Moving from Jackson, MS to Abilene, TX
Relocating 581 mi from Jackson to Abilene is a 10h 25m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
581 mi Β· 10h 25m by car Β· MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, I 20 BUS |
| Major cities en route | Shreveport, Tyler, Mesquite, Garland, Richardson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Abilene | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 90.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 81.162 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 73.791 | 100.0 |
Jackson and Abilene sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $87,256 in Jackson to $210,016 in Abilene, a 1.5% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Abilene +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Abilene |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 25.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.0Β°F vs 65.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 3.7 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Abilene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 127,130 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $62,720 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 17.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.72 |
Expect median household income to rise 1.5% β $43,238 β $62,720 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Abilene MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 10,850 | $37,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,210 | $26,270 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 6,750 | $29,820 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 5,560 | $73,610 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 5,460 | $35,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 Abilene average 96Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Abilene compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $210,016 in Abilene vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 140.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Abilene compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $38,680 in the Abilene MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 72,780 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Abilene, TX from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 581 mi and the route typically takes 10h 25m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Abilene more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Abilene is 1.5% higher than Jackson (90.364 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Abilene?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 581 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 Jackson vs Abilene?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,720 in Abilene vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 45.1% higher 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 Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Abilene, TX.