Jackson

Jackson, Mississippi Overview

Jackson faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (41.1/100) and ranking #17 of 20 cities in Mississippi. Even so, the city scores 88/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Fiscal Health score of 9/100.

Income & Employment in Jackson

With a median household income of $42,336 (20% below the Mississippi median) and a population decline of 1.4%, Jackson faces compounding economic headwinds. The unemployment rate of 3.3% adds further context to the local economy.

Cost of Living in Jackson

Jackson has a cost of living index of 90.7 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $108,200. Median monthly rent is $1,018.

Health & Wellness in Jackson

The adult obesity rate in Jackson is 46%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 18.4%. Residents report an average of 18.3 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Mississippi ranks #47 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Jackson

Jackson has a high school graduation rate of 79%. The student-teacher ratio of 13.8:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Per-pupil spending is $13,541. The city has 52 public schools serving 20,530 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Jackson

Summers in Jackson are hot, averaging 85.3°F. Summers average 85.3°F. Winters average 55.7°F. Annual precipitation is 44.3 inches. The mean commute time is 19 minutes, compared to 24.3 for Mississippi overall.

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