Firstly why Jackson, Mississippi?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Jackson
• State: Mississippi
• Population: 31,346 people
• Jackson’s quick summary would be Real Jackson Landi folks know the old farmland around us, the sweltering heat, and how close we are to Mississippi’s capital.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 15,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 13,000 annually
• Net Migration: 2000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 700

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as the state capital provides job opportunities and a rich history attracting professionals

Perk #1: Jackson Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 45%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $37,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Jackson is $39,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $2000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Jackson’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 75 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,148
• Property Tax %: 1.5%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Jackson
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Jackson, Pearl, Flowood, Clinton, and probably could include Brandon
• Avg. Age of Homes in Jackson: 73 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.8%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Jackson’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Jackson are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Services
• Jackson Job Scene: moderate job market focused on healthcare and education
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech community with focus on local industries and development , ,
• Jackson Resident’s pay $500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Jackson: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 50 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 3

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Jackson

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $80 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-55 provides vital connection through Jackson linking it regionally
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy bottlenecks on I-55
• Transportation Score: 32 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Jackson: 35,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1.1
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Jackson: dps.ms.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 58 of 100
• Local Airport: Jackson-Evers International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Jackson’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flooding
• General Weather in Jackson is best described as experiences hot summers with mild winters and significant rainfall throughout the year
• Winter Weather in Jackson i’d describe as mild and wet
• Spring Weather in Jackson can be described as warm with rain possible
• Summer’s in Jackson are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Jackson is usually warm with sunny intervals
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 30 days in summer
• Days in a row in Jackson below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 56 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted by urban activities
• Jackson Winter Air mixed air quality impacted by urban pollution

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Jackson Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Jackson 0
• While the number of trade schools inside Jacksons’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the JACKSON Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Jackson Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Jackson only Doctors is about 35
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Jackson only Police Officers is about 80
• Crime Rate Index: 60/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Jackson’s Monthly utility bill average is $80
• Jackson’s Monthly Gym Membership: $35
• Jackson’s Water Quality Score: 65

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Jackson

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: state capital with a rich history and cultural scene
• You might enjoy concerts at the Jackson Convention Complex
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Jackson  features a local vibe with bars and restaurants that focus on community engagement and evening celebrations

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Jackson

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a variety of Southern dining and local favorites
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 50 scattered around Jackson
• The Popular Sports Team is Jackson State Tigers
• Top Level Political Climate in Jackson can be described as politically mixed capital city with strong focus on social issues
• Jackson’s Longer standing religious establishment is Jackson Church of Christ

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Jackson Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Jackson has 50 Parks?
• Jackson City Park is Jackson’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Jackson Farmers Market normally open Friday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and cultural events

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Jackson Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Jackson can be described as moderate pace shaped by its history and culture
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Jackson visiting local parks attending fairs arts and crafts
• The Cities people commute to from Jackson are Kosciusko 35 miles away Clinton 10 miles away Ridgeland 14 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Jackson or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy bottlenecks on I-55. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Jackson’s Flooding risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Jackson is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Jackson are Kosciusko 35 miles away Clinton 10 miles away Ridgeland 14 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 60 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Jackson has 0 days in a row below freezing and 30 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Jackson people have an average (positive or negative) $2000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   700 homeless people living in Jackson. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed capital city with strong focus on social issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Jackson.

Retiree & Senior Life in Jackson

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might benefit from property tax reductions allowing for financial stability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Community Health Center
• Jackson Senior Center provides social activities health resources and meal programs for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Jackson, Mississippi?

If Jackson, Mississippi ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Jackson, Mississippi, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!