Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Jacksonville, NC
Considering a move to Jacksonville, NC? This military-friendly city of 74,313 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $189,000 and average rents near $1,130. Residents enjoy short average commutes of 18 minutes, a warm climate with 63% sunny days, and access to reputable schools and local colleges. While crime rates are higher than average, Jacksonville’s youthful population and proximity to coastal amenities make it a vibrant choice for families, professionals, and service members alike.
Demographics - Jacksonville, NC
Demographics - Jacksonville, NC
Jacksonville, NC is home to a youthful population of about 74,313, with a notably low median age of 24.5 years and a higher proportion of males due to its military presence. The city is ethnically diverse, with 58% White, 22% Black, and a mix of other backgrounds, and about 9% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The community's density and cultural variety contribute to a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere.
Population:
74,313
Density:
1,645 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.5
Gender Ratio:
122 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
58.3%
Black:
22.2%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
17.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Jacksonville, NC?
Living in Jacksonville is affordable, with a cost of living index of 88.7—well below the national average. The median home price is $189,000 and average rent is around $1,130, making it accessible for both homeowners and renters. Utilities and transportation costs are moderate, and state tax rates remain competitive for North Carolina.
Median House Value:
$189,000
Gross Rent:
$1,130
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$142
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,370
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.7
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
72.5
Utilities:
103.2
Transportation:
93.2
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Jacksonville, NC a safe place to live?
Jacksonville experiences higher than average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 494 incidents per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,442 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 203 chance of being a victim of violent crime, so awareness and precaution are advised. Despite this, many find the community welcoming and vibrant.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
494
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,442
Crime Index:
2,936
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 203
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Jacksonville, NC year-round?
The city enjoys a mild climate with warm summers reaching up to 89°F and winters rarely dropping below 36°F. With 63% sunny days and over 54 inches of annual rainfall, outdoor activities are possible year-round. Seasonal changes bring comfortable temperatures, making Jacksonville appealing for those who enjoy a moderate coastal climate.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Jacksonville’s neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $51,200 and a relatively young, educated population—over 92% have completed high school. Commute times average just 18 minutes, and public transportation usage is minimal. Although the poverty rate is 15.9%, the city’s sense of community and diversity remains strong.
Median Income:
$42,300
Household Income:
$51,200
Family Income:
$54,800
Per Capita Income:
$24,048
Income Male:
$31,900
Income Female:
$28,100
Poverty Rate:
15.9%
Non English Speakers:
9.1%
Rent:
$1,130
Unemployment Rate:
5.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
18.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.6%
Bachelors or More:
17.4%
Education
How are the schools in Jacksonville, NC?
Jacksonville provides a range of educational opportunities, including well-attended public high schools, private school options, and easy access to Coastal Carolina Community College right in town. Student-teacher ratios in local schools hover around 16:1, supporting personalized learning. Those seeking higher education can also reach the University of North Carolina Wilmington within a short drive.
Public Schools
Name:
Jacksonville High School
Street:
1021 Henderson Dr
Phone:
910-989-2048
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Name:
Northside High School
Street:
365 Commons Dr S
Phone:
910-455-4868
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Private Schools
Name:
Jacksonville Christian Academy
Street:
919 Gum Branch Rd
Phone:
910-347-2358
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
Coastal Carolina Community College
City:
Jacksonville
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,200
Name:
University of North Carolina Wilmington
City:
Wilmington
State:
NC
Distance:
62 miles
Students:
17,500
Healthcare
Jacksonville offers quality healthcare options, including Onslow Memorial Hospital and a major military medical center, both providing emergency services. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and 87% covered by health insurance, most healthcare needs are met locally. The area’s healthcare index suggests reliable access to medical services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Onslow Memorial Hospital
Address:
317 Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28546
Phone:
(910) 577-2345
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune
Address:
100 Brewster Blvd, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547
Phone:
(910) 450-4300
Type:
Military/General
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Jacksonville, NC?
The housing market in Jacksonville is notably affordable, with a median home price of $189,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,130. Homeownership rates are lower than the national average, favoring renters, and the area has seen steady appreciation of about 5% in the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, offering a range of options for prospective residents.
Median Home Price:
$189,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,130
Owner Occupied Rate:
39.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Jacksonville drivers are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles located on Wilmington Highway. The local DMV offers all standard licensing and registration services, with up-to-date information available on the state website. Residents can expect professional service and convenient access for their vehicle and licensing needs.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
299 Wilmington Hwy, Jacksonville, NC 28540
Phone:
(919) 715-7000
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.