 It was founded in 1853 from parts of Paradise Township.Jackson Township education is served by the Spring Grove Area School District and Police Coverage by Northern York County Regional Police Department

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which is land and , or 0.97%, is water.The township surrounds on three sides the borough of Spring Grove, located along Codorus Creek, the southern boundary of the township and the borough.