Jacksonville, Florida, and Richmond, Virginia, are both lively and diverse cities each with their unique charm and features. Jacksonville, known for its sandy beaches and warm weather, contrasts with Richmond's rich historical buildings and colder climate. The significant contrasts between these cities can be found in several areas, including crime rates, weather, cost of living, education, economy, infrastructure, industries, employment, real-estate, neighborhoods, transportation, taxes, culture, sports, geographical conditions, and health care. In the following sections, you can explore these factors more thoroughly to help you understand the differences and similarities between these two exciting cities.
Distance between
Jacksonville, FL and
Richmond, VA : 553.6 miles
Jacksonville's population is larger by 321%. Its population has grown by 218,997 people (29.8%) since 2000. The population of Richmond has grown by 28,814 people (14.6%) during that time.
According to the FBI's annual report, Jacksonville has higher crime rates than Richmond. This is principally due to the city's larger population. However, both cities have neighborhoods with lower crime rates and safety initiatives to reduce crime. Both cities have seen a decrease in crime rates over the years but still rank above the national average, making safety a concern for both residents and tourists.
Cost of Living
Both cities have a lower cost of living compared to the national average. However, Jacksonville is generally cheaper regarding housing, groceries, and healthcare. Richmond, while slightly more expensive, still offers affordable living circumstances compared to many other east coast cities.
Income Tax
Florida, including Jacksonville, has no state income tax which is a significant advantage for residents. Virginia, however, imposes state income tax with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%, which should be considered when contemplating moving to Richmond.
Property Tax
Jacksonville has a lower average property tax rate of approximately 0.9%, whereas Richmond's average property tax rate is around 1.2%. These rates can substantially affect the cost of home ownership in both cities.
Sales Tax
The combined city and state sales tax in Jacksonville is 7%, whereas in Richmond it is 5.3%. This difference can have an impact on daily expenses as well as larger purchases.
Income
Type
Jacksonville
Richmond
Estimated median household income
$58,621
$51,770
Estimated per capita income
$32,953
$38,425
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.3
94.8
If you make $50,000 in Jacksonville, you will have to make $53,681 in Richmond to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Jacksonville is characterized by flat coastal plains and sandy beaches, whereas Richmond features a hilly landscape with the James River running through it. This difference leads to a more maritime lifestyle in Jacksonville and a land-oriented lifestyle in Richmond.
Richmond boasts a diverse education system with renowned institutions like Virginia Commonwealth University and The University of Richmond. Jacksonville is home to the University of North Florida and Jacksonville University. Both cities have a variety of public, private schools and charter schools for kindergarten through high school education.
Jacksonville has a booming economy with major sectors being healthcare, finance, and transport. Richmond's economy leans heavily on government, finance, and education sectors. Unemployment rates in both cities are below the national average.
Biggest Employers
Jacksonville's largest employers are government entities and healthcare providers like Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Mayo Clinic. In Richmond, the biggest employers include Capital One, Virginia Commonwealth University, and HCA Virginia Health System.
There were 1,310 building permits issued in Jacksonville in 2012 (353 more than in 2011) compared to 502 building permits issued in Richmond in 2012 (410 more than in 2011).
In Jacksonville (Duval County), 47.9% voted for Democrats and 51.5% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Richmond (Richmond city), 78.1% voted for Democrats and 20.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Jacksonville
Richmond
Jacksonville
Richmond
Jacksonville
Richmond
2020
51.3%
82.9%
47.5%
14.9%
1.2%
2.1%
2016
47.2%
78.6%
48.6%
15.1%
4.2%
6.4%
2012
47.9%
78.1%
51.5%
20.6%
0.6%
1.3%
2008
49.0%
79.5%
51.0%
20.1%
0.0%
0.3%
2004
41.7%
70.4%
57.9%
29.2%
0.3%
0.4%
2000
40.9%
65.0%
57.7%
30.8%
1.4%
4.2%
1996
44.2%
63.0%
50.0%
31.3%
5.8%
5.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Jacksonville
Richmond
Jacksonville
Richmond
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
15.8%
11.4%
22.3%
14.5%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
9.0%
9.1%
2.8%
3.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
5.5%
2.3%
4.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
3.4%
0.6%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.7%
0.9%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.3%
0.7%
0.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.7%
1.4%
1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
10.1%
0.2%
8.7%
Weather
Jacksonville experiences a hot, humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. On the other hand, Richmond's climate is characterized by four distinct seasons with cold, sometimes snowy winters, and hot, humid summers. Tourists preferring a warm climate may find Jacksonville more appealing, while those fond of the four seasons might prefer Richmond.
