In comparing Jacksonville, FL, and Fort Wayne, IN, different aspects will meet residents' desires or requirements variedly. Jacksonville offers a larger city feel with a diverse culture and subtropical climate, while Fort Wayne provides a more family-oriented, small-town environment with continental climate. Both cities provide distinct options in terms of lifestyle and opportunities.
Distance between
Jacksonville, FL and
Fort Wayne, IN : 768.2 miles
Jacksonville's population is larger by 259%. Its population has grown by 218,997 people (29.8%) since 2000. The population of Fort Wayne has grown by 60,247 people (29.3%) during that time.
It's essential to mention that Jacksonville has a higher crime rate compared to Fort Wayne. While both cities have strategies in place to combat crime, a potential resident or visitor might feel safer in Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne's lower crime rate is often attributed to its strong community fabric and smaller population compared to Jacksonville. However, safety can vary significantly between different neighborhoods within each city.
Cost of Living
Overall, the cost of living in Jacksonville is considerably higher than in Fort Wayne. Housing stands out as the most significant difference between the two. Essential items like groceries, healthcare, and utilities also tend to be higher in Jacksonville. Fort Wayne residents generally experience a lower cost-of-living index, making it more attractive for those seeking affordability.
Income Tax
One of Jacksonville's biggest financial advantages is Florida's lack of state income tax, which can save residents a significant amount of money. In contrast, Fort Wayne residents need to account for Indiana's flat state income tax of 3.23%.
Property Tax
Property taxes in both Jacksonville and Fort Wayne are relatively similar. In Jacksonville, the average property tax rate is about 0.94%, and in Fort Wayne, the average rate is approximately 0.86%.
Sales Tax
Florida, including Jacksonville, has no state income tax, which can be a significant draw. However, it does have a state sales tax rate of 6%. Indiana's state sales tax rate is 7%, slightly higher than Florida's, and it also has a state income tax, which isn't the case in Florida.
Income
Type
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Estimated median household income
$58,621
$54,737
Estimated per capita income
$32,953
$29,282
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.3
82.8
If you make $50,000 in Fort Wayne, you will have to make $53,321 in Jacksonville to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Jacksonville's geographically advantageous with its coastal location, providing access to beautiful beaches and water activities. On the other hand, Fort Wayne centrally located in the Midwest offers abundance green spaces and rivers and easy access to larger cities like Chicago and Indianapolis.
Educationally, both cities host a variety of schools, colleges, and universities. Fort Wayne boasts notable institutions like Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne, and Jacksonville is home to the University of North Florida. However, Jacksonville, housing more institutions, offers more diverse programs and opportunities for students.
Jacksonville has a strong and diverse economic base, with prominent sectors being logistics, finance, healthcare, and military, while Fort Wayne's economy is robust, primarily focusing on manufacturing, health care, and retail sectors. Salaries might be higher in Jacksonville, but so is the cost of living.
Biggest Employers
In Jacksonville, the largest employers are Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Duval County Public Schools, and the City of Jacksonville. Fort Wayne's largest employers include Parkview Health System, Lincoln Financial Group, and Fort Wayne Community Schools.
There were 1,310 building permits issued in Jacksonville in 2012 (353 more than in 2011) compared to 8 building permits issued in Fort Wayne in 2012 (8 more than in 2011).
In Jacksonville (Duval County), 47.9% voted for Democrats and 51.5% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Fort Wayne (Allen County), 40.9% voted for Democrats and 57.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
2020
51.3%
43.3%
47.5%
54.5%
1.2%
2.2%
2016
47.2%
37.3%
48.6%
56.6%
4.2%
6.1%
2012
47.9%
40.9%
51.5%
57.6%
0.6%
1.5%
2008
49.0%
47.5%
51.0%
51.8%
0.0%
0.7%
2004
41.7%
36.1%
57.9%
63.4%
0.3%
0.6%
2000
40.9%
36.4%
57.7%
61.6%
1.4%
2.0%
1996
44.2%
37.8%
50.0%
54.1%
5.8%
8.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
15.8%
1.2%
22.3%
3.8%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
9.0%
16.0%
2.8%
5.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
0.2%
2.3%
0.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.3%
0.6%
0.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
2.3%
0.9%
3.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
6.8%
0.7%
8.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.2%
1.4%
0.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
1.1%
0.2%
2.0%
Weather
The climate in these two cities differs considerably. Jacksonville experiences a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters, whereas Fort Wayne exhibits a continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters with snowfall. Jacksonville's weather can be more appealing to those interested in year-round outdoor activities or beach access, while Fort Wayne may appeal to those who enjoy a climate variation with defined seasons.
