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Perfectly positioned along the Atlantic Ocean in Northeast Florida, Jacksonville is the most populous city in the state and is also one of the most sought-after moving locations. The city has got an appeal and it draws in hundreds of new people every year.

And when someone suggests Jacksonville, FL as the next moving destination, you would need to know the relevant facts about the city that makes it so special.

Worry not as we’ve got everything you need to know about Jacksonville, Florida.

Jacksonville is not all about hot summers, picturesque shores, and sprawling geography but there is much more. One of the most affordable cities in Florida, the city is most preferred by families and retirees who want the action of a big city at a lower cost.

Our experts have prepared a detailed moving directory of Jacksonville that covers every aspect of the city including the climate, transport, school, crime, housing, jobs, and taxes.

Without wasting much time, let’s delve into the details.

QuickFacts

Quick facts to know before you move to Jacksonville, FL

  • Jacksonville is on the banks of the St. Johns River in Florida's northeastern corner.
  • Jacksonville is named after Andrew Jackson, the seventh US president.
  • The city was originally called “Cowford” because of all the cattle herded across the St. Johns River in the area.
  • The city was also the site of some of the first European settlements in America, including the first French settlement, Fort Caroline, founded in the summer of 1564.
  • The city is less than an hour’s drive from Georgia and 350 miles up the coast from Miami.
  • By population, Jacksonville is the 11th largest city in the states and the most populous in Florida.
  • Jacksonville is the site of one of the 10 Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums in the country, which together contain the world's largest private collection of documents and manuscripts.
  • The city is 6% cheaper than the US average.
  • It is a retiree’s paradise for long years, given the climate, facilities, and infrastructure.

10 things to know before moving to Jacksonville

  • The city is highly affordable
  • The housing costs are much lower than the US average.
  • The unemployment is too low here.
  • There is ample sunshine.
  • Jacksonville is easily connected with states around.
  • There is a strong sports culture with golf and baseball having a strong fan base.
  • There are more than 500 beautiful neighborhoods.
  • There’s a strong food culture.
  • The crime rate is low here.
  • Beaches are abundant here.

What's the population of Jacksonville, FL?

About 937,690 people reside in Jacksonville and the density is 1,231 people per square mile, which makes it the most populous in Florida. The median age here is 36.2 and the persons per household are 2.6. The city boasts of a diverse population and about 12.9% of the population speaks another language other than English.

To know the population better, here are a few stats.

  • Jacksonville’s total population is 937,690.
  • The population is made up of 48.6% males and 51.4% females.
  • The median age in Jacksonville is 36.2.
  • The city population is made up of 52.5% White, 30.6% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, 0.2 Native Americans, and 2.7% from two or more races.
  • About 9.1% of the population is of Hispanic ethnicity.
  • The median household size in Jacksonville is 2.6 persons.
  • About 44.5% of the residents are married couples living together.
  • On average, 20.8% of the residents are single and have children.

How fast can you commute to Jacksonville, FL?

The commuting time in Jacksonville is shorter than the US average. Hence, you will spend less time on wheels here than in most big cities. On average, a Jacksonville resident spends 24.6 minutes on the road which is much shorter than the US average of 26.4 minutes.

If you are keen to know how the city residents reach the office regularly, here are the latest stats.

  • About 80.3% drive their car alone
  • About 9.6% carpool with others
  • About 4.5% work from home
  • Approximately 2.0% take mass transit

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Jacksonville, FL.

What is the weather like in Jacksonville, FL?

Jacksonville has a humid subtropical climate with hot humid summers, and warm to mild and drier winters. Seasonal rainfall is concentrated in the warmest months but intense downpours with thunder and lightning are common. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year. Summer temperatures can range from the mid 70s F to the mid 90s F, and winter temperatures range from the mid 50s F to the mid 70s F.

Here are a few Jacksonville weather facts.

  • The city receives about 50 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year.
  • Jacksonville averages 0 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.
  • On average, the city gets about 221 sunny days per year against the US average of 205 sunny days.
  • The city receives some kind of precipitation, on average, 113 days per year in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Reasons

Reasons to move to Jacksonville, FL

You may be wondering what makes Jacksonville a hot moving destination and we’ve got the reasons. Just take a look at them.

  • More affordability
  • Warm weather
  • Lot of beaches
  • Strong sports culture
  • Many outdoor recreation options
pros and cons

Pros & Cons of moving to Jacksonville, FL

While you are serious about relocating to a new place, analyzing both the merits and demerits is a crucial activity and for your benefit, we’ve collated the best and worst of Jacksonville.

Cross-check both before you make the final call.

The pros
  • Low risk of severe storms
  • Low risk of natural disasters
  • Low property crimes
  • Low cancer mortality rate
  • More sunshine days
  • No snow show
  • High diversity
  • Absence of state income tax
The cons
  • High sales tax
  • Hot and humid summer
  • Few good air days
  • Wet weather
  • High poverty rate
  • Low house ownership rate
Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL

As you reach Jacksonville, the priority will be to settle in a decent neighborhood which promises good quality of life as well as facilities.

