Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Jacksonville, FL
Considering a move to Jacksonville, FL? With nearly 1 million residents, Jacksonville combines affordable coastal living with a median home price of $305,000 and average rents around $1,425. Enjoy year-round warmth, with 63% sunny days and mild winters, plus a reasonable 27-minute average commute. While crime rates are above national averages, the city boasts top-rated magnet schools, major healthcare centers, and no state income tax—making Jacksonville a popular, budget-friendly choice for families and young professionals alike.
Demographics - Jacksonville, FL
Demographics - Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville is home to nearly 1 million people, offering a diverse community with a median age of 36.6 and a near-balanced gender ratio. The city features a mix of ethnic backgrounds, with over half identifying as White and nearly a third as Black, and about 10% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This diversity contributes to a vibrant local culture and a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
971,319
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.6
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
52.8%
Black:
30.7%
Asian:
4.5%
Others:
12.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Jacksonville, FL?
Jacksonville’s cost of living is below the national average, with a median home value of $305,000 and typical monthly rent of $1,425. The absence of state income tax in Florida makes it an attractive destination for budget-conscious movers. Utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced, helping residents enjoy more affordable coastal living.
Median House Value:
$305,000
Gross Rent:
$1,425
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$2,560
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,725
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$490
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.2
Grocery:
96.3
Housing:
81.5
Utilities:
103.8
Transportation:
93.1
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
97.6
Crime
Is Jacksonville, FL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Jacksonville are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 144 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 31 chance of property crime. While these statistics warrant caution, many neighborhoods remain safe and active, with community initiatives focused on safety and engagement. Prospective residents are encouraged to research neighborhoods to find the right fit for their lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
695
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,255
Crime Index:
3,950
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 144
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Jacksonville, FL year-round?
Jacksonville offers a warm, subtropical climate with mild winters averaging highs of 66°F and hot summers peaking around 91°F. The city enjoys 63% sunny days and receives about 52 inches of rainfall annually, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents appreciate the long beach season and comfortable year-round temperatures.
Winter
Min:
46°F
Max:
66°F
Spring
Min:
58°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
73°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
62°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Jacksonville’s neighborhoods feature a median household income of $58,263 and a poverty rate of 14.1%. Most residents commute about 27 minutes to work, while only a small fraction uses public transportation. High school graduation rates are strong, and the area welcomes people from a variety of linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Median Income:
$34,800
Household Income:
$58,263
Family Income:
$73,800
Per Capita Income:
$32,400
Income Male:
$45,800
Income Female:
$38,600
Poverty Rate:
14.1%
Non English Speakers:
10.7%
Rent:
$1,425
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.6%
Bachelors or More:
29.8%
Education
How are the schools in Jacksonville, FL?
Jacksonville boasts top-rated educational opportunities, including highly ranked public magnet schools like Stanton College Preparatory and Paxon School for Advanced Studies. The city is also home to reputable private schools and several colleges, such as the University of North Florida and Jacksonville University. With a high percentage of residents holding at least a high school diploma, families will find strong academic support in the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Stanton College Preparatory School
Street:
1149 W 13th St
Phone:
904-630-6760
Students:
1,633
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.2
Name:
Paxon School for Advanced Studies
Street:
3239 Norman E Thagard Blvd
Phone:
904-693-7583
Students:
1,495
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.6
Private Schools
Name:
The Bolles School
Street:
7400 San Jose Blvd
Phone:
904-733-9292
Students:
1,700
Colleges
Name:
University of North Florida
City:
Jacksonville
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
17,000
Name:
Jacksonville University
City:
Jacksonville
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Jacksonville has robust healthcare options, including major hospitals like UF Health Jacksonville and Baptist Medical Center, both providing comprehensive emergency services. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and health insurance coverage above 90%, residents have reliable access to quality care. The city’s healthcare index reflects solid service availability and outcomes.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UF Health Jacksonville
Address:
655 W 8th St, Jacksonville, FL 32209
Phone:
(904) 244-0411
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville
Address:
800 Prudential Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone:
(904) 202-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.3%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Jacksonville, FL?
The housing market in Jacksonville is attractive for buyers and renters alike, with a median home price of $305,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,425. Homeownership rates hover around 55%, and vacancy rates are moderate, offering a range of options for newcomers. Home appreciation remains steady, making the city a competitive place to invest in property.
Median Home Price:
$305,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,425
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Jacksonville residents are served by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and related services. Convenient access to DMV resources is available both online and at offices throughout the area. For more information, residents can visit the official state DMV website.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
2900 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone:
1-850-617-2000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.