FloridaPop. 977,670Large cities
Is Jacksonville a Good Place to Live? Jacksonville, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Jacksonville ranks #946 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #20 of 37 large cities and #50 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (91%, #1 of 30) and fast population growth (+0.8%, #9 of 37), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Jacksonville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Jacksonville's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville's cost of living index is 99.5, 1% below the US level of 100 and #633 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,465/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $285,103, 24% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Jacksonville | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 99.5#633 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $285,103#337 of 1,187 | $375,470 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,601/mo#422 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $293,700#514 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,465/mo#694 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 25.2%#1024 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Jacksonville housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Jacksonville is in the Jacksonville, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Jacksonville safe?
Jacksonville recorded 519 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 58% above the US rate of 328 and 88% above Florida's 275. That ranks #860 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #11 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Property crime runs 2,173 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Jacksonville | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 519#860 of 1,085 | 275 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 2,173#752 of 1,085 | 1,402 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Jacksonville?
The median household in Jacksonville earns $69,872, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 14.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Jacksonville | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $69,872#819 of 1,312 | $77,735 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 3.9% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 14.5%#830 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Jacksonville?
The median resident of Jacksonville is 36.5 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 33.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #682 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Jacksonville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 36.5 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 33.2%#682 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 57.6% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Jacksonville's schools and health?
Jacksonville's 163 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 22.4 students per teacher and $11,670 spent per pupil. 34.8% of adults are obese and 13.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Jacksonville | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 87.3% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 22.4#1051 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $11,670#996 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 34.8%#758 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 13.2%#979 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 13.9%#1019 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 111,832 students are enrolled in Jacksonville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Jacksonville?
The average commute in Jacksonville is 24.1 minutes (Florida 28.9); 1% of workers take transit and 15.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Jacksonville scores 10.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #665 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.3°F and winters 56.8°F, with 51.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Jacksonville | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 24.1 min#695 of 1,312 | 28.9 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 9.6% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 70.9% | 69% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1% | 1.3% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.3% | 1.4% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 15.5% | 15.5% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 10.3#665 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 65 | 44.7 | 3 |
| Feb | 68.3 | 47.8 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 73.1 | 52.2 | 3 |
| Apr | 78.9 | 57.8 | 2.4 |
| May | 84.1 | 64.6 | 3 |
| Jun | 88.6 | 71.2 | 6.3 |
| Jul | 91.2 | 73.2 | 6.1 |
| Aug | 89.8 | 73.5 | 6.9 |
| Sep | 86.2 | 71.4 | 7.3 |
| Oct | 80.1 | 63.6 | 6 |
| Nov | 72.9 | 53.8 | 2.6 |
| Dec | 67.6 | 47.6 | 2.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jacksonville Craig Muni Airport.
| Measure | Jacksonville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 69.5°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 81.3°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 56.8°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 51.8 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jacksonville Craig Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Jacksonville?
Duval County's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 48% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Duval County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Jacksonville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 51#874 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#556 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Duval County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Duval County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.035% | 84% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0031% | 66% of counties |
| Hail | 0.002% | 49% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.075% | 42% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.002% | 41% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0022% | 24% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Jacksonville compare with similar-size cities?
Jacksonville is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #20 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 977,670.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #946 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 | 24.1 min |
| San Jose, CAPop. 990,138 | #416 | 59.7 | $146,427 | $2,669/mo | 505 | 27.3 min |
| Austin, TXPop. 979,539 | #496 | 58.1 | $93,658 | $1,729/mo | 422 | 23.7 min |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #726 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 | 21.5 min |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #623 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 | 24.7 min |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #947 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 | 24.6 min |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #338 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 | 26 min |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #722 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 | 24.9 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Jacksonville compare with the rest of Florida?
