Special Interest
Housing in Jackson County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Jackson County averages $782/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Illinois median of $1,274 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 32% of household income on rent, equal to the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Jackson County FMR Area are $667 for a studio, $779 for 1‑bedroom, $967 for 2‑bedroom, $1,275 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,280 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $185 increase for a 2-bedroom in Jackson County shows a 24% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Jackson County was 4.8% in 2024, compared to Illinois at 5.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
