Moving from Little Rock, AR to Jackson, MS
The 258 mi from Little Rock to Jackson translate to about 5h 23m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
258 mi · 5h 23m by car · AR → MS
Distance & route
| Route through | AR → MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 65, I 530, US 167 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Little Rock | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.364 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.635 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.577 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.295 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Jackson and Little Rock is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Jackson is 0.4% below Little Rock — $216,519 vs $87,256 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Little Rock +2.2%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Little Rock | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 38°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 51.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Little Rock (61.7°F) and Jackson (66.0°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Little Rock | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,739 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $60,583 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.4% between Little Rock and Jackson (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 Arkansas 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 92°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 — 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 far is Jackson, MS from Little Rock, AR?
The driving distance is 258 mi and the route typically takes 5h 23m via US 65 and I 530. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Jackson more expensive than Little Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 0.4% lower than Little Rock (89.048 vs 89.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Little Rock to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 258 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Little Rock vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $60,583 in Little Rock — a 28.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Little Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $216,519 in Little Rock — a 59.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Little Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 345,890 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 Little Rock.
City profiles: Little Rock, AR · Jackson, MS.