Jackson County Public RecordsIowa

Jackson County, IA, features 7 public schools and several private options, serving around 1,900 K-12 students. The high school graduation rate is 92%, while about 18% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school test scores are slightly below the Iowa state average. Districts prioritize safety with secure facilities and regular drills. Educational programs include STEM, dual credit, and career readiness pathways. The county offers adult education through community colleges and local organizations, supporting GED completion.

As of 2022, Jackson County, IA had an employment rate of approximately 60%, with around 8,220 employed residents. Key industries include manufacturing (20%), health care and social assistance (16%), and retail trade (12%). The most common occupation types are production (18%), office and administrative support (13%), and management (11%). Over 77% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes. Around 25% of residents work outside the county, mainly in Dubuque and Clinton.

Jackson County, IA, has a homeownership rate of about 79%, with median home values around $157,000 in 2023. Rentals make up about 21% of housing, with median rents near $720/month. The market has seen moderate value growth of 3-5% annually. Housing types include single-family homes, some multi-family units, and rural properties, with Maquoketa and Bellevue as notable neighborhoods. Property tax rates average 1.37%. Overall, Jackson County offers affordable housing and steady market trends, attracting buyers seeking a small-town, rural lifestyle.

Jackson County, IA, had 13,000 registered voters in 2022, with registration split among Republicans (41%), Democrats (29%), and No Party (30%). Elections include primary, general, city, and school elections. In the 2020 presidential election, results favored Republicans with Donald Trump receiving 60% of the county's vote. There are 18 polling locations across the county. Recent issues on the ballot have included school funding and local infrastructure. Elections are administered by the Jackson County Auditor’s Office, ensuring compliance with state law and transparency. Voter turnout typically ranges from 60% (general elections) to 15% (primaries).

Jackson County, IA, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported 52 property crimes and 7 violent crimes per 10,000 residents, according to Iowa Uniform Crime Reporting data. The Sheriff's Department emphasizes community policing and encourages prompt reporting, contributing to a clearance rate of 67% for major offenses. Efforts like neighborhood watch programs have enhanced local safety, making Jackson County one of Iowa’s safer rural areas.

As of the 2020 Census, Jackson County, Iowa, had a population of 19,485. The median age was 43.1 years. The gender distribution was roughly equal, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (96.5%), with smaller populations of Black or African American (0.5%), Asian (0.3%), Native American (0.3%), and two or more races (2.4%). Hispanic or Latino residents comprised 1.4% of the population.