Weather and climate
Type
Jacksonville
Richmond
Temperature - Average
68.3°F
57.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
78.4%
72.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
44%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92%
88%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
51.8 in
44 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
26.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.8%
16.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.6%
67.5%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
14%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
68%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
54%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
8.3 mph
Average climate in Jacksonville, Florida
Average climate in Richmond, Virginia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Jacksonville
Richmond
Jacksonville
Richmond
Richmond
Jacksonville
Richmond
Jacksonville
Richmond
Jacksonville
Richmond
Jacksonville
Richmond
2018
78
76
N/A
0.30
12.0
N/A
24.5
25.9
N/A
0.002
7.1
8.3
N/A
0.2
2017
74
72
N/A
0.27
12.6
N/A
24.7
27.3
N/A
0.002
5.8
8.4
0.7
0.2
2016
65
78
0.50
0.29
12.2
N/A
24.9
26.8
N/A
0.002
5.2
8.8
0.4
0.3
2015
63
78
0.35
0.29
14.3
N/A
25.4
25.7
N/A
0.002
4.9
10.2
0.3
0.5
2014
66
68
0.27
0.30
13.2
N/A
24.3
26.7
N/A
0.002
5.9
7.9
0.7
0.7
2013
68
71
0.18
0.26
9.3
N/A
23.0
24.7
N/A
0.002
5.3
7.5
0.7
0.6
2012
66
83
0.10
0.28
9.3
N/A
24.0
27.3
N/A
0.003
5.8
7.7
0.6
0.7
2011
88
85
0.28
0.28
9.7
N/A
26.6
32.2
N/A
0.003
8.1
8.7
0.8
1.1
2010
77
88
0.31
N/A
10.9
N/A
26.4
35.5
N/A
0.003
7.1
N/A
0.8
2.0
2009
72
69
0.16
N/A
9.1
N/A
25.0
28.3
N/A
0.004
8.5
N/A
0.6
2.0
2008
75
92
0.15
N/A
7.4
N/A
27.6
32.4
N/A
0.004
10.0
N/A
0.9
2.3
2007
92
101
0.29
N/A
7.1
N/A
28.4
33.8
N/A
0.006
11.4
N/A
1.2
3.2
2006
87
92
0.35
N/A
9.8
N/A
29.0
32.4
N/A
0.005
10.8
N/A
1.4
3.4
2005
93
92
0.42
0.47
10.2
N/A
26.5
30.5
N/A
0.006
12.2
N/A
1.8
4.4
2004
92
85
0.40
0.51
10.5
N/A
25.2
28.1
N/A
0.005
12.4
N/A
1.4
3.6
2003
55
85
0.43
0.47
10.8
N/A
21.6
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
4.3
2002
59
107
0.49
0.41
11.7
N/A
22.2
34.7
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
3.9
2001
74
100
0.49
0.42
12.0
N/A
24.0
30.6
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
4.4
2000
85
94
0.52
0.32
10.8
N/A
25.1
30.1
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
4.6
Natural disasters
Type
Jacksonville
Richmond
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
75.2%
90.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
18.1%
46.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
24%
0%
Transportation
Jacksonville operates the Jacksonville Transportation Authority providing buses and a Skyway monorail for commuting. Richmond provides public transport via the Greater Richmond Transit Company with regular bus services. Both cities have Amtrak stations for long-distance travel.
Transport
Type
Jacksonville
Richmond
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
566
205
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
34
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Jacksonville
Richmond
Bicycle
0.2%
0.8%
Bus
1.1%
2.8%
Carpooled
9%
7.5%
Car alone
86.5%
84.5%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Streetcar
0%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.2%
2.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
Jacksonville
Richmond
Average
27.5 min
27.7 min
Other means
25 min
21.4 min
Public transportation
43.7 min
36.2 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Jacksonville
Richmond
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
89.4%
88.4%
In 2 person carpool
8%
8%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
0.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
2.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.7%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Jacksonville is relatively affordable with diverse housing options ranging from beachfront homes to downtown apartments. Richmond's real estate market offers a blend of historic homes in established neighborhoods and modern apartments near the city center.
