The Jackson County Courthouse was constructed in 1879 and is a prime example of the neoclassical architecture of that time. A clock tower was added in 1906, and renovations were completed in 1978. The courthouse is one of the few examples of such architecture still in use in Georgia.

Commerce, the most populous city in the county, has become a major retail center featuring outlet malls.

State high school track and field championships are held in Jefferson, which has one of the top track facilities in the state. Jackson is also home to the Peach State Motorspeedway. Braselton is home of the Chateau Elan Winery, Panoz Motorsports, golf, equestrian center, resort and spa.