Elections

Jackson County, WI, had 13,150 registered voters as of November 2022. The county conducts local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections. In the 2020 Presidential race, turnout was approximately 75%; Donald Trump received 62% of county votes, Joe Biden 36%. Polling locations are found in 21 municipalities, administered by the County Clerk. Key issues include rural broadband and agriculture. Voters are mainly Republican and Democratic, with Republicans typically prevailing. Registration requires proof of residency. More information is available through the Jackson County Clerk’s office and Wisconsin’s MyVote site.

County Crime & Safety

Jackson County, WI, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported about 200 total offenses, including 18 violent crimes (such as assault and robbery) and 182 property crimes (primarily theft and burglary), according to Wisconsin Department of Justice data. The crime rate stands at roughly 1,245 incidents per 100,000 residents, below the state average. Local law enforcement actively encourages community involvement and timely reporting, contributing to a consistent resolution rate. Public safety initiatives and neighborhood watch programs further support the county’s focus on crime prevention and community awareness.

Education, Employment and Housing

Jackson County, WI has 16 public schools, including Black River Falls High School, serving about 2,000 students. Approximately 87% of adults hold a high school diploma, while around 14% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. In 2023, public schools averaged a 58% proficiency rate in reading and math. The county offers adult education through Western Technical College. School safety initiatives include resource officers and mental health programs. Educational programs feature STEM and career readiness tracks, aiming to improve post-secondary attainment and workforce skills.

As of 2022, Jackson County, WI had an employment rate of approximately 58.0%. Major industries include manufacturing (17.6%), health care & social assistance (17.1%), and retail trade (11.9%). The most common occupations are production, transportation, and material moving (21.6%), followed by sales and office roles (18.4%). About 78.8% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 22.7 minutes. Most residents are employed within the county, though some commute to nearby counties such as Eau Claire and La Crosse for work opportunities.

Jackson County, WI, has a homeownership rate near 75%, with median property values around $170,000 as of 2023. Rentals comprise about 25% of the housing market, with median monthly rents near $870. The county features a mix of single-family homes, manufactured housing, and rural properties, notably in Black River Falls and surrounding neighborhoods. Property values have seen steady growth, rising nearly 8% year-over-year. The average effective property tax rate is approximately 1.5%. Housing affordability remains a relative strength compared to statewide averages.

Demographics

As of 2022, Jackson County, WI, has a population of approximately 21,400. The median age is about 42 years. The gender split is roughly 51% male and 49% female. Racially, the county is predominantly White (85%), with Native American (7%), Black or African American (2%), Hispanic or Latino (3%), and Asian (1%) communities also present. The Native American population is primarily from the Ho-Chunk Nation.