Moving from Jackson, MS to Rio Rancho, NM
A move from Jackson, MS to Rio Rancho, NM covers 1060 mi and around 19h 2m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1060 mi Β· 19h 2m by car Β· MS β LA β TX β NM
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β LA β TX β NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, US 80, I 20 |
| 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 | Rio Rancho | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 95.546 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 77.852 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 96.144 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 89.153 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Rio Rancho is 7.3% higher than Jackson, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Rio Rancho is 7.3% above Jackson β $87,256 vs $361,856 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Rio Rancho +0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Rio Rancho |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 9.5" |
Rio Rancho is 8.0Β°F cooler on the annual average (66.0Β°F vs 58.0Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, RIO RANCHO #2, NM US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Rio Rancho |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 106,533 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $85,755 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 39 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 20.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.72 |
Median household income in Rio Rancho is 7.3% above Jackson ($43,238 vs $85,755, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rio Rancho MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,500 | $39,300 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 36,930 | $28,670 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 33,230 | $33,280 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 28,010 | $38,960 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 26,950 | $81,890 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and New Mexico
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Mexico'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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Rio Rancho average 96Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Rio Rancho sees only 9.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 New Mexico after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Rio Rancho compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $361,856 in Rio Rancho vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 314.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Rio Rancho more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rio Rancho is 7.3% higher than Jackson (95.546 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 Rio Rancho?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1060 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 Rio Rancho?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,755 in Rio Rancho vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 98.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Rio Rancho compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,780 in the Rio Rancho MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 396,030 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Rio Rancho, NM from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 1060 mi and the route typically takes 19h 2m via US 287 and US 80. The trip crosses 4 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· Rio Rancho, NM.