Credible data, incredible opportunities.

With over 1 million residents and 200 neighborhoods, Jacksonville’s story is as diverse as its people. Data helps us connect those stories, identify gaps, and spotlight opportunities.

Understanding the State of Jax

Jacksonville is in constant motion. It ebbs and flows like the tide, adapting to forces both above and beyond the surface. The details of our days converge in data sets that track changes over time. From life expectancy and educational attainment, to income and employment rates, our lives have never been more measurable. Indeed, we are awash in data — yet adrift in our understanding of how to use it for the greater good.

Abraham Lincoln is reported to have said, “If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend the first six sharpening my axe.” In today’s world, that preparation is data.

State of Jax turns data into clarity, foresight, and action. We provide insights that help leaders, businesses, nonprofits, and residents make informed choices—choices that shape a healthier, more prosperous Jacksonville.

When we see clearly, we act boldly. And when we act boldly, Jacksonville wins.

By benchmarking against peer cities, analyzing trends over time, and drilling down to neighborhoods, State of Jax helps stakeholders transform numbers into strategies that work.

State of Jax addresses this challenge by bringing multiple streams of information together in order to chart, navigate, and improve the city’s evolving narrative. Providing critical data allows us to identify, measure, report, and propel Jacksonville’s progress toward shared economic, educational, health, and cultural goals.

When information flows freely, innovation does, too. State of Jax does more than simply reflect where we’ve been. It gives context to our current moment: surfacing new connections, challenging assumptions through evidence, and beckoning us to chart dynamic new paths forward.

Let's Explore the Data

Numbers don’t speak for themselves. That’s why our team develops clear, focused reports that connect the data to real-world issues.

Child Dependency Ratio

The child dependency ratio shows how many young residents rely on working-age adults, revealing the pressure placed on families and community resources. This measure highlights demographic trends that affect schools, childcare, and economic planning across Jacksonville.

Access to Healthy Food

Access to healthy food in Jacksonville remains uneven, with some neighborhoods facing significant barriers to fresh, affordable options. These patterns point to where food deserts persist and where targeted interventions can support better nutrition, long-term health, and community resilience.

Pedatrician Ratio

The ratio of pediatricians to children in Jacksonville reveals uneven access to primary care during the critical years of growth and development. Tracking these shortages by area helps identify where investments in pediatric care are most needed to ensure every child has the opportunity for a healthy start.

Peer Cities

We benchmark Jacksonville against similarly sized and/or positioned U.S. cities, illuminating comparable strengths and challenges. By placing our metrics in context with peers, the analysis sharpens focus on where Jacksonville leads, where it trails, and what strategic lessons we can borrow to accelerate our progress.

WalletHub's Best Places to Start a Business (2024)

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Oxford Economics Global Cities Rankings (2025)

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US News and World Report Best Places to Retire, 2025

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RentCafe's Best Places to Live for Renters, 2025

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PODS Top Cities Where People Are Moving To, 2025

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Nonprofits

Uncover the root causes behind persistent challenges.

Businesses

Understand your workforce, your community, and your impact.

Policymakers

Ground your choices in credible, transparent data.

Researchers

Access open-source data for innovation and modeling.

Built for Every Corner of the Jax Landscape

Whether you’re a policymaker making budget decisions, a nonprofit targeting neighborhood impact, or a business leader seeking to invest in community outcomes — State of Jax is designed with your needs in mind.

Our Partners

Accessible data, actionable insights.

State of Jax is a project of the Jacksonville Transformation Coalition. It’s powered by transparency, guided by local voices, and grounded in our shared commitment to forward momentum.