Both Jacksonville, Florida, and Worcester, Massachusetts, offer unique living experiences, each with its own attractions and advantages. Offering warm weather and affordable cost of living, Jacksonville boasts a bustling economy and a vibrant, diverse culture. Worcester, on the other hand, known for its rich history and charming New England vibe, is a hub for education and healthcare. This analysis covers various aspects from crime and safety, to cost of living, education, economy, infrastructure, industries, real estate, neighborhoods, taxes, culture, sports, geography, and healthcare in both cities.
Distance between
Jacksonville, FL and
Worcester, MA : 989.8 miles
Jacksonville's population is larger by 364%. Its population has grown by 218,997 people (29.8%) since 2000. The population of Worcester has grown by 33,270 people (19.3%) during that time.
Crime rates are a significant factor when considering relocation or tourism. Jacksonville's overall crime rate is higher than the national average, and also higher than in Worcester. Worcester's crime rate, meanwhile, is slightly higher than the national average, but lower than Jacksonville's. Both cities have ongoing initiatives to improve safety and lower crime. Tourists and residents alike are advised to stay informed about areas of higher crime and take necessary precautions.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Jacksonville is significantly lower than in Worcester, with housing being the most substantial contributing factor. Grocery and transportation costs are also typically higher in Worcester. While Worcester might be costlier, it promises a richer cultural experience and better access to top-quality education and healthcare.
Income Tax
Living in Jacksonville comes with the advantage of no state income tax, while residents in Worcester, MA, are subject to state income tax, contributing to higher living costs within the state of Massachusetts.
Property Tax
Property taxes are higher in Worcester as compared to Jacksonville. This is an important consideration for potential homeowners as it can significantly affect the overall cost of home ownership.
Sales Tax
Florida, including Jacksonville, does not charge a state income tax, making it financially advantageous for residents. Worcester, being part of Massachusetts, imposes a state income tax and has a slightly higher sales tax than Jacksonville.
Income
Type
Jacksonville
Worcester
Estimated median household income
$58,621
$63,194
Estimated per capita income
$32,953
$32,772
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.3
128.3
If you make $50,000 in Jacksonville, you will have to make $72,650 in Worcester to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Jacksonville offers sandy beaches and riverfront views due to its coastal location in Florida. Worcester, located in central Massachusetts, presents a more hilly landscape with several parks and two prominent lakes.
Worcester shines in the educational aspect with highly regarded institutions such as Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Clark University. On the other hand, Jacksonville hosts the University of North Florida and Jacksonville University, providing quality education but not matching up to Worcester's academic prestige.
Jacksonville's economy is stronger and more diverse, offering broad job opportunities in healthcare, finance, logistics, aviation, and the public sector. In contrast, Worcester's economy is centered on education, healthcare, biotechnology, and services, with less diversity in career options.
Biggest Employers
Jacksonville's biggest employers are the Navy, City of Jacksonville, Duval County Public Schools, and Baptist Health. In Worcester, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Hanover Insurance, and Saint Vincent Hospital are chief employers offering a variety of roles.
There were 1,310 building permits issued in Jacksonville in 2012 (353 more than in 2011) compared to 66 building permits issued in Worcester in 2012 (2 more than in 2011).
In Jacksonville (Duval County), 47.9% voted for Democrats and 51.5% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Worcester (Worcester County), 53.7% voted for Democrats and 44.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Jacksonville
Worcester
Jacksonville
Worcester
Jacksonville
Worcester
2020
51.3%
57.6%
47.5%
39.7%
1.2%
2.7%
2016
47.2%
51.0%
48.6%
40.5%
4.2%
8.5%
2012
47.9%
53.7%
51.5%
44.3%
0.6%
2.0%
2008
49.0%
55.8%
51.0%
42.0%
0.0%
2.2%
2004
41.7%
56.6%
57.9%
42.5%
0.3%
0.9%
2000
40.9%
56.2%
57.7%
36.9%
1.4%
6.9%
1996
44.2%
58.3%
50.0%
29.8%
5.8%
11.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Jacksonville
Worcester
Jacksonville
Worcester
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
15.8%
0.2%
22.3%
3.3%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
9.0%
38.4%
2.8%
20.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
1.2%
2.3%
4.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.1%
0.6%
0.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.8%
0.9%
2.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.8%
1.4%
4.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.7%
0.2%
4.6%
Weather
Jacksonville, with its subtropical climate, offers warm summers and mild winters, attracting both sun-seekers and retirees. Worcester experiences a typical New England climate with cold winters and warm summers. Snowy winters can appeal to winter sports enthusiasts but can be challenging for commuting and daily life. Tourists visiting either location should plan their activities based on these distinct weather patterns.
