Moving from Lincoln, NE to Jackson, MS
Relocating 870 mi from Lincoln to Jackson is a 16h 20m 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.
870 mi Β· 16h 20m by car Β· NE β IA β MO β AR β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β MO β AR β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 71, US 65, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 91.581 vs 89.048 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.8% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $291,062 to $87,256 moving to Jackson.
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lincoln | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 51.3" |
Expect 13.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 2.8% β $69,991 β $43,238 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jackson MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,490 | $36,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 26,230 | $36,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 23,080 | $29,690 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 22,970 | $66,380 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,370 | $22,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and Mississippi
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Mississippi'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 Jackson average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jackson averages 51.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.7Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Mississippi after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Jackson more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 2.8% lower than Lincoln (89.048 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $291,062 in Lincoln β a 70.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $69,991 in Lincoln β a 38.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Jackson, MS from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 870 mi and the route typically takes 16h 20m via US 71 and US 65. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 870 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 Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE Β· Jackson, MS.