And fortunately, the city has got many decent neighborhoods within and nearby areas. We’ve filtered out the best places to live here.

Here are the 10 best neighborhoods in Jacksonville to rent or buy a house.

Rank Neighborhood Population Home Value
1. Avondale 6,025 $433,100
2. Jacksonville Beach 16,049 $436,900
3. San Marco 3,394 $474,500
4. Arlington 3,694 $203,800
5. The Beaches 3,546 $557,700
6. Bartram Park 6,026 $387,100
7. Mandarin 3,600 $503,900
8. Julington Creek 1,086 $444,300
9. Deerwood 12,083 $247,084
10. Secret Cove 6,307 $243,900

Tip:When you’ve got a home to move in Jacksonville, FL, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Cost Of Living

Cost of living in Jacksonville, FL

One of the big pluses of Jacksonville is the affordability. The city is 6% cheaper than the US average and this makes Jacksonville one of the most sought after moving locations.

Almost everything here ranging from healthcare, transportation, and home rent is lower than the national average. An average annual income of $53,640 is good for a family to comfortably live here.

Here is a break-up of the cost of living in Jacksonville.

Living Expense Jacksonville Florida National Average
Overall 95.7 103.2 100
Grocery 99.2 102.8 100
Health 100.2 102.3 100
Housing 79.5 101.1 100
Median Home Cost $280,200 $362,400 $338,100
Utilities 102.8 101.3 100
Transportation 101.4 112.6 100
Miscellaneous 103.6 87.6 100
Job Market

How is the job market in Jacksonville, Florida?

Jacksonville may not have a booming job market as in moist Florida cities but the job growth is healthy at 32.50%, higher than the US average of 30.54%.

The unemployment rate in Jacksonville is currently 4.1%, which is equal to the national average. The jobs have increased by 2.8% over the past year and the prominent industries include financial services, biomedical technology, consumer goods, information services, manufacturing, and insurance. And if you have a preference for any of these sectors, finding a job will be a cakewalk.

And we’ve got a few job-related facts in Jacksonville, which may benefit you.

  • The job growth in Jacksonville has been positive.
  • The future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 44.4%.
  • The unemployment rate here is 4.9%.
  • Jobs have increased by 2.8% over the past year.
  • The average salary in Jacksonville is $58,263.
  • The median household income of a Jacksonville resident is $58,263 a year.
  • The median home cost in Jacksonville is $280,200
Employment Information Jacksonville, Florida United States
The income per Cap $32,654 $37,638
Household Income $58,263 $69,021
Unemployment Rate 4.9 6.0%
Recent Job Growth -3.86% -6.18%
Future Job Growth 44.39% 33.51%

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Fastest growing jobs in Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville has a growing job market and when your new moving destination is this city, it is natural to be curious about the fastest-growing jobs here. When you have a list of the fastest-growing jobs here, things get easier during the job hunt.

Here are the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in Jacksonville

Rank Job Title % Growth Average salary
1. Statistician 157.8% $63,600
2. Rod buster 153.6% $31,230
3. Nurse practitioner 141.2% $91,080
4. Miner 137.8% $30,530
5. Physician assistant 129.3% $89,130
6. Cement mason 128.2% $31,220
7. Occupational therapy assistant 120.0% $59,980
8. Mechanical installer 112.7% $24,370
9. Roofer 111.4% $29.650
10. Interpreter and translator 103.4% $34,500
11. Physical therapy aide 101.1% $21,100

Career options in Jacksonville, FL

Salary is a major factor in deciding a job. And though the package is greatly based on multiple factors, it is crucial to know the highest-paid jobs in Jacksonville before you pack the bags. You prefer a job with a heavy pay slip and this works even in Jacksonville. Knowing this, we’ve collated the jobs that offer the best pay in the city.

 

Here are the highest-paying jobs in Jacksonville

Rank Job title Average salary Entry level salary
1. Anesthesiologist $299,893 $138,000
2. Physician $285,151 $145,000
3. Oncologist $268,962 $133,000
4. Physician-internist $255,096 $130,000
5. Generic physician $251,400 $129,000
6. Hospitalist physician $250,884 $176,000
7. Cardiologist $249,541 $129,000
8. Associate medical director $236,217 $138,000
9. Adult psychiatrist $234,051 $144,000
10. Periodontist $213,986 $130,000

What's the average salary & income in Jacksonville, FL?

As you are in the last leg of the moving process, it is natural to be curious about the salary patterns in Jacksonville. Fortunately, the city has good job options and that says that the salaries you receive will also be fair here. The average salary in Jacksonville is $58,263 and anything above $35k is good enough to comfortably live.

Here are a few informative points related to the average salary and income in Jacksonville.

  • Jacksonville’s average annual pay for average jobs is $58,263 a year
  • Jacksonville’s average hourly pay for average jobs is $21.0 an hour
  • Jacksonville’s average weekly pay for average jobs is $891 per week
  • Jacksonville’s average monthly pay for average jobs is $3,583 per month
  • Jacksonville’s top earners (90th percentile) make $91,000 annually

Major industries in Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville records a standard job growth and the major industries include finance, pharmaceuticals, biomedical technology, and insurance. If you are keen to know the most prominent industries here, we’ve got a list of the major industries here that will help you know whether your proficiency and knowledge will be beneficial here.

