Jackson, KY
Population 2,128 · Kentucky
About Jackson, KY
Jackson is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 2,128 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $34,317 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Jackson features a median home value of $75,900, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Jackson one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $494, 58% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,317 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (610 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (471 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Jackson shows an unemployment rate of 10.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Jackson have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.0% of Jackson residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.9% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Jackson Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Jackson, KY
Compared to national averages, Jackson has a median household income of $34,317 (54% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $75,900, which is 69% below the national median. Monthly rent at $494 is 58% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Jackson's income is 48% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 58% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Jackson, KY?
Jackson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $75,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $494/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($34,317) that falls below the national average. However, Jackson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Jackson has a population of 2,128 with a median age of 44.8 years. Compare Jackson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Jackson
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elkton | 2,158 | $45,417 | $111,300 | Compare |
| North Corbin | 2,092 | $48,382 | $117,700 | Compare |
| Edmonton | 2,168 | $48,583 | $96,200 | Compare |
| Raceland | 2,173 | $61,923 | $117,800 | Compare |
| Sebree | 2,071 | $62,222 | $99,500 | Compare |
| Windy Hills | 2,188 | $105,875 | $370,900 | Compare |
| Lebanon Junction | 2,201 | $52,000 | $134,700 | Compare |
| Lewisport | 2,053 | $51,847 | $125,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kentucky
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Jackson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Jackson
What is the population of Jackson, KY?
The population of Jackson, KY is 2,128 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Kentucky.
What is the median household income in Jackson?
The median household income in Jackson, KY is $34,317 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Jackson?
The median home value in Jackson, KY is $75,900, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Jackson?
The median monthly rent in Jackson, KY is $494, which is 58% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Jackson?
The unemployment rate in Jackson, KY is 10.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Jackson, KY a good place to live?
Jackson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,128 and a median age of 44.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Jackson, KY?
19.0% of residents in Jackson aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Jackson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Jackson, KY: median home value is $75,900 (69% below national), median rent is $494/month, and median household income is $34,317. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Jackson?
The poverty rate in Jackson, KY is 21.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Jackson, KY?
Jackson's population is 0.9% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.