Moving from College Station, TX to Jackson, MS
Relocating between College Station, TX and Jackson, MS is a 445 mi drive β 8h 34m 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 34m by car Β· MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 80, I 20, TX 21 |
| Major cities en route | Shreveport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| College Station | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.951 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.39 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.088 | 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
2.1% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: College Station +0.5%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | College Station | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 51.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLLEGE STN, TX US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | College Station | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,280 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $51,776 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 22.9 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.74 | 2.42 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.1% lower in Jackson than College Station.
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 far is Jackson, MS from College Station, TX?
The driving distance is 445 mi and the route typically takes 8h 34m via US 80 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to College Station?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $42,710 in the College Station MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 128,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to College Station?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $349,041 in College Station β a 75.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Jackson more expensive than College Station?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 2.1% lower than College Station (89.048 vs 90.951, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from College Station 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.
How does household income compare in College Station vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $51,776 in College Station β a 16.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from College Station.
City profiles: College Station, TX Β· Jackson, MS.