Here are the major industries in Jacksonville.

  • Finance
  • Biomedical technology
  • Insurance
  • Consumer goods
  • Information services
  • Manufacturing

Companies to work for if you’re moving to Jacksonville, Florida

While you’re in Jacksonville for job purposes, your preference will be the best companies, which also refers to employee-friendly here. And fortunately, the city has no shortage of such organizations. We’ve prepared a list of the top 10 among them. Go through the best companies that will help you tweak the search list while job hunting.

Here’s the company list.

  • Availity
  • Southeastern Grocers
  • Winn-Dixie
  • FIS
  • CSX
  • Rayonier Advanced Materials
  • Florida Blue
  • Modis
  • Crowley Holdings Inc.
  • Fanatics
Housing Market

How is the housing market in Jacksonville, Florida?

It is easier to find a house in Jacksonville and the home care is cheaper than most neighboring cities. As per the latest stats, the current average home value is $280,200, much lower than the national average.

We’ve got the latest city housing facts for you.

  • Jacksonville's median home cost is $280,200.
  • The median age of Jacksonville’s real estate is 34 years old.
  • The city’s home appreciation in the last 10 years has been 160.2%.
  • Renters make up 34.0% of the Jacksonville population.
  • About 2.5% of houses and apartments in Jacksonville are available to rent.

Average rental prices in Jacksonville, Florida

Once you reach Jacksonville, the initial days will be at a rented home and that makes knowing the home rent here crucial. Fortunately, Jacksonville houses have reasonable rentals. We’ve researched the average home rental in the city and the details may help you.

  • Jacksonville’s rent for a studio apartment is $980
  • Jacksonville’s average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $1,130
  • Jacksonville’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $1,330
  • Jacksonville’s average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $1,720
  • Jacksonville’s average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is $2,170
Taxes

What are taxes like in Jacksonville, FL?

While you analyze the salary, the taxes will be a crucial factor as the take home will be the amount after deducting the different taxes.

And it is good to have an idea about taxes in Jacksonville. We’ve collated a few facts about it.

Here are a few tax-related facts in Jacksonville.

  • The sales tax rate for Jacksonville is 7.0%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • The income tax rate for Jacksonville is 0.0%. The US average is 4.6%.
  • The average property tax rate in Jacksonville is 1.33%
Things To Do

What are the best things to do in Jacksonville, FL?

Jacksonville boasts of a serene setting with plenty of spaces and a pleasant warm climate. In addition, the city also hosts many celebrations and festivals year-round. And moving here, your weekends will be packed with activities.

We’ve got a list of the 10 best things to do in Jacksonville.

  • Gaze At The Exotic Flora and fauna at Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
  • Stroll the Jacksonville River Walks
  • Visit the Kingsley Plantation
  • Chill at Jacksonville’s beaches
  • Go hiking at Big Talbot Islands State Park
  • Stroll the Cummer Museum of Art
  • Visit Amelia Island
  • Take a Public Art Tour
  • Immerse yourself in Nature by Kayak
  • Visit the charming Fernandina Beach
safety

How safe is Jacksonville, FL?

One of the major minuses of Jacksonville is the high crime rate. Despite the city boasting of a small town vibe, the statistics state that the crime in Jacksonville is significantly higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 33.9 and property crime is 52.9, which makes the city a dangerous place. The city is safer than 8% of the US cities and your chance of being a violent crime in Jacksonville is 1 in 146. About 53% of the residents feel completely safe here.

To help you know the crime stats in Jacksonville, we’ve got a few facts.

  • The violent crime rate in Jacksonville is 33.9 while the US average is 22.7.
  • The city’s property crime is 52.9 while the US average is 35.4.
  • Your chance of being a violent crime victim here is 1 in 146.
  • Your chance of being a property crime victim is 1 in 37 in Jacksonville.
  • About 53% of Jacksonville's population feels safe in the city.

Tip:Often, you feel like calculating the moving cost before you connect with a moving company. To help you, we've got a free moving cost calculator.

School

Schools and Universities in Jacksonville, FL

Education and the availability of schools will be a big concern while relocating to a new place with the family.

And fortunately, when your new location is Jacksonville, the city is home to many good schools and colleges. This means your child’s education will not be a problem at all.

To help you, we’ve prepared a list of top educational institutions with their rankings.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

One of the major positives of relocating to Jacksonville is the living cost. The city is 6% cheaper than both the US and Florida average. This means, you can easily own a house and vehicle here. And moreover, everything including food, education, healthcare, and transport easily fit into your budget.

Jacksonville boasts one of the largest urban park systems in the US - 80,000 acres of parks, including 405 City Parks, 7 State Parks, 2 National park sites, and an Arboretum. This forms almost four times the entire size of Manhattan Island. The city also has amazing beaches nearby along with a low crime rate, affordable living costs, and pleasant weather.

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