Moving from Fort Worth, TX to Joliet, IL
The drive from Fort Worth, TX to Joliet, IL runs 926 mi β about 16h 51m 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.
926 mi Β· 16h 51m 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 77 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Irving, Grand Prairie, Carrollton, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Worth | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Joliet and Fort Worth are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.09 vs 103.595); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.5% lower in Joliet than Fort Worth as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Fort Worth -2.8%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Worth | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 38.0" |
NOAA normals show Joliet running 17.1Β°F below Fort Worth on the annual mean.
Significant snow at the destination: Joliet sees 16.9 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Worth | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 941,311 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $76,602 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.96 |
Income steps up 0.5%: $76,602 in Fort Worth vs $88,026 in Joliet.
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 (17.1Β°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 Fort Worth to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 926 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 Fort Worth vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $76,602 in Fort Worth β a 14.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Joliet more expensive than Fort Worth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 0.5% higher than Fort Worth (103.595 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Fort Worth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $48,440 in the Fort Worth MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Joliet, IL from Fort Worth, TX?
The driving distance is 926 mi and the route typically takes 16h 51m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Fort Worth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $298,051 in Fort Worth β a 12.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Worth.
City profiles: Fort Worth, TX Β· Joliet, IL.