Jacksonville, Florida is the largest city in the state by both population and land area, sitting on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida along the St. Johns River. It’s home to a constant flow of new residents, a diverse economy, and a strong sports and university presence, all packed into nearly 840 square miles — one of the largest city footprints in the country. However, when you see this Southern beauty in person, lit by the Sun and surrounded by all shades of sea blue, you will understand why they call it the “Sunshine State.” Its cities are large and famous. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale.. But the biggest of all is Jacksonville, for friends Jax. Not only is it vast in area, but it has just over 1 million inhabitants. The center is Duval County, located in northeastern Florida, 298 miles away from the border with Georgia. If you are wondering if Jacksonville is nice, see for yourself. The skyline itself will tell you everything. Jax impresses with her beauty, and don’t be surprised if it’s “love at first sight.”
| Category | Figure (2026) |
|---|---|
| City population | ~1,017,689 (2025 Census estimate) |
| Median household income | $69,872 |
| Median home sale price | ~$295,000 |
| Average rent (all unit types) | ~$1,517/month |
| Metro unemployment rate | 4.8%–4.9% |
| Combined sales tax | 7.5% |
| State income tax | None |
| Average homeowners insurance | $3,512/year |
Population
Jacksonville’s population reached approximately 1,017,689 as of the U.S. Census Bureau’s July 2025 estimate, making it the 11th-largest city in the United States by population. The city has grown nearly 10% since 2020, one of the faster growth rates among major Florida metro areas, and remains a multicultural, primarily middle-class community.
Given its rich history, from the Timucuan Indians to the French Huguenots and Spanish, the mixture of nations and cultures persists to this day. White Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asians, and the LGBT population—all will find their home here and wish you a warm welcome together.
Taxes
Several US States are exempt from paying individual income tax, Florida being one of them. This benefit makes life easier and lowers costs for Florida residents. However, you will have to pay a 6% state sales tax plus a 1.5% Duval County surtax, for a combined 7.5% sales tax rate but still, that makes life in Jacksonville, FL very comfy.
Housing
Jacksonville was developed and built on both sides of the St. John River. Also, it has access to the Atlantic Ocean, so different parts of the city are on offer, where you can find a place to live, according to your taste and possibilities.
Choose between the Downtown core, next to the river, where the urban vibe dominates. Or available for one of the specific neighborhoods: Arlington, San Marco, Springfield, Ortega, or Murray Hills. The Beaches & Waterways neighborhood, right on the coast, is unique and wonderful. This neighborhood proves that Jax has more waterfront than any other city.
As for housing prices, life in Jacksonville, FL, will cost you moderately compared to other cities in Florida. Many residents are homeowners, about 57%.
As of early 2026, the median home sale price across Jacksonville is about $295,000, though prices vary sharply by neighborhood — homes in more affordable outskirts areas can still be found well under $250,000, while homes in sought-after neighborhoods like San Marco or Riverside often run $400,000 and up.
As of 2026, average rent across Jacksonville runs about $1,517 a month for all unit types, with studios starting around $1,040 and two-bedroom units averaging $1,585. Rent in Jacksonville still runs roughly 19% below the national average, which keeps it one of the more affordable major Florida cities to rent in.
What Does Homeownership Cost in Jacksonville, FL?
Beyond the mortgage itself, homeowners insurance is the cost that surprises the most new Florida residents. Jacksonville homeowners pay an average of $3,512 a year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage, according to 2026 insurance data — above the national average of $2,448, but below Florida’s statewide average of $5,599. Combined with a median home price of about $295,000, budgeting for insurance up front (not just the mortgage payment) is essential before making an offer on a Jacksonville home.
Cost of living
Jax is very affordable when it comes to general living expenses. It even belongs to the category of cheaper cities. Jacksonville’s overall cost of living index runs close to the national average, and housing specifically remains one of the more affordable major-city markets in Florida.
Jacksonville’s median household income is $69,872, according to the latest Census Bureau estimates, which comfortably covers median rent and typical monthly expenses for most households, especially with no state income tax reducing the tax burden.
Schools
It is a general opinion and grade that the schools in Jacksonville are excellent and deserve the highest grade, A and some even A+. An impressive number of 212 public and 188 private schools speak about how much Jacksonville is involved in education. The awareness of education as the most important future resource made everything possible. Good organization and professional teachers raise the level of local schools. Some of them are:
Public Schools:
- Stanton College Preparatory
- Paxon School for Advanced Studies
- River City Science Academy Middle – High School
- Creekside High School
- Darnell Cookman Middle/High School
Private Schools:
- The Bolles School
- St. Johns Country Day School
- Providence School
Don’t forget Jacksonville University, founded in 1934 and highly ranked in the USA. It enables the study of health professions, business, management, marketing, biological and biomedical sciences, marine science, engineering, visual and performing arts, and social sciences.