Neighborhoods
Jacksonville's neighborhoods range from beachside communities like Atlantic Beach to historic areas like San Marco. Richmond features neighborhoods like The Fan District, known for its historic homes, and Shockoe Bottom, popular for its trendy shops and restaurants.
Houses and residents
Type
Jacksonville
Richmond
Houses
422,315
112,806
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.2
Median year apartment built
1985
1966
Median year house/condo built
1987
1952
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.5 years
13.7 years
Houses occupied
386,283 (91.5%)
99,929 (88.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
226,429 (58.6%)
44,985 (45%)
Houses occupied by renters
159,854 (41.4%)
54,944 (55%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,444
$2,145
Median monthly housing costs
$1,154
$1,176
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,045
$789,890
Estimated median house or condo value
$239,400
$311,700
Median numbers of rooms
5.6
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.7
Median house price - detached houses
$282,276
$377,153
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$177,341
$414,611
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$144,947
$581,178
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$220,508
$336,796
Median house price - mobile homes
$87,589
$383,025
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$213,709
$485,625
Median house price - All housing units
$266,926
$387,051
Median house age
36
64
Renting percentage
38.3%
56.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
557.4
1,877.9
House value disparities
33.2%
35.4%
Household income disparities
44.2%
49.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$83,160
$88,018
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,777
$55,453
Housing units without a mortgage
2,439 (1.6%)
666 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,460 (5.5%)
1,789 (5.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
150,468 (98.4%)
31,656 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
255 (0.2%)
92 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,378 (7.4%)
2,135 (6.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.4%
1.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Jacksonville
Richmond
One, detached
59.4%
46.3%
One, attached
6.1%
6.4%
Two
2.1%
5.8%
3 or 4
5.3%
7.5%
5 to 9
5.0%
8.0%
10 to 19
7.9%
6.3%
20 to 49
4.9%
6.8%
50 or more
5.3%
12.7%
Mobile homes
3.8%
0.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
19,601
6,345
State government workers
13,692
8,436
Unpaid family workers
1,066
234
Industries and Occupations
Jacksonville's key industries include health care, transportation, and finance with significant employers like Baptist Health and Deutsche Bank. Richmond's major industries are governmental services, high-tech, bio-tech, and finance, with Capital One Financial Corporation and Virginia Commonwealth University being significant employers.
Both cities offer efficient healthcare facilities. Jacksonville's Mayo Clinic is renowned nationally, and Richmond is home to the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, ranked as one of the best in the state.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Jacksonville
Richmond
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Jacksonville, the largest city by land area in the U.S., has an expansive infrastructure boasting three major interstates, a major international airport, and a large seaport. Richmond, while smaller, features efficient interstate highways, railways, and the Richmond International Airport.
Infrastructure
Type
Jacksonville
Richmond
Hospitals
25
25
TV stations
17
13
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
191
172
Bank institutions located here
31
27
Main business address for public companies
23
23
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
20
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Jacksonville
Richmond
1999
5,422
0
2000
4,132
0
2001
3,038
0
2002
2,017
310
2003
3,563
418
2004
4,781
645
2005
7,134
904
2006
8,812
1,222
2007
5,298
898
2008
1,719
323
2009
676
132
Culture and Food
Jacksonville offers a mix of Southern and coastal cuisine, alongside thriving contemporary arts and classic rock scenes. Richmond is known for its diverse food scene, historical sites, and art galleries, offering a blend of revolutionary heritage and modern cultural flare.
Sports Teams
Jacksonville is home to the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL), while Richmond doesn't have a major league team but boasts a strong minor league presence, with the Richmond Flying Squirrels (AA Baseball) and Richmond Kickers (USL Soccer).
Jacksonville, FL
Richmond, VA
Jacksonville, FL and 
Richmond, VA : 553.6 miles
