Moving from Independence, MO to Jackson, MS
Relocating 675 mi from Independence to Jackson is a 12h 48m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
675 mi Β· 12h 48m by car Β· MS β AR β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β AR β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 65, I 49, US 71 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Overland Park, Olathe, Lee S Summit, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
3.8% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Independence | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 51.3" |
Expect 12.0Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 3.8% β $59,480 β $43,238 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Missouri 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (12.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 the job market in Jackson compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Independence to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 675 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $208,158 in Independence β a 58.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $59,480 in Independence β a 27.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Jackson more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 3.8% lower than Independence (89.048 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Jackson, MS from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 675 mi and the route typically takes 12h 48m via US 65 and I 49. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO Β· Jackson, MS.