Moving from Jackson, MS to Springfield, IL
Relocating 588 mi from Jackson to Springfield is a 10h 45m drive through 5 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.
588 mi Β· 10h 45m 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 55, US 78, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.2% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 40.4" |
Expect 13.1Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.24 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.2% β $43,238 β $65,537 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.1Β°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 Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 51.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, IL from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 588 mi and the route typically takes 10h 45m via I 55 and US 78. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 588 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 4.2% higher than Jackson (92.745 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 87.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Springfield, IL.