What to know when moving to Jackson, MS
Jackson at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 74.8% hold a bachelor's degree and 98% of residents rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $77,946, supporting a quality lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- Zero percent of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,341 in monthly rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Jackson is characterized by a high education rate, with 74.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The area has a median household income of $77,946, which supports a fairly affluent community. However, with 98% of the population renting and no public transit usage, this is clearly a car-dependent environment.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transportation, as the public transit share is a solid 0%.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,341, which may require budgeting carefully if you're moving in.
- With a poverty rate of 9.9%, the community has a relatively stable economic base.
- The area has a renter percentage of 98%, indicating a strong rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime rates in Mississippi show a notable trend in decreasing offenses, with property crime rates down by 29.6% from 2022 to 2025. Violent crime is also down by 10.2% over the same period.
- Violent crime rate: 221.8 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3, marking a 31.8% lower rate than the national average.
- Property crime rate: 1,272.4 per 100,000, which is 17.7% lower than the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 12.7% since 2022, now at 6.9 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Mississippi).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education is strong in the region, with a total of 14 postsecondary institutions available nearby.
- Notable institutions include Jackson State University, Belhaven University, and Millsaps College.
- 12 of these institutions provide access to College Scorecard data, indicating a range of educational options.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Jackson experiences an average high temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit and sees approximately 38.9 inches of rain annually, with about 75 rainy days. Winter lows can drop to 26 degrees, but snowfall is virtually nonexistent.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- LeFleur's Bluff State Park Mayes Lake - 4.5 stars (1,693 reviews)
- Mississippi Museum of Natural Science - 4.7 stars (1,555 reviews)
- Winners Circle Park - 4.8 stars (1,160 reviews)
- Old Trace Park - 4.7 stars (877 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.