Weather and climate
Type
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Temperature - Average
68.3°F
49.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
78.4%
77.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
44%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
54%
Precipitation - Yearly average
51.8 in
36.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
64.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.8%
13.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.6%
65.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
40%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
76%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
36%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
9.9 mph
Average climate in Jacksonville, Florida
Average climate in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Jacksonville
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Jacksonville
2018
78
74
N/A
N/A
24.5
27.2
N/A
N/A
7.1
8.8
N/A
N/A
2017
74
68
N/A
N/A
24.7
28.3
N/A
N/A
5.8
8.2
0.7
N/A
2016
65
78
0.50
N/A
24.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
8.8
0.4
N/A
2015
63
85
0.35
N/A
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.9
10.8
0.3
N/A
2014
66
93
0.27
N/A
24.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.9
13.1
0.7
N/A
2013
68
74
0.18
0.45
23.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.3
9.9
0.7
N/A
2012
66
91
0.10
0.64
24.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.8
13.9
0.6
N/A
2011
88
87
0.28
0.37
26.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.1
12.2
0.8
N/A
2010
77
98
0.31
0.34
26.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.1
15.8
0.8
N/A
2009
72
96
0.16
0.62
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
16.5
0.6
N/A
2008
75
96
0.15
0.79
27.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
15.7
0.9
N/A
2007
92
103
0.29
0.47
28.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
13.4
1.2
N/A
2006
87
81
0.35
0.61
29.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
11.8
1.4
N/A
2005
93
107
0.42
0.67
26.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
14.4
1.8
N/A
2004
92
75
0.40
0.85
25.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
N/A
1.4
N/A
2003
55
101
0.43
0.70
21.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
1.6
N/A
2002
59
101
0.49
0.71
22.2
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
13.2
1.7
N/A
2001
74
65
0.49
0.65
24.0
N/A
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
N/A
2000
85
73
0.52
0.83
25.1
N/A
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
75.2%
174.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
18.1%
101.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
24%
14%
Transportation
Considering Jacksonville's size, public transportation is more prevalent, including a Skyway monorail system. However, most residents still depend on cars due to the city's spread-out nature. Fort Wayne is smaller, so many residents find it easier to commute using cars, though public buses are also available.
Transport
Type
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
FAA registered aircraft
566
209
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
34
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Bicycle
0.2%
0.4%
Bus
1.1%
0.4%
Carpooled
9%
7.4%
Car alone
86.5%
89.6%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.2%
0%
Walked
1.2%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Average
27.5 min
23.9 min
Other means
25 min
20.5 min
Public transportation
43.7 min
38.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.4%
91.1%
In 2 person carpool
8%
7.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
0.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.6%
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 prices are much higher in Jacksonville compared to Fort Wayne. As a result, homeownership is more attainable in Fort Wayne, especially for first-time homebuyers, due to the lower cost of housing. Jacksonville offers a more diverse real estate market, including waterfront properties, which come at a premium.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have an array of different neighborhoods to choose from. Jacksonville showcases diverse options, from beachfront neighborhoods like Atlantic Beach to urban environments such as Downtown. Fort Wayne also offers a variety of neighborhoods from downtown areas to more suburban, family-oriented zones like Pine Valley.
Houses and residents
Type
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Houses
422,315
117,245
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.4
Median year apartment built
1985
1976
Median year house/condo built
1987
1972
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.5 years
12.2 years
Houses occupied
386,283 (91.5%)
109,640 (93.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
226,429 (58.6%)
68,004 (62%)
Houses occupied by renters
159,854 (41.4%)
41,636 (38%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,444
$729.05
Median monthly housing costs
$1,154
$844
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,045
$135,711
Estimated median house or condo value
$239,400
$155,600
Median numbers of rooms
5.6
5.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.8
Median house price - detached houses
$282,276
$167,457
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$177,341
$66,481
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$144,947
$136,033
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$220,508
$154,215
Median house price - mobile homes
$87,589
$54,382
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$213,709
$138,742
Median house price - All housing units
$266,926
$164,476
Median house age
36
48
Renting percentage
38.3%
36.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
557.4
1,485
House value disparities
33.2%
31.9%
Household income disparities
44.2%
42.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$83,160
$72,350
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,777
$59,128
Housing units without a mortgage
2,439 (1.6%)
811 (1.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,460 (5.5%)
3,282 (7.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
150,468 (98.4%)
43,922 (98.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
255 (0.2%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,378 (7.4%)
3,996 (8.9%)
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%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.4%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
One, detached
59.4%
69.2%
One, attached
6.1%
2.6%
Two
2.1%
2.4%
3 or 4
5.3%
5.3%
5 to 9
5.0%
6.3%
10 to 19
7.9%
5.6%
20 to 49
4.9%
2.8%
50 or more
5.3%
3.7%
Mobile homes
3.8%
2.1%
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
6,040
State government workers
13,692
2,352
Unpaid family workers
1,066
430
Industries and Occupations
In Jacksonville, the biggest industries are trade, transportation, and utilities, while professional and business services also play a vital role. Fort Wayne is more centered around manufacturing but also has a significant presence in healthcare and social services. Many residents in both cities work in sales and office occupations.
Jacksonville is renowned for its robust healthcare system, housing major medical centers such as Mayo Clinic and Baptist Medical Center. Meanwhile, Fort Wayne also offers good healthcare, with facilities like Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network, but doesn't have the same level of recognition.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Jacksonville boasts a more extensive infrastructure, given its size, catering to a larger population and offering a variety of amenities, from extensive shopping centers to sporting complexes. Fort Wayne, while smaller, provides adequate infrastructure to meet residents' needs and is continuously working on development projects to enhance the city's attractiveness.
Infrastructure
Type
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
Hospitals
25
21
TV stations
17
11
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
191
93
Bank institutions located here
31
20
Main business address for public companies
23
3
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
20
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Jacksonville
Fort Wayne
1999
5,422
1,000
2000
4,132
865
2001
3,038
592
2002
2,017
355
2003
3,563
476
2004
4,781
748
2005
7,134
940
2006
8,812
1,055
2007
5,298
614
2008
1,719
234
2009
676
113
Culture and Food
As for culture and food, Jacksonville boasts a diverse food scene with many restaurants influenced by the city's coastal location and Southern tradition. In comparison, Fort Wayne's food culture is more home-style, heavily influenced by the Midwest's agricultural industry, offering comfort foods like hotdogs, craft beer, and barbecue.
Sports Teams
Jacksonville is home to the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, making it attractive for football fans. Fort Wayne, while not housing any major league teams, has a vibrant local sports scene, hosting minor league baseball, basketball, and hockey teams, like the Fort Wayne TinCaps, Komets and Mad Ants.
Jacksonville, FL
Fort Wayne, IN
