Jackson County, South Dakota

Income Data

-60% vs. South Dakota average
$26,686
Median Household Income
$17,120
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$26,686
-60% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$17,120
-57% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
23.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in South Dakota
#66 / 66
by median household income

How Jackson County Compares

Jackson County$26,686
South Dakota Average$66,926
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$26,686
Median Household Income
$17,120
Per Capita Income
$111,500
Median Home Value
23.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Jackson County, South Dakota

Jackson faces a significant income gap

Jackson County's median household income of $26,686 falls 64% below the national median of $74,755, representing one of the most economically challenged counties in the country. This stark disparity reflects limited employment opportunities and higher rates of poverty in the region.

Lowest earner in South Dakota

Jackson County's $26,686 median income is less than 40% of South Dakota's state average of $66,926, placing it at the bottom of all state counties. Per capita income of $17,120 is less than half the state average of $35,667.

Dramatically behind peers

Jackson County lags every neighboring county by a wide margin—Jones County ($64,688) earns 142% more, while even the next-lowest county, Lawrence ($66,766), earns 2.5 times as much. This isolation underscores unique economic challenges in the area.

Housing affordability is critical here

Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% exceeds safe affordability thresholds significantly, leaving families with less than 80% of income for all other necessities. At a median home value of $111,500, homeownership demands careful financial planning and stable employment.

Focus on income growth and stability

Jackson County families should prioritize job training and skill development to increase earning potential, as building wealth from a lower income base requires disciplined strategies. Connect with nonprofits and local workforce development programs offering financial literacy and matched savings programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Jackson County, South Dakota?
The median household income in Jackson County, South Dakota is $26,686, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Jackson County?
The per capita income in Jackson County is $17,120, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $26,686.
How does Jackson County compare to the South Dakota average?
Jackson County's median household income of $26,686 is lower than the South Dakota state average of $66,926. The per capita income is $17,120, compared to the state average of $35,667.
What is the per capita income in Jackson County, South Dakota?
The per capita income in Jackson County, South Dakota is $17,120, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Jackson County a low-income area in South Dakota?
Jackson County's median household income of $26,686 is below the South Dakota average of $66,926. The per capita income of $17,120 is also lower than the state average of $35,667. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Jackson County rank for income in South Dakota?
Jackson County ranks #66 out of 66 counties in South Dakota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $26,686 and per capita income of $17,120, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Jackson County

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County median: $26,686 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-64%

vs. Jackson County MedianAbout equal
vs. South Dakota Average60% below
vs. National Median64% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($2,224) vs. median rent ($460/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.