Moving from Jackson, MS to Elgin, IL
It is 771 mi between Jackson and Elgin β roughly 14h 14m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
771 mi Β· 14h 14m by car Β· MS β TN β AR β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β TN β AR β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, I 55, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Joliet, Chicago, Naperville, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 16.3% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 16.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $87,256 to $329,682 moving to Elgin.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 39.9" |
Expect 17.0Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Elgin averages 32.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.94 |
Elgin households earn about 16.3% more than Jackson at the median β $43,238 β $88,316 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elgin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Elgin averages 32.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (17.0Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Elgin more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 16.3% higher than Jackson (103.595 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elgin, IL from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 771 mi and the route typically takes 14h 14m via I 57 and I 55. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 771 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 Elgin compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 277.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 104.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Elgin, IL.