Moving from Waco, TX to Jackson, MS
Relocating between Waco, TX and Jackson, MS is a 445 mi drive β 8h 25m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
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
| Waco | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
3.8% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Waco | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 51.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.42 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.8% lower in Jackson than Waco.
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 Texas 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 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 Jackson average 92Β°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 β 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 does the job market in Jackson compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $194,245 in Waco β a 55.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Jackson, MS from Waco, TX?
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.
Is Jackson more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 3.8% lower than Waco (89.048 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $51,468 in Waco β a 16.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Jackson?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX Β· Jackson, MS.