Jackson was originally called Springfield, and under the latter name was laid out in 1856. A post office called Jackson has been in operation since 1858.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of, of which is land and is water. The city lies along Interstate 90, which runs east to west the entire width of southern Minnesota. Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 71 are two of the main routes in the city. Jackson is located near the center of the county of the same name. To the south is the Iowa Lakes region, which comprises Spirit Lake, West Okoboji Lake and several other small lakes.
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,299 people, 1,489 households, and 856 families living in the city. The population density was. There were 1,635 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup of the city was 93.3% White, 0.5% African American, 0.4% Native American, 3.4% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.8% of the population. There were 1,489 households of which 27.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.6% were married couplesliving together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.5% were non-families. 37.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.84. The median age in the city was 40.8 years. 22.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.1% were from 25 to 44; 26.4% were from 45 to 64; and 19.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,501 people, 1,487 households, and 887 families living in the city. The population density was. There were 1,659 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup of the city was 94.03% White, 0.26% African American, 0.17% Native American, 4.03% Asian, 0.77% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.51% of the population. There were 1,487 households out of which 27.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.3% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.93. In the city, the population was spread out with 23.3% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 22.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.8 males. The median income for a household in the city was $33,452, and the median income for a family was $42,553. Males had a median income of $30,503 versus $21,676 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,444. About 4.6% of families and 11.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.4% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.
Historic sites
Ashley Park Olson-Slaabakken cabin, Jackson County's oldest structure.
Fort Belmont 1873 farmhouse, blacksmith shop, log cabin and stockade, 1902 Delafield Lutheran Church.
Jackson County Fair Village 20 historical buildings and is located at the Jackson County Fairgrounds
Though largely a farming community, Jackson has a large industrial park with such businesses as: AGCO, USF Holland, New Fashion Pork, Last Deck, HitchDoc, and Pioneer. AGCO and Challenger tractors are manufactured in Jackson.
