Moving from Jackson, MS to Waco, TX
It is a 445 mi drive, roughly 8h 25m, between Jackson, MS and Waco, TX. 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.
445 mi Β· 8h 25m by car Β· MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 80, I 20, TX 31 |
| Major cities en route | Shreveport, Tyler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Jackson and Waco sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $87,256 in Jackson to $194,245 in Waco, a 3.9% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 37.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.0Β°F vs 66.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Waco sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.68 |
Households in Waco earn about 3.9% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 Waco average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 122.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Waco more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 3.9% higher than Jackson (92.55 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Waco, TX from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 445 mi and the route typically takes 8h 25m via US 80 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 19.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 445 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 Waco compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 125,640 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Waco, TX.