Moving from Jackson, MS to Killeen, TX
Relocating between Jackson, MS and Killeen, TX is a 498 mi drive β 9h 19m 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.
498 mi Β· 9h 19m by car Β· TX β LA β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, TX 31, US 190 |
| Major cities en route | Waco, Tyler, Shreveport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Jackson and Killeen 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 $219,957 in Killeen, a 2.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 34.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.0Β°F vs 66.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Killeen sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.61 |
Expect median household income to rise 2.3% β $43,238 β $58,339 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Killeen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,840 | $37,540 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,620 | $26,660 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 14,700 | $81,360 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,820 | $37,760 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 12,710 | $59,740 |
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 Killeen 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 far is Killeen, TX from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 498 mi and the route typically takes 9h 19m via I 20 and TX 31. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 34.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Killeen more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 2.3% higher than Jackson (91.132 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 152.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Killeen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 498 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Killeen, TX.