Cost of living in Jackson County, NC
Population 43,089 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Jackson County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Jackson County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Jackson County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Jackson County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Jackson County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Jackson County
State and local tax rates for North Carolina.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Jackson County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Jackson County
What it costs to live in Jackson County each month.
- Rent $868
- Energy $187
- Water $55
- Groceries $327
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $325
- State tax $112
- Rent $961
- Energy $224
- Water $65
- Groceries $542
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $545
- State tax $201
- Rent $1,269
- Energy $280
- Water $75
- Groceries $822
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $545
- State tax $201
Frequently asked questions about Jackson County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Jackson County?
In Jackson County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $868 per month, a two-bedroom averages $961 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,269 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Jackson County?
In Jackson County, NC, the average household income is $53,479 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $29,914 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Jackson County?
The estimated cost of living in Jackson County, NC is approximately $2,674 per month for a single person, $3,822 for a couple, $6,262 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Jackson County?
The combined sales tax rate in Jackson County, NC is 7.00%, which includes the North Carolina state rate of 4.75% plus an average local rate of 2.25%.
Is Jackson County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Jackson County, NC would need approximately $2,674 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $53,479 per year ($4,457 per month). Jackson County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Jackson County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Jackson County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 15.2% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Jackson County?
The average home value in Jackson County, NC is $253,900, with average annual property taxes of $938, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Jackson County compare to other areas?
You can compare Jackson County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Jackson County is in North Carolina.
Other counties in North Carolina
Browse the full list of counties in North Carolina, ranked by cost of living.
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP