Living in Jackson, MS
Jackson is the 202nd-largest city in the US, home to about 141,000 people in 2025 and the capital of Mississippi. It has lost 8.1% of its population since 2020. Prices across the metro area run well below the national average (89.0 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 141,196-8.1% since 2020
- Median home value
- $111,7002.7 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,055/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $42,071median, per year
- Price level
- 89.0US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 57° / 92°lows 37° / 72°
- Average commute
- 20 min9% work from home
- State income tax
- 4%top rate, flat
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County: Hinds County, Rankin County, Madison County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 279 ft
Metro area: Jackson, MS
Cost of living in Jackson
The median home in Jackson is worth $111,700 and the median household earns $42,071 a year, so a typical home costs about 2.7 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,055 a month, about 30% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Jackson, MS metro area at 89.0, with housing at 64.8 and goods at 96.2 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $66,800 here. Mississippi taxes wages at a top rate of 4% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Mississippi is 7.06%.
What would my salary be worth in Jackson?
Jackson weather
Average highs run from 57°F in January to 92°F in July, and January nights average 37°F. It gets 57 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 1 inches of snow. Expect about 85 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are May and October to November.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Jackson
People and work
The median resident is 34.5 years old, and 29% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 49% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 20 minutes; 9% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 34.5156th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 29%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 49%of households
- People per sq mile
- 1,264111.7 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 0%2% walk, 0.2% bike
- Unemployment
- 9.3%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 27.9%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1969median year
Who moves to Jackson, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Houston (Harris County), Dallas (Dallas County) and Fort Worth (Tarrant County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Dallas (Dallas County), Fort Worth (Tarrant County) and Houston (Harris County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Hinds County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: hail, strong wind, ice storm, tornado.
Home prices
+1.8% in a year
Up 29% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Jackson, MS area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
46% good days
0 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Jackson, MS area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Pros and cons of living in Jackson
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 2.7 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 11% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Commutes are short: 20 minutes each way on average.
Cons
- Data The population has shrunk 8.1% since 2020.
- Data Poverty is high: 27.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
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Cities near Jackson
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA | 135 mi | 222,795 | $234,700 | 90.8 | Compare |
| Gulfport, MS | 146 mi | 76,506 | $174,600 | 90.0 | Compare |
| Metairie, LA | 160 mi | 139,729 | $327,500 | 92.6 | Compare |
| New Orleans, LA | 162 mi | 362,154 | $315,700 | 92.6 | Compare |
| Mobile, AL | 166 mi | 200,824 | $193,300 | 88.1 | Compare |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 167 mi | 114,316 | $255,500 | 87.7 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Jackson with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Jackson a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income, short commutes; the trade-offs are a shrinking population. Compare Jackson side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Jackson?
The Census Bureau estimates Jackson had 141,196 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 153,720 in April 2020 (-8.1%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Jackson?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $66,800 in the Jackson area. The median household here earns $42,071.
When is the best time to visit Jackson?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May and October to November are the most comfortable months. July averages 92°F and January 57°F for daytime highs.
What county is Jackson in?
Most of Jackson (96% of its land) is in Hinds County. Smaller parts lie in Rankin County and Madison County. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Jackson in?
Jackson is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Jackson?
About 279 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Mississippi have a state income tax?
Yes. Mississippi has a flat income tax with a top rate of 4% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Jackson. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Jackson, MS metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Jackson Intl. Airport, MS station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.