Moving from Denton, TX to Jackson, MS
It is a 437 mi drive, roughly 7h 58m, between Denton, TX and Jackson, MS. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
437 mi Β· 7h 58m by car Β· MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 80, I 20, I 35E |
| Major cities en route | Shreveport, Tyler, Mesquite, Garland, Dallas |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Denton | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 13.6% moving from Denton to Jackson β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $354,135 in Denton to $87,256 in Jackson, a 13.6% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Denton -4.4%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Denton | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.4" | 51.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 65.4Β°F vs 66.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENTON 2 SE, TX US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Denton | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,987 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $73,719 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 31 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.9% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.42 |
Jackson households earn about 13.6% less than Denton at the median β $73,719 β $43,238 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jackson MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,490 | $36,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 26,230 | $36,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 23,080 | $29,690 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 22,970 | $66,380 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,370 | $22,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Mississippi
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Mississippi's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Jackson average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jackson averages 51.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Mississippi after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Denton vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $73,719 in Denton β a 41.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Jackson, MS from Denton, TX?
The driving distance is 437 mi and the route typically takes 7h 58m via US 80 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Denton to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 437 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Denton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $48,440 in the Denton MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Jackson more expensive than Denton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 13.6% lower than Denton (89.048 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Denton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $354,135 in Denton β a 75.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Denton.
City profiles: Denton, TX Β· Jackson, MS.