Moving from Jackson, MS to Joliet, IL
It is 723 mi between Jackson and Joliet β roughly 13h 15m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
723 mi Β· 13h 15m by car Β· MS β TN β AR β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β TN β AR β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, I 55, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Naperville, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Joliet runs about 16.3% more expensive overall than Jackson β RPP 89.048 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $87,256 in Jackson to $259,875 in Joliet, a 16.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 38.0" |
Annual average temperature drops 15.6Β°F β 66.0Β°F in Jackson vs 50.4Β°F in Joliet, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
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: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.96 |
Joliet households earn about 16.3% more than Jackson at the median β $43,238 β $88,026 on ACS 2023.
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 Mississippi 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 (15.6Β°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
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 103.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Joliet more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 16.3% higher than Jackson (103.595 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 197.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 723 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Joliet, IL from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 723 mi and the route typically takes 13h 15m via I 57 and I 55. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Joliet, IL.