Moving from Lubbock, TX to Joliet, IL
The drive from Lubbock, TX to Joliet, IL runs 1104 mi β about 19h 52m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1104 mi Β· 19h 52m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 82 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lubbock | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.317 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.768 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.357 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.317 in Lubbock to 103.595 in Joliet, a 13.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Joliet: 13.4% above Lubbock on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lubbock +0.8%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lubbock | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 19.4" | 38.0" |
Climate cools by 11.4Β°F on the annual average β 61.8Β°F β 50.4Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LUBBOCK WFO, TX US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lubbock | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 261,078 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $60,487 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 13.4% between Lubbock and Joliet (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Joliet 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 Texas 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Joliet averages 16.9 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 (11.4Β°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
When is the best time to move from Lubbock to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1104 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Lubbock vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $60,487 in Lubbock β a 45.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Lubbock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $209,436 in Lubbock β a 24.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Joliet more expensive than Lubbock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 13.4% higher than Lubbock (103.595 vs 91.317, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Lubbock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 150,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Joliet, IL from Lubbock, TX?
The driving distance is 1104 mi and the route typically takes 19h 52m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 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 Lubbock.
City profiles: Lubbock, TX Β· Joliet, IL.