Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Jackson, MS
It is 1038 mi between Sioux Falls and Jackson β roughly 19h 11m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1038 mi Β· 19h 11m by car Β· SD β IA β NE β MO β AR β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β IA β NE β MO β AR β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, US 71, US 65 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 90.631 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 1.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $329,723 to $87,256 moving to Jackson.
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 51.3" |
Expect 19.4Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.42 |
Jackson households earn about 1.7% less than Sioux Falls at the median β $74,714 β $43,238 on ACS 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 South Dakota 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 (19.4Β°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 Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 1.7% lower than Sioux Falls (89.048 vs 90.631, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 73.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1038 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Jackson, MS from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 1038 mi and the route typically takes 19h 11m via I 29 and US 71. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 42.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sioux Falls.
City profiles: Sioux Falls, SD Β· Jackson, MS.