Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Jackson, CA
Considering a move to Jackson, CA? This friendly Gold Country town has a population of about 5,000 and offers a relaxed lifestyle with affordable median home prices around $390,000 and average rents near $1,275. Residents enjoy mild winters, warm summers, and 68% sunny days per year. Commute times are short (about 25 minutes), crime rates are moderate, and local schools provide solid educational opportunities. With a small-town feel, good healthcare access, and welcoming community, Jackson is a great option for those seeking charm and comfort in Northern California.
Demographics - Jackson, CA
Demographics - Jackson, CA
Jackson, CA is a small city of just over 5,000 residents, with a median age of 48.2 years and a population density of 1,150 per square mile. The community is predominantly White (82%), with a balanced gender ratio and about 7.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This demographic makeup provides a friendly, close-knit environment ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Population:
5,006
Density:
1,150 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.1%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
2.9%
Others:
14.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Jackson, CA?
The cost of living in Jackson is moderately higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 118.7. The median home price is $390,000 and average rents are around $1,275, making housing relatively affordable for Northern California. Residents can expect reasonable utility and insurance costs, and state income tax rates range from 1% to 13.3%.
Median House Value:
$390,000
Gross Rent:
$1,275
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$710
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
118.7
Grocery:
112.3
Housing:
116.0
Utilities:
108.7
Transportation:
120.5
Health Care:
119.2
Miscellaneous:
110.1
Crime
Is Jackson, CA a safe place to live?
Jackson experiences moderate crime rates, with 219 violent crimes and 1,756 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 457, and 1 in 57 for property crime. While crime is present, it is generally in line with similar small towns in the region.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
219
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,756
Crime Index:
1,975
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 457
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 57
Weather
What is the weather like in Jackson, CA year-round?
Jackson boasts mild winters with lows around 36°F and warm, dry summers with highs reaching 92°F. The area enjoys about 68% sunny days and receives roughly 35.6 inches of rainfall each year. These conditions make for a pleasant climate suited to outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
55°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Jackson residents enjoy a median household income of $62,000 and a family income of $75,400, with a poverty rate of 10.9%. Nearly 90% of adults have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is a manageable 25 minutes. The small-town atmosphere and relatively low unemployment rate create a welcoming community environment.
Median Income:
$36,700
Household Income:
$62,000
Family Income:
$75,400
Per Capita Income:
$31,900
Income Male:
$41,800
Income Female:
$34,200
Poverty Rate:
10.9%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,275
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
25.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Jackson, CA?
Jackson offers quality educational options, including public schools like Jackson Elementary and Argonaut High School, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. The city also has private school options, and Columbia College in nearby Sonora provides higher education opportunities within a 30-mile drive. The community values education, with nearly 90% of adults holding a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Jackson Elementary School
Street:
220 Church St
Phone:
209-257-5600
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Name:
Argonaut High School
Street:
501 Argonaut Ln
Phone:
209-257-7700
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.3

Private Schools
Name:
St. Patrick Catholic School
Street:
119 S. Amelia St
Phone:
209-223-2864
Students:
95

Colleges
Name:
Columbia College
City:
Sonora
State:
CA
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Jackson is anchored by Sutter Amador Hospital, offering general and emergency services locally. With a ratio of 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 94% of people insured, the community benefits from accessible healthcare. The healthcare index of 76.8 suggests residents can expect quality medical services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sutter Amador Hospital
Address:
200 Mission Blvd, Jackson, CA 95642
Phone:
(209) 223-7500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
76.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Jackson, CA?
The housing market in Jackson is stable, with a median home price of $390,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,275. About 62.5% of homes are owner-occupied, and the city has a low foreclosure rate of 0.7%. Home values have appreciated modestly at 3.2% over the past year, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$390,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,275
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Jackson residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located locally at 34 N. Hwy 49. The DMV offers a full range of licensing and vehicle services, and more information is available at the California DMV website. Convenient access to DMV services makes vehicle registration and licensing straightforward.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
34 N. Hwy 49, Jackson, CA 95642
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.