MississippiPop. 146,631Mid-size cities
Is Jackson a Good Place to Live? Jackson, Mississippi: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Jackson ranks #1189 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #227 of 256 mid-size cities and #16 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($111,700, #2 of 256) and low living costs (89, #11 of 256), and trails on low household income ($42,071, #256 of 256) and high poverty (27.9%, #253 of 256).
Jackson by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Jackson'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 Jackson?
Jackson's cost of living index is 89, 11% below the US level of 100 and #166 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,055/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $86,367, 56% below the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
| Measure | Jackson | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 89#166 of 1,308 | 87 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $86,367#6 of 1,187 | $197,606 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,265/mo#134 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $111,700#19 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,055/mo#273 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.7x#91 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 30.1%#1253 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Mississippi 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.
Jackson 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. Jackson is in the Jackson, MS metro.
Mississippi housing market →Is Jackson safe?
Jackson recorded 400 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% above the US rate of 328 and 76% above Mississippi's 227. That ranks #721 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #139 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jackson Police Department. Property crime runs 1,502 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Jackson | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 400#721 of 1,085 | 227 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,502#482 of 1,085 | 1,264 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Mississippi 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 Jackson?
The median household in Jackson earns $42,071, 49% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 27.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Jackson | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $42,071#1298 of 1,312 | $59,127 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 27.9%#1279 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Jackson?
The median resident of Jackson is 34.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 28.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #843 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Jackson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 34.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 28.8%#843 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 48.6% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Jackson's schools and health?
Jackson's 52 public schools graduate 79% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $13,541 spent per pupil. 46% of adults are obese and 18.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Jackson | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 79%#900 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13.8#261 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,541#760 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 46%#1295 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 18.4%#1285 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.3%#915 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 12.8%#933 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 20,530 students are enrolled in Jackson's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Jackson?
The average commute in Jackson is 19.9 minutes (Mississippi 26.4); 0.4% of workers take transit and 8.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Jackson scores 10.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #624 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.2°F and winters 49°F, with 57.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Jackson | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 19.9 min#336 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2%#55 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 73.3% | 81.2% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 8.9% | 6.2% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 10.7#624 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Mississippi 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 | 57.4 | 36.6 | 5.4 |
| Feb | 62 | 39.8 | 5.1 |
| Mar | 69.4 | 46.4 | 5.7 |
| Apr | 76.5 | 53.3 | 5.8 |
| May | 83.8 | 62.1 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 89.9 | 69.4 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 92.1 | 72.2 | 5 |
| Aug | 92.2 | 71.5 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 87.8 | 66 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 78.3 | 54.2 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 67.2 | 43.6 | 4.4 |
| Dec | 59.6 | 38.7 | 5.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jackson International Airport.
| Measure | Jackson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 81.2°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 49°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 57.3 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jackson International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Jackson?
Hinds County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 46% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hinds County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 80% of US counties.
| Measure | Jackson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 52#889 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.23%#1011 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Hinds County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hinds County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.03% | 97% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.025% | 93% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 84% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0067% | 83% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0029% | 81% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0068% | 72% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0069% | 70% 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 Jackson compare with similar-size cities?
Jackson is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #227 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 146,631.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #1189 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 | 19.9 min |
| Pomona, CAPop. 147,943 | #1171 | 46.0 | $79,479 | $1,810/mo | 645 | 31.8 min |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #891 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro | 20.7 min |
| Rockford, ILPop. 147,521 | #1248 | 42.5 | $54,752 | $985/mo | 900 | 21.9 min |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #1012 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 | 18 min |
| Gainesville, FLPop. 145,702 | #1062 | 48.6 | $46,195 | $1,296/mo | 634 | 18.8 min |
| McAllen, TXPop. 145,385 | #840 | 52.6 | $61,579 | $1,049/mo | 126 | 21.9 min |
| Olathe, KSPop. 145,057 | #98 | 68.4 | $114,009 | $1,314/mo | 230 | 20.6 min |
| Thornton, COPop. 144,187 | #473 | 58.5 | $103,088 | $1,895/mo | 251 | 30.4 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 Jackson compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Jackson ranks #16 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 45.4 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 29% below the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 76% above the statewide rate. Homes are 56% below the typical Mississippi home.
