North CarolinaPop. 71,279Smaller cities
Is Jacksonville a Good Place to Live? Jacksonville, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Jacksonville ranks #794 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #339 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15 min, #5 of 524) and low living costs (92.1, #71 of 524), and trails on low household income ($57,697, #459 of 524) and high unemployment (5.1%, #372 of 476).
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 92.1, 8% below the US level of 100 and #324 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,321/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $263,173, 21% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Jacksonville | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 92.1#324 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $263,173#277 of 1,187 | $334,773 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,417/mo#272 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $210,100#257 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,321/mo#556 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 27.5%#1168 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina 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, NC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Jacksonville safe?
Jacksonville recorded 228 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 31% below the US rate of 328 and 31% below North Carolina's 330. That ranks #409 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #190 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jacksonville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,725 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Jacksonville | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 228#409 of 1,085 | 330 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,725#586 of 1,085 | 1,780 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina 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 $57,697, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Jacksonville | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $57,697#1092 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 12.7%#712 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina 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 23.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 26.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #925 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 38.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Jacksonville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 23.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 26.3%#925 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 38.7% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Jacksonville's schools and health?
Jacksonville's 16 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 16.6 students per teacher and $11,143 spent per pupil. 30.8% of adults are obese and 7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Jacksonville | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.6#694 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,143#1047 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 30.8%#444 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7%#47 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20%#1167 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.9%#944 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,121 students are enrolled in Jacksonville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Jacksonville?
The average commute in Jacksonville is 15 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 0.3% of workers take transit and 12.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Jacksonville scores 6.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #1273 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.3°F and winters 47.6°F, with 56.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Jacksonville | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 15 min#62 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.3%#77 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 54.3% | 71.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.3% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 13.6% | 1.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12.8% | 15.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 6.6#1273 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina 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 | 56 | 35.2 | 4 |
| Feb | 59.3 | 37.5 | 3.5 |
| Mar | 65.8 | 43.1 | 3.8 |
| Apr | 74 | 51.8 | 3.4 |
| May | 80.4 | 60.5 | 4.2 |
| Jun | 86.5 | 68.5 | 5.2 |
| Jul | 89.3 | 72.5 | 6.2 |
| Aug | 87.8 | 71.4 | 7.5 |
| Sep | 83.3 | 66.5 | 7.5 |
| Oct | 75 | 54.8 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 66.2 | 44 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 59 | 38.4 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at New Rvr Mcaf.
| Measure | Jacksonville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 63.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 79.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 47.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 56.5 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at New Rvr Mcaf.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Jacksonville?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Jacksonville's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Onslow County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.62% of building value, higher than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | Jacksonville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.62%#1309 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Onslow County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Onslow County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.47% | 100% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0078% | 80% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0025% | 70% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0019% | 40% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0013% | 39% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0044% | 35% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 29% 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #339 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 71,279.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #794 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 | 15 min |
| Dothan, ALPop. 71,514 | #1134 | 47.2 | $55,792 | $960/mo | 801 | 20.4 min |
| Camden, NJPop. 71,496 | #1292 | 38.0 | $40,546 | $1,226/mo | 1,312 | 23.8 min |
| St. Joseph, MOPop. 71,236 | #1106 | 47.8 | $57,956 | $898/mo | 500 | 17 min |
| Waukesha, WIPop. 71,233 | #197 | 64.5 | $83,837 | $1,219/mo | 115 | 21.3 min |
| Maple Grove, MNPop. 71,173 | #75 | 69.2 | $132,731 | $1,868/mo | 112 | 24 min |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #524 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 | 16.4 min |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #151 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 | 18.3 min |
| Dale City, VAPop. 71,016 | #555 | 57.2 | $111,994 | $1,876/mo | no data | 37.4 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 Jacksonville compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Jacksonville ranks #13 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 53.4 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 22% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 31% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical North Carolina home.
| City | Rank in NC | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #1 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #2 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 |
| Wake Forest, NCPop. 52,844 | #3 | 69.2 | $123,802 | $1,596/mo | 85 |
| Huntersville, NCPop. 63,969 | #4 | 68.0 | $120,516 | $1,834/mo | 115 |
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #5 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #6 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 |
| Concord, NCPop. 108,719 | #7 | 60.8 | $86,921 | $1,451/mo | 117 |
| Mooresville, NCPop. 52,381 | #8 | 60.5 | $89,647 | $1,626/mo | 247 |
| Kannapolis, NCPop. 57,890 | #9 | 57.9 | $73,836 | $1,319/mo | 170 |
| Durham, NCPop. 291,467 | #10 | 57.4 | $81,619 | $1,508/mo | 507 |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #11 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #12 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 |
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #13 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #14 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 |
| Asheville, NCPop. 94,535 | #15 | 51.7 | $71,102 | $1,402/mo | 753 |
| Greensboro, NCPop. 301,198 | #16 | 49.7 | $61,515 | $1,172/mo | 702 |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #17 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 |
| Burlington, NCPop. 59,610 | #18 | 48.1 | $56,880 | $1,051/mo | 640 |
| Winston-Salem, NCPop. 252,037 | #19 | 47.8 | $59,268 | $1,087/mo | 744 |
| Gastonia, NCPop. 82,884 | #20 | 47.3 | $64,059 | $1,204/mo | 889 |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #21 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 |
| Rocky Mount, NCPop. 54,297 | #22 | 44.4 | $55,534 | $957/mo | 672 |
All 22 North Carolina cities we track, by overall score. North Carolina statewide: median income $73,958, violent crime 330.3 per 100,000.
How is Jacksonville's score calculated?
Jacksonville scores 53.4 out of 100, #794 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 North Carolina'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 55.5.
38.7 - 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 77.8.
79.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Jacksonville. Similar-size median 58.9.
61.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Jacksonville's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Jacksonville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
77.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Jacksonville. Similar-size median 56.1.
41.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Jacksonville. Similar-size median 42.4.
38.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Jacksonville. Similar-size median 50.0.
71.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Jacksonville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
29.5 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
1.1 - 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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, NC a good place to live?
Jacksonville ranks #794 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #339 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15 min, #5 of 524) and low living costs (92.1, #71 of 524), and trails on low household income ($57,697, #459 of 524) and high unemployment (5.1%, #372 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville's cost of living index is 92.1, 8% below the US level of 100 and #324 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,321/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $263,173, 21% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville recorded 228 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 31% below the US rate of 328 and 31% below North Carolina's 330. That ranks #409 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #190 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jacksonville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,725 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Jacksonville?
The median household in Jacksonville earns $57,697, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Jacksonville?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,321/mo (Census), #556 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,417/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Jacksonville?
The typical home value in Jacksonville is $263,173, up 3.5% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $210,100.
How are the public schools in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville's 16 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 16.6 students per teacher and $11,143 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Jacksonville?
The average commute is 15 minutes, #62 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across North Carolina. 2.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville averages 63.6°F over the year, 79.3°F in summer and 47.6°F in winter, with 56.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Jacksonville walkable?
Jacksonville scores 6.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1273 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 Onslow County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.62% of building value, higher than 99% of US counties.
Who lives in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville has 71,279 residents. The median resident of Jacksonville is 23.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 26.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #925 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 38.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Jacksonville compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Jacksonville ranks #13 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 53.4 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 22% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 31% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Jacksonville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Jacksonville's population of 71,279 are Dothan, AL (#1134 overall), Camden, NJ (#1292 overall), St. Joseph, MO (#1106 overall), Waukesha, WI (#197 overall), and Maple Grove, MN (#75 overall). Jacksonville is #794.