71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
75
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Jackson wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Jackson wins 1–2 overall (75/100)
💰 Jackson is more affordable
💼 Jackson has lower unemployment
🛡️ Jackson has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Jackson — The Verdict
Jackson scores 75/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Jackson has a clear edge with home prices 55% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Jackson has a notably lower disaster history with 5 fewer declarations in 20 years. Jackson may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Jackson are 55% lower — a difference of $130,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Jackson saves you $255/month — that's $3,060 per year.
💵
Households in Houston earn $18,247 more per year (43% higher median income).
📊
Jackson has a 0.6 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Jackson has experienced 5 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$104,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$980
Median Income
$60,440
$42,193
The affordability gap is significant — Jackson offers home prices 55% lower than Houston, translating to $130,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.7%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Jackson having a slight edge at 3.7% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
21
16
Jackson has a markedly lower disaster history — 5 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Jackson: Common Questions
Is Houston or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Jackson is more affordable overall. Home prices are $130,100 lower in Jackson. Monthly rent is $980 in Jackson vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Jackson have better weather?
Jackson scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Jackson better for finding a job?
Jackson currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.7% in Jackson. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $42,193 in Jackson.
Which city is safer — Houston or Jackson?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Jackson is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 16 in Jackson. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Jackson.
Should I move from Houston to Jackson?
Based on our data, Jackson scores 75.0/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Jackson is more affordable, while Jackson has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.