Jackson, MS, known as "The City with Soul," is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. Located in central Mississippi, Jackson is approximately 180 miles north of New Orleans, LA, and 210 miles south of Memphis, TN. This medium-sized city is celebrated for its beautiful parks, educational institutions, and thriving arts scene.
Jackson's climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic LeFleur's Bluff State Park and the expansive Jackson Zoo, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for family picnics.
The cultural scene in Jackson is dynamic, with attractions like the Mississippi Museum of Art, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, and the historic Thalia Mara Hall. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Jackson Rhythm and Blues Festival and the Mississippi State Fair, celebrating the community's artistic and cultural achievements.
Education is a cornerstone of the Jackson community, with institutions like Jackson State University and Millsaps College providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools serve a diverse student population, making Jackson an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as the University of Mississippi Medical Center, ensures residents have access to top-notch medical care and supports a strong job market.
Living in Jackson combines the benefits of urban amenities with the charm of a close-knit community. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and bike lanes, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere, living in Jackson offers a dynamic and fulfilling experience.
Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Amenities
It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.
Employment
The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.
Health & Safety
Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.
Schools
Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.
Ratings
Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.
Jackson is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Mississippi. The city has a population of 168,127 inhabitants. In Jackson, the most common ethnic group is Black or African American with a total of 82%. This is followed by 16% White and 0% Asian ethnic groups. In Jackson, only 40% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Jackson is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 21 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Jackson, Mississippi could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like amenities, crime, cost of living, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Jackson and in the areas around Jackson is a much easier task.
Using data and statistics Jackson has received a livability score of 67 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 66th percentile when compared to all other cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Jackson ranks very well for housing (A). On a less positive note, Jackson does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F), crime (D), education (F) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Jackson can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Jackson. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Jackson are affordable. Median real estate prices in Jackson come in at $163,913, which is 12.6% lower than the Mississippi average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Jackson, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 9.7% lower than the Mississippi average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Jackson | Mississippi | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.7% | 84.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.9% | 9.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.8% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.6% | 1.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.5% | 2.2% | 4.6% |
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