Jackson County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Jackson County, NC, had a population of approximately 43,109. The racial composition was roughly 85.6% White, 2.8% African American, 1.5% Asian, 5.1% Native American, and 5.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income was around $46,758, with a poverty rate of 16.4%. The median age was 37.0 years.

As of 2023, the median home price in Jackson County, NC, is approximately $279,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $900 per month. The county has a homeownership rate of about 64%, with a median household income of roughly $45,000. Property taxes average about 0.55% of home value. The area is experiencing modest growth, driven by its scenic appeal and proximity to Western Carolina University.

For the Jackson County, NC elections, the Board of Elections oversees the process. The County has a population of about 44,000 people and approximately 27,000 registered voters. In recent elections, voter turnout has ranged from 50% to 70%, depending on the type of election.

Key positions contested include county commissioners, school board members, sheriff, and other local officials. In the most recent election cycle, notable candidates included:

• County Commissioners: Democrat Mark Jones and Republican Ron Mau were among the candidates.
• Sheriff: Incumbent Doug Farmer (D) faced challenger Rick Buchanan (R).
• School Board: Seats were contested among multiple candidates, reflecting a non-partisan race.

Voting options include in-person on election day, early voting, and absentee voting. For more detailed and up-to-date information on candidates and voting procedures, it is advisable to visit the Jackson County Board of Elections website.

As of recent data, Jackson County, NC, showcases notable educational attainment. Approximately 90.5% of residents aged 25 and older have completed high school, surpassing the national average of about 88.5%. Additionally, 31.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of nearly 33.1%. These figures are slightly below the North Carolina state averages, where 87.8% have finished high school and around 31.3% possess a bachelor's degree or higher. While Jackson County tends to align closely with both state and national education metrics, its high school completion rate is particularly commendable. The county benefits from Western Carolina University, contributing to local educational attainment and providing access to higher education for residents. Overall, Jackson County demonstrates robust educational levels, closely mirroring broader state and national trends.

As of the latest data, Jackson County, North Carolina, has a labor force of approximately 22,000 individuals and an employment rate of about 95%. Key industries in the county include education, healthcare, retail, and tourism, primarily driven by Western Carolina University and local attractions. Specifically, education services, healthcare, and social assistance employ around 30% of the workforce compared to 23% nationally and 25% statewide. Retail constitutes about 13% of employment, while the national average is near 10%. Tourism-related jobs account for roughly 10% of employment, higher than the national average of 6%.

Overall, Jackson County has a robust job market with a focus on education, healthcare, and tourism, aligning somewhat with state trends but showing some variance from national averages, particularly in tourism and retail sectors.

As of the most recent data, the median household income in Jackson County, NC, is approximately $42,000. This is lower than both the national median household income, which stands around $68,700, and the North Carolina state median, which is roughly $52,000.

The figures highlight a significant income disparity, with Jackson County trailing behind state and national averages. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including economic opportunities, cost of living, and demographic differences.

As of the most recent data, Jackson County, NC has a relatively low crime rate compared to the national average. The overall crime rate is around 1,894 incidents per 100,000 people annually. Here are some key statistics for specific types of crimes:

These crime rates reflect a combination of data sources including the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and local law enforcement reports. It's important to consider that crime rates can vary by specific areas within the county.