under Construction |
|
Grass Lake Solar Project
NextEra Energy Resources
|
$164M | Proposed |
|
Michigan Automotive Compressor, Inc. (MACI) Expansion
Michigan Automotive Compressor, Inc. (MACI)
|
$82M | Under Construction |
|
Jackson County Energy & Operational Efficiency Project (Phase I & Addendum)
Jackson County & Veregy
|
$36M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Jackson County has a Boom Town Index score of 67/100, ranking #326 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -1.3% and a median household income of $62,581, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Jackson County is $166,700 with median rent at $920/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3754, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: -1.3%. Home values changed +3.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.86% of Jackson County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.