Moving from Jackson, MS to Springfield, MO
The 493 mi from Jackson to Springfield translate to about 9h 40m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
493 mi Β· 9h 40m by car Β· MO β AR β TN β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β AR β TN β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 63, US 60 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis |
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 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Springfield and Jackson are close on the overall BEA RPP (89.048 vs 88.585); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Springfield typical home at $242,870 is 0.5% above Jackson at $87,256 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 46.5" |
Climate cools by 9.6Β°F on the annual average β 66.0Β°F β 56.4Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.13 |
Income steps up 0.5%: $43,238 in Jackson vs $45,984 in Springfield.
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 | 28,080 | $38,030 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,360 | $38,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 20,070 | $28,100 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $31,070 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,940 | $63,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 0.5% lower than Jackson (88.585 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 6.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, MO from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 493 mi and the route typically takes 9h 40m via I 55 and US 63. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 178.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
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 493 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Springfield, MO.