Weather and climate
Type
Jacksonville
Worcester
Temperature - Average
68.3°F
47.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
78.4%
71.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
44%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92%
81%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
49.1%
Precipitation - Yearly average
51.8 in
48.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
133.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.8%
15.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.6%
63%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
18.5%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
66.3%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
47.8%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
11 mph
Average climate in Jacksonville, Florida
Average climate in Worcester, Massachusetts
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Jacksonville
Worcester
Jacksonville
Worcester
Worcester
Jacksonville
Worcester
Jacksonville
Jacksonville
Worcester
Jacksonville
Worcester
2018
78
71
N/A
0.28
11.2
N/A
24.5
31.5
N/A
N/A
7.1
6.8
N/A
0.6
2017
74
69
N/A
0.28
11.5
N/A
24.7
32.3
N/A
N/A
5.8
5.5
0.7
0.8
2016
65
73
0.50
0.25
12.2
N/A
24.9
33.6
N/A
N/A
5.2
6.2
0.4
0.7
2015
63
68
0.35
0.26
13.4
N/A
25.4
32.6
N/A
N/A
4.9
7.0
0.3
0.5
2014
66
71
0.27
0.32
13.1
N/A
24.3
33.2
N/A
N/A
5.9
7.7
0.7
1.5
2013
68
82
0.18
0.39
11.8
N/A
23.0
34.5
N/A
N/A
5.3
8.3
0.7
2.7
2012
66
84
0.10
0.51
12.8
N/A
24.0
37.5
N/A
N/A
5.8
7.7
0.6
3.2
2011
88
82
0.28
0.46
17.4
N/A
26.6
34.8
N/A
N/A
8.1
9.8
0.8
2.7
2010
77
88
0.31
0.50
13.9
N/A
26.4
37.4
N/A
N/A
7.1
9.9
0.8
2.1
2009
72
85
0.16
0.53
14.4
N/A
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
8.3
0.6
1.1
2008
75
94
0.15
0.54
14.9
N/A
27.6
38.5
N/A
N/A
10.0
8.0
0.9
2.6
2007
92
115
0.29
0.52
15.7
N/A
28.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
9.0
1.2
3.4
2006
87
98
0.35
0.53
15.2
N/A
29.0
38.7
N/A
N/A
10.8
8.8
1.4
2.8
2005
93
101
0.42
0.55
14.9
N/A
26.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
10.0
1.8
4.6
2004
92
92
0.40
0.41
15.8
N/A
25.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
11.6
1.4
2.6
2003
55
82
0.43
0.51
15.6
N/A
21.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
N/A
2002
59
87
0.49
0.52
17.4
N/A
22.2
39.0
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
N/A
2001
74
98
0.49
0.57
20.0
N/A
24.0
32.6
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
N/A
2000
85
76
0.52
0.52
18.6
N/A
25.1
31.2
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Jacksonville
Worcester
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
75.2%
79.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
18.1%
28.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
24%
27%
Transportation
Jacksonville primarily relies on cars, with a less comprehensive public transport system. Worcester offers more robust public transit with its share of buses and trains, making commuting relatively easier for individuals without a vehicle.
Transport
Type
Jacksonville
Worcester
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
566
21
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
34
9
Means of transportation to work
Type
Jacksonville
Worcester
Bicycle
0.2%
0.4%
Bus
1.1%
1.3%
Carpooled
9%
9.8%
Car alone
86.5%
81.3%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.4%
Walked
1.2%
4.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Jacksonville
Worcester
Average
27.5 min
26.5 min
Other means
25 min
23.3 min
Public transportation
43.7 min
34 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Jacksonville
Worcester
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
89.4%
85.3%
In 2 person carpool
8%
11.9%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Jacksonville is generally more affordable than in Worcester. However, both cities offer a range of options from cozy ranch homes to urban apartments. Rental markets reflect the same trends, with higher rents in Worcester.
