Moving from Shreveport, LA to Joliet, IL
Relocating 817 mi from Shreveport to Joliet is a 14h 59m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
817 mi · 14h 59m by car · LA → AR → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | LA → AR → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 67, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, St Louis, Springfield, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Shreveport | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 84.766 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.558 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 52.286 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP climbs from 84.766 in Shreveport to 103.595 in Joliet, putting overall prices 22.2% above the origin.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 22.2% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $135,092 to $259,875 moving to Joliet.
YoY change: Shreveport -2.4%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Shreveport | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 37°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.4" | 38.0" |
Expect 16.2°F colder on average per year — plan for heating load and winter gear.
Joliet averages 16.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SHREVEPORT, LA US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Shreveport | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 183,483 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $48,465 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.5% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 22.2% — $48,465 → $88,026 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Louisiana 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 — 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
- Winter gear first: Joliet averages 16.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.2°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
What is the climate difference between Shreveport and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 66.6°F in Shreveport (16.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 0.9 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 51.4 in.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Shreveport?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $39,150 in the Shreveport MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 170,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Joliet more expensive than Shreveport?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 22.2% higher than Shreveport (103.595 vs 84.766, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Joliet, IL from Shreveport, LA?
The driving distance is 817 mi and the route typically takes 14h 59m via I 55 and US 67. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Shreveport vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $48,465 in Shreveport — a 81.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Shreveport?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $135,092 in Shreveport — a 92.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Shreveport to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 817 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Shreveport.
City profiles: Shreveport, LA · Joliet, IL.