Moving from Jackson, MS to Denton, TX
Relocating between Jackson, MS and Denton, TX is a 437 mi drive β 7h 58m 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.
437 mi Β· 7h 58m by car Β· MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 80, I 20, I 35E |
| Major cities en route | Shreveport, Tyler, Mesquite, Garland, Dallas |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Denton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 15.8% above Jackson β 89.048 β 103.09 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.8% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Denton -4.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 38.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, DENTON 2 SE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 146,987 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $73,719 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 25.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.72 |
Expect median household income to rise 15.8% β $43,238 β $73,719 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Denton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
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 Denton 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
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Denton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 437 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Denton compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $354,135 in Denton vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 305.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Denton compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Denton MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Denton more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Denton is 15.8% higher than Jackson (103.09 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Denton, TX from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 437 mi and the route typically takes 7h 58m via US 80 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Denton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,719 in Denton vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 70.5% 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· Denton, TX.