Cost of Living in Jackson, MS
Population 149,827 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Jackson run well below national norms — a median of $43,238 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $108,000). Around 27% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Jackson
The median home value in Jackson is $108,200 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,018/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,238/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Mississippi's top state income tax rate is 4.7% and the combined sales tax is 7.1%. The climate averages highs of 76.4°F and lows of 55.6°F. Overall, Jackson has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 57 | 62 | 70 | 77 | 84 | 90 | 92 | 92 | 88 | 79 | 67 | 60 |
| Low °F | 38 | 41 | 48 | 55 | 63 | 71 | 73 | 73 | 68 | 56 | 45 | 40 |
| Precip" | 5.09 | 4.36 | 4.83 | 5.28 | 3.94 | 3.92 | 4.65 | 3.44 | 3.34 | 3.57 | 4.20 | 4.71 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Jackson, MS?
Jackson has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Jackson, MS?
The median gross rent in Jackson is $1,018 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Jackson?
The median home value in Jackson is $108,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Jackson?
The median household income in Jackson is $43,238 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Jackson, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Jackson is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Jackson, MS affordable?
Yes, Jackson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Jackson?
Jackson has average high temperatures of 76.4°F and average lows of 55.6°F. Annual precipitation is 51.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Jackson at a Glance
- Population
- 149,827
- Median Income
- $43,238
- Home Value
- $108,200
- Median Rent
- $1,018/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.1%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Mississippi Rankings
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