Jackson County, IL
52,617 residents · 584 sq mi · 90.2/sq mi · 41% rural
About Jackson County
Jackson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois with a population of 52,974 at the 2020 census, the county is located 98 miles southeast of St. Louis. Its county seat is Murphysboro, and its most populous city is Carbondale, home to the main campus of Southern Illinois University. The county was incorporated on January 10, 1816, and named for Andrew Jackson. The community of Brownsville served as the fledgling county's first seat. Jackson County is included in the Carbondale-Marion, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is located in the southern portion of Illinois known locally as "Little Egypt".
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and accessibility, with a population density of 90.2 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by a humid subtropical environment, with an annual mean temperature of 56.4°F and 46.5 inches of rainfall, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8a. Water availability is generally adequate due to the humid classification, although potential challenges may arise during extreme weather events.
Natural hazards in the area include strong winds, earthquakes, and landslides, with FEMA rankings of 98, 97, and 95 respectively, indicating significant risk. Winter weather and heat waves also pose concerns, both ranked at 91. Although the violence percentile is low at 12/100, indicative of a safer environment, the county's higher disaster percentile at 87/100 suggests residents should be prepared for potential emergencies. Additionally, the median home price of $123,400 may be a barrier for some seeking affordable housing.
This county may suit individuals or families looking for a semi-urban homesteading experience with access to community resources and a lower cost of living. Those who thrive here are likely to be adaptable and prepared for natural hazards, while individuals seeking complete isolation or those unprepared for local risks may find it challenging. A hidden gem could be the county's affordability relative to its amenities, but the risk of natural disasters may deter some potential homesteaders.