Jackson County, Colorado

County Distress Index: Healthy · 25.1 | 1,309 people · 64th most distressed in Colorado
American Default Research

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Jackson County, CO ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 25.1 — 2964th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Housing Cost Burden, where housing remains relatively affordable compared to local incomes. Within Colorado, it ranks 64th of 64 counties. It scores lower than all 5 of its neighboring counties.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Jackson County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 38.1 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 38.1
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 10
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 41
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 95
Homeownership Rate 56
Economic Vitality 27.7
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 49
Rent-to-Income Ratio 5
Business Formation Rate 7
House Price Change (YoY) 26
Legal Distress 23.2
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 23
Structural Poverty 22.8
Unemployment Rate 27
Poverty Rate 48
Income vs. State Median 9
Child Poverty Rate 39
Disability Rate 10
Transfer Income Dependency 15
Consumer Credit Distress 19.5
Debt in Collections 21
Medical Debt 7
Auto Loan Delinquency 22
Credit Card Delinquency 32
Uninsured Rate 45
Subprime Credit Population 5

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Jackson County
Jackson County, CO 25.1 Healthy —
Albany County, WY 48.0 Normal +22.8
Larimer County, CO 40.7 Normal +15.6
Carbon County, WY 34.0 Healthy +8.9
Grand County, CO 31.7 Healthy +6.6
Routt County, CO 28.5 Healthy +3.4

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Jackson County
Rio Blanco County, CO 25.2 Healthy +0.1
Nuckolls County, NE 25.1 Healthy -0.1
Fillmore County, NE 25.2 Healthy +0.1
Daggett County, UT 25.3 Healthy +0.2
Rock County, NE 25.3 Healthy +0.2

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Jackson County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Jackson County

Find an Attorney

Colorado Bar Association — Lawyer Referral Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

Colorado Bar Association — Lawyer Referral Service 303-831-8000

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Jackson County residents at no cost.

Colorado Legal Services 303-837-1313 (Denver); 1-866-529-6257 (statewide)
Colorado Volunteer Lawyer Resource (CVLR) 303-722-0300
Colorado Bar Association — Lawyer Referral Service 303-831-8000 (Denver); 1-800-332-6736 (statewide)

American Default Research does not endorse, rate, or rank any provider. Verify attorney credentials with your state bar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Jackson County, Colorado?

    Jackson County has a County Distress Index score of 25.1 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,964th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 64th in Colorado out of 64 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Jackson County?

    The primary driver of distress in Jackson County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 38.1 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Jackson County compare to neighboring counties?

    Jackson County (25.1) can be compared to its 5 neighboring counties: Albany County, WY (48.0); Larimer County, CO (40.7); Carbon County, WY (34.0).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Healthy zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Jackson County's score of 25.1 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Jackson County's CDI score?

    Jackson County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Jackson County?

    Jackson County, Colorado has a population of approximately 1,309 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a tiny county.