Health Care
Jacksonville is at the top of the chart in terms of healthcare. Some of the local hospitals are the most famous in the world. Considering the size of the city, the flow of tourists, and the number of residents, healthcare is one of the crucial sectors. We will mention a few:
- Mayo Clinic Jacksonville: Mayo Clinic’s reputation should not be overstated. The one in Jacksonville is considered the best in the country. It treats 120,000 patients every year. All medical specialist services are provided, and there are 9,200 employees. It also has a scientific and research department, which can boast numerous medical achievements and innovations.
Jacksonville Health Center is a nursing home, but it is not the only one, given the number of retirees who have settled here.
- Duval County Health Department is a center for women and children
- University of Florida Health
- Jacksonville Medical Care
These are just some of Jacksonville’s many public and private medical clinics and centers.
Job Market
As of mid-2026, the unemployment rate in the Jacksonville metro area is running between 4.8% and 4.9%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — up from 3.5% in 2024. The region saw a net loss of about 3,400 jobs over the 12 months through April 2026, driven mainly by declines in financial services and federal government employment. That said, the picture isn’t uniformly negative: private education and health services added roughly 2,300 jobs over the same period, so sector matters more than the headline number.
Medical Centers are always looking for professional and support staff. All types of bank operators are wanted, followed by administrative assistants and workers in tourism, marketing, childcare, etc.
Florida’s overall economy remains one of the largest state economies in the country, and Jacksonville continues to diversify beyond its traditional logistics and banking base into healthcare, financial services, and technology.
Crime rate
Would any potential resident think about it? Is Jacksonville safe? In a city of almost a million inhabitants, of course, there are various types of criminal incidents. It would be unrealistic to expect that there are none at all.
However, when the statistical data is analyzed more deeply, we will see that theft is the most prevalent criminality. This criminality is not represented in a significant percentage.
Independent crime-data analysis ranks Jacksonville in the 81st percentile for safety among U.S. cities nationwide, and the city’s murder count fell below 100 in 2024 for the first time since 2011 — a trend that has continued into 2026.
Things to Do
Jax is a real treasure trove of interesting and exciting things to do. Some of them are:
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park: If you are an adventurer and a sporty type, you have 20 miles of the best enjoyment in nature and outdoor activities. There are hiking and biking trails, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, surfing, and more.
- Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary – A ranch where Big cats are kept and rescued from a cruel life and inhumane treatment. They are provided with all comfort, and volunteers care passionately for them.
- Cummer Museum Arts & Gardens: museum and garden of the European concept. Opened in 1958. It has over 5,000 art artifacts. A place created for subtle art lovers.
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: one of the most famous Zoo gardens in the State. Full of all kinds of exotic animals and birds, rich in greenery, ponds, and fountains. It is associated with animals’ natural habitat and offers a complete impression during the tour.
- St. Johns Town Center: the city’s heart, with many restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and exclusive stores. Here, you can shop until you’re exhausted, try fresh seafood, go to the Capital Grille, and enjoy the legendary cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory.
- Riverwalk: Strolling without a destination guarantees relaxation and enjoyment in this wonderfully arranged setlist. 1.2 miles of modern, illuminated promenade with benches are at your disposal. It is positioned along the St. Johns River and close to numerous bars, restaurants, cafes, shops, galleries…
What Should New Residents Do First After Moving to Jacksonville?
Florida requires new residents to transfer their driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency and register any vehicle within 10 days. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your new Florida address, and your Social Security card to any Florida DHSMV office — the license itself costs $48 for an 8-year term.
It’s also worth marking your calendar for hurricane season, which runs June 1 through November 30 in Florida. Knowing your evacuation zone ahead of time through Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, and having basic supplies on hand before June 1, makes the transition far less stressful the first time a storm tracks toward Northeast Florida. Our how-to-prepare-for-a-move guide covers the rest of the pre-move checklist in more detail.
Conclusion
You got acquainted with this legendary American city’s most important aspects of life. You have probably formed an opinion and no longer wonder if Jacksonville is an excellent place to live. For those who like life in a big city but are surrounded by nature, Jacksonville will be an excellent choice. Favorable prices, a large offer of everything you need, and the possibility of finding a well-paid job will surely encourage you to live there. Multicultural community, with friendly behavior, oriented towards joint work for the general welfare. Imagine yourself in a city that constantly pulsates and flows, where events are nonstop, and that offers work as well as entertainment. Also, imagine your free time spent on the ocean shore, on endless sandy beaches. When you get tired of that, the river, nature reserves, and continental landscapes are in your neighborhood. If you can’t resist all that and choose Jacksonville as your new home, our Jacksonville movers are ready to make that happen!
Ready to make it official? Get a free, no-obligation moving quote and we’ll help you plan every step of the move to Jacksonville.