Neighborhoods
Both cities provide a variety of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyle needs. Jacksonville's coastal neighborhoods like Atlantic Beach offer laid-back living, while downtown districts promise urban convenience. Worcester's West Side offers historic charm, with the downtown area bustling with students and professionals.
Houses and residents
Type
Jacksonville
Worcester
Houses
422,315
82,375
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.5
Median year apartment built
1985
1960
Median year house/condo built
1987
1952
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.5 years
15.8 years
Houses occupied
386,283 (91.5%)
76,065 (92.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
226,429 (58.6%)
32,714 (43%)
Houses occupied by renters
159,854 (41.4%)
43,351 (57%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,444
$1,034
Median monthly housing costs
$1,154
$1,314
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,045
$425,443
Estimated median house or condo value
$239,400
$317,800
Median numbers of rooms
5.6
5.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$282,276
$338,239
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$177,341
$252,487
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$144,947
$352,758
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$220,508
$213,457
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$213,709
$290,622
Median house price - All housing units
$266,926
$317,463
Median house age
36
67
Renting percentage
38.3%
55.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
557.4
2,193.1
House value disparities
33.2%
25.3%
Household income disparities
44.2%
46.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$83,160
$102,992
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,777
$78,632
Housing units without a mortgage
2,439 (1.6%)
687 (3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,460 (5.5%)
2,013 (8.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
150,468 (98.4%)
22,130 (97%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
255 (0.2%)
289 (1.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,378 (7.4%)
2,828 (12.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
15
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.4%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Jacksonville
Worcester
One, detached
59.4%
32.1%
One, attached
6.1%
6.4%
Two
2.1%
7.9%
3 or 4
5.3%
25.1%
5 to 9
5.0%
8.6%
10 to 19
7.9%
5.4%
20 to 49
4.9%
4.4%
50 or more
5.3%
10.0%
Mobile homes
3.8%
0.1%
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
5,036
State government workers
13,692
5,706
Unpaid family workers
1,066
42
Industries and Occupations
In Jacksonville, the dominant sectors are healthcare, finance, logistics, and the public sector, offering a wide range of occupations. Worcester has a higher concentration of education and healthcare jobs with growing industries in biotechnology and professional services.
Jacksonville hosts Mayo Clinic, highly ranked nationwide, making it a healthcare destination. Worcester also boasts a remarkable healthcare system, with facilities like the UMass Memorial Medical Center, offering quality care and serving as the city's major employer.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Jacksonville
Worcester
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Jacksonville boasts a more sprawling cityscape, requiring vehicular transportation. It has a robust network of highways, bridges, airports, and seaports, supporting its economic activities. Worcester, on the other hand, has an older, denser infrastructure, reflecting its New England heritage and need for public transportation.
Infrastructure
Type
Jacksonville
Worcester
Hospitals
25
14
TV stations
17
24
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
191
47
Bank institutions located here
31
12
Main business address for public companies
23
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
20
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Jacksonville
Worcester
1999
5,422
262
2000
4,132
328
2001
3,038
237
2002
2,017
312
2003
3,563
469
2004
4,781
822
2005
7,134
1,210
2006
8,812
1,134
2007
5,298
721
2008
1,719
375
2009
676
274
Culture and Food
The two cities offer culturally diverse experiences. Jacksonville, with its southern charm, offers a blend of American and international cuisines, arts, music, and festival scenes. Worcester, with a rich history, offers New England charm, world-class museums, vibrant arts scene, and renowned seafood cuisine.
Sports Teams
Jacksonville is home to the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, scoring points with football fans. Worcester does not have a major league sports team of its own, but Boston's teams draw significant support from Worcester's residents.
Jacksonville, FL
Worcester, MA
Jacksonville, FL and 
Worcester, MA : 989.8 miles
