Moving from Shreveport, LA to Jackson, MS
The 218 mi from Shreveport to Jackson translate to about 4h 7m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
218 mi · 4h 7m by car · LA → MS
Distance & route
| Route through | LA → MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, US 61 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Shreveport | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 84.766 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.558 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 52.286 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Jackson is 5.1% higher than Shreveport, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Jackson is 5.1% below Shreveport — $135,092 vs $87,256 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Shreveport -2.4%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Shreveport | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 37°F | 38°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 51.4" | 51.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Shreveport (66.6°F) and Jackson (66.0°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SHREVEPORT, LA US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Shreveport | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 183,483 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $48,465 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.5% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.42 |
Income steps down 5.1%: $48,465 in Shreveport vs $43,238 in Jackson.
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 Louisiana 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 92°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 — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Shreveport to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 218 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Jackson, MS from Shreveport, LA?
The driving distance is 218 mi and the route typically takes 4h 7m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Shreveport?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $39,150 in the Shreveport MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 170,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Shreveport vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $48,465 in Shreveport — a 10.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Jackson more expensive than Shreveport?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 5.1% higher than Shreveport (89.048 vs 84.766, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Shreveport?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $135,092 in Shreveport — a 35.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Shreveport.
City profiles: Shreveport, LA · Jackson, MS.