Jacksonville ranks #50 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 50.9 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 10% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 88% above the statewide rate. Homes are 24% below the typical Florida home.
| City | Rank in FL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach Gardens, FLPop. 60,959 | #1 | 64.8 | $106,947 | $2,417/mo | 72 |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #2 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data |
| Jupiter, FLPop. 61,883 | #3 | 62.6 | $110,240 | $2,381/mo | 126 |
| Doral, FLPop. 79,216 | #4 | 61.5 | $94,164 | $2,669/mo | 79 |
| North Port, FLPop. 84,605 | #5 | 61.2 | $84,049 | $1,894/mo | 102 |
| Wellington, FLPop. 62,146 | #6 | 61.1 | $115,632 | $2,562/mo | 90 |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #7 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 |
| Apopka, FLPop. 58,232 | #8 | 59.4 | $96,884 | $1,969/mo | 408 |
| St. Cloud, FLPop. 65,130 | #9 | 58.8 | $83,174 | $1,683/mo | 141 |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #10 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 |
| Bradenton, FLPop. 57,014 | … #46 | 51.4 | $60,822 | $1,618/mo | 400 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLPop. 185,604 | #47 | 51.2 | $83,130 | $1,854/mo | 673 |
| Winter Haven, FLPop. 55,200 | #48 | 51.2 | $59,648 | $1,246/mo | 269 |
| Sunrise, FLPop. 97,918 | #49 | 51.0 | $77,652 | $2,140/mo | part year |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #50 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 |
| Coconut Creek, FLPop. 58,330 | #51 | 50.9 | $75,014 | $2,102/mo | part year |
| Ocala, FLPop. 66,584 | #52 | 50.7 | $56,376 | $1,359/mo | 393 |
| Cape Coral, FLPop. 215,536 | #53 | 50.6 | $78,104 | $1,858/mo | part year |
| Miami Gardens, FLPop. 113,177 | #54 | 50.3 | $63,627 | $1,787/mo | 359 |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Jacksonville among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $77,735, violent crime 275.2 per 100,000.
How is Jacksonville's score calculated?
Jacksonville scores 50.9 out of 100, #946 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Florida's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Jacksonville. Similar-size median 50.4.
49.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Jacksonville's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
58.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Jacksonville. Similar-size median 52.4.
46.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Jacksonville's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
43.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Jacksonville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
67.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Jacksonville. Similar-size median 43.4.
43.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Jacksonville. Similar-size median 40.4.
48.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Jacksonville. Similar-size median 56.6.
52.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Jacksonville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
48.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
48.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Jacksonville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Jacksonville has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Jacksonville
Is Jacksonville, FL a good place to live?
Jacksonville ranks #946 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #20 of 37 large cities and #50 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (91%, #1 of 30) and fast population growth (+0.8%, #9 of 37), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville's cost of living index is 99.5, 1% below the US level of 100 and #633 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,465/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $285,103, 24% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville recorded 519 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 58% above the US rate of 328 and 88% above Florida's 275. That ranks #860 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #11 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Property crime runs 2,173 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Jacksonville?
The median household in Jacksonville earns $69,872, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 14.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Jacksonville?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,465/mo (Census), #694 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,601/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Jacksonville?
The typical home value in Jacksonville is $285,103, down 0.8% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $293,700.
How are the public schools in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville's 163 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 22.4 students per teacher and $11,670 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Jacksonville?
The average commute is 24.1 minutes, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.9 minutes across Florida. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville averages 69.5°F over the year, 81.3°F in summer and 56.8°F in winter, with 51.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Jacksonville walkable?
Jacksonville scores 10.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #665 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Jacksonville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Duval County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Jacksonville?
Duval County's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 48% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville has 977,670 residents. The median resident of Jacksonville is 36.5 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 33.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #682 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Jacksonville compare with the rest of Florida?
Jacksonville ranks #50 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 50.9 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 10% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 88% above the statewide rate. Homes are 24% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Jacksonville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Jacksonville's population of 977,670 are San Jose, CA (#416 overall), Austin, TX (#496 overall), Columbus, OH (#726 overall), Charlotte, NC (#623 overall), and Indianapolis, IN (#947 overall). Jacksonville is #946.