| City | Rank in MS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, MSPop. 27,946 | #1 | 68.8 | $119,338 | $1,853/mo | 21 |
| Brandon, MSPop. 25,542 | #2 | 63.2 | $92,783 | $1,382/mo | 50 |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #3 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 |
| Pearl, MSPop. 27,737 | #4 | 58.9 | $61,695 | $1,175/mo | 83 |
| Clinton, MSPop. 27,195 | #5 | 57.8 | $74,745 | $1,118/mo | 95 |
| Oxford, MSPop. 26,411 | #6 | 57.3 | $64,451 | $1,071/mo | 140 |
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #7 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #8 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #9 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 |
| Biloxi, MSPop. 48,861 | #10 | 52.2 | $57,204 | $1,089/mo | 351 |
| Starkville, MSPop. 25,721 | #11 | 52.0 | $42,125 | $916/mo | 58 |
| Horn Lake, MSPop. 26,647 | #12 | 50.6 | $53,311 | $1,435/mo | 79 |
| Hattiesburg, MSPop. 48,619 | #13 | 49.3 | $46,342 | $1,005/mo | 256 |
| Gulfport, MSPop. 73,003 | #14 | 47.2 | $49,919 | $1,086/mo | 569 |
| Columbus, MSPop. 23,348 | #15 | 46.5 | $42,235 | $897/mo | 470 |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #16 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 |
| Pascagoula, MSPop. 21,710 | #17 | 44.7 | $52,222 | $894/mo | 431 |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #18 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 |
| Vicksburg, MSPop. 20,589 | #19 | 40.6 | $45,781 | $820/mo | 681 |
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #20 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year |
All 20 Mississippi cities we track, by overall score. Mississippi statewide: median income $59,127, violent crime 226.9 per 100,000.
How is Jackson's score calculated?
Jackson scores 45.4 out of 100, #1189 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Mississippi'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 Jackson. Similar-size median 52.9.
37.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Jackson's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
70.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Jackson. Similar-size median 53.8.
21.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Jackson's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
51.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Jackson's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
86.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Jackson. Similar-size median 51.2.
7.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Jackson. Similar-size median 42.1.
34.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Jackson. Similar-size median 50.1.
48.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Jackson's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
51.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
27.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Jackson's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Jackson 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 Jackson
Is Jackson, MS a good place to live?
Jackson ranks #1189 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #227 of 256 mid-size cities and #16 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($111,700, #2 of 256) and low living costs (89, #11 of 256), and trails on low household income ($42,071, #256 of 256) and high poverty (27.9%, #253 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Jackson?
Jackson's cost of living index is 89, 11% below the US level of 100 and #166 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,055/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $86,367, 56% below the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
What is the crime rate in Jackson?
Jackson recorded 400 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% above the US rate of 328 and 76% above Mississippi's 227. That ranks #721 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #139 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jackson Police Department. Property crime runs 1,502 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Jackson?
The median household in Jackson earns $42,071, 49% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 27.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Jackson?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,055/mo (Census), #273 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,265/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 30.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Jackson?
The typical home value in Jackson is $86,367, up 1.1% in a year, against $197,606 for Mississippi and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $111,700.
How are the public schools in Jackson?
Jackson's 52 public schools graduate 79% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $13,541 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Jackson?
The average commute is 19.9 minutes, #336 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Mississippi. 2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Jackson?
Jackson averages 65.4°F over the year, 81.2°F in summer and 49°F in winter, with 57.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Jackson walkable?
Jackson scores 10.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #624 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 Jackson at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hinds County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 80% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Jackson?
Hinds County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 46% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Jackson?
Jackson has 146,631 residents. The median resident of Jackson is 34.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 28.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #843 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Jackson compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Jackson ranks #16 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 45.4 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 29% below the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 76% above the statewide rate. Homes are 56% below the typical Mississippi home.
What cities are similar in size to Jackson?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Jackson's population of 146,631 are Pomona, CA (#1171 overall), Savannah, GA (#891 overall), Rockford, IL (#1248 overall), Syracuse, NY (#1012 overall), and Gainesville, FL (#1062 overall). Jackson is #1189.