Jacksonville, Florida and Overland Park, Kansas offer different characteristics that appeal to potential residents and visitors. Jacksonville enjoys sunny weather, versatility in industries, and a diverse culture. Overland Park, on the other hand, boasts of exceptional quality of life ratings, excellent education, and favorable business conditions. Both cities can be a perfect fit depending on what you seek. This comparative analysis of the two cities will explore key factors influencing relocation and tourism decisions.
Distance between
Jacksonville, FL and
Overland Park, KS : 948.4 miles
Jacksonville's population is larger by 384%. Its population has grown by 218,997 people (29.8%) since 2000. The population of Overland Park has grown by 48,026 people (32.2%) during that time.
Jacksonville, being a larger city, has a higher crime rate compared to the national medium. However, this varies strongly among neighborhoods. On the other hand, Overland Park is safer than the majority of cities in the U.S, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average. Both cities have extensive law enforcement presence and community engagement efforts to enhance safety.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is generally higher in Jacksonville due to factors such as housing and transportation costs. In contrast, Overland Park offers a relatively affordable living cost, although it's higher than the Kansas average, it's still lower than the national average.
Income Tax
Florida doesn't levy a state income tax, which could be beneficial for residents of Jacksonville. On the other hand, Kansas has a state income tax, which residents in Overland Park have to consider.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Jacksonville are relatively high compared to the national average. In contrast, Overland Park has lower than average property taxes, which may appeal to potential homebuyers.
Sales Tax
Florida has a lower sales tax rate than Kansas, giving an advantage to Jacksonville in this regard. However, Overland Park has lower property taxes, which may balance out this difference.
Income
Type
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Estimated median household income
$58,621
$89,280
Estimated per capita income
$32,953
$50,828
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.3
88.1
If you make $50,000 in Overland Park, you will have to make $50,114 in Jacksonville to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Jacksonville boasts beautiful beaches and the largest urban park system in the US. Overland Park is more landlocked, but it has beautiful parks and is near the Kansas City metro area.
Both cities pride themselves on a strong education system. Overland Park, with its high-ranking school districts and numerous universities, has been recognized nationally for its educational excellence. Jacksonville also boasts good schools and universities, but Overland Park seems to have an edge in this sector.
Job growth has been positive for both cities. Jacksonville has a diversified economy with industries ranging from banking, logistics, to healthcare, offering diverse job opportunities. Overland Park also has a dynamic job market, with a focus on sectors such as telecommunications, engineering, and healthcare.
Biggest Employers
Jacksonville's biggest employers include the U.S. Navy, Duval County Public Schools, and the City of Jacksonville. Overland Park's largest employers include Sprint, Johnson County Community College, and Shawnee Mission School District.
There were 1,310 building permits issued in Jacksonville in 2012 (353 more than in 2011) compared to 635 building permits issued in Overland Park in 2012 (361 more than in 2011).
In Jacksonville (Duval County), 47.9% voted for Democrats and 51.5% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Overland Park (Johnson County), 40.3% voted for Democrats and 57.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Jacksonville
Overland Park
2020
51.3%
53.1%
47.5%
44.8%
1.2%
2.1%
2016
47.2%
44.1%
48.6%
46.7%
4.2%
9.1%
2012
47.9%
40.3%
51.5%
57.8%
0.6%
1.9%
2008
49.0%
44.8%
51.0%
53.8%
0.0%
1.3%
2004
41.7%
37.9%
57.9%
61.2%
0.3%
0.9%
2000
40.9%
36.4%
57.7%
59.8%
1.4%
3.7%
1996
44.2%
35.7%
50.0%
57.8%
5.8%
6.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Jacksonville
Overland Park
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
15.8%
4.5%
22.3%
7.4%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
9.0%
18.8%
2.8%
5.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
0.7%
2.3%
1.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.5%
0.6%
0.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
1.4%
0.9%
3.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
1.8%
0.7%
2.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.3%
1.4%
1.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.9%
0.2%
3.7%
Weather
Jacksonville residents enjoy a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, perfect for beach lovers. Overland Park experiences a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. This may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced change of seasons.
Weather and climate
Type
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Temperature - Average
68.3°F
55.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
78.4%
76.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
44%
30.4%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92%
86.2%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
55.7%
Precipitation - Yearly average
51.8 in
39.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
38.1 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.8%
20.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.6%
67%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
25.7%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
73.8%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
48.2%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
11 mph
Average climate in Jacksonville, Florida
Average climate in Overland Park, Kansas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Overland Park
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Jacksonville
Overland Park
2018
78
85
N/A
0.24
10.6
N/A
24.5
28.5
N/A
N/A
22.0
N/A
7.1
7.6
N/A
0.7
2017
74
87
N/A
0.23
10.7
N/A
24.7
29.0
N/A
N/A
22.5
N/A
5.8
7.4
0.7
1.0
2016
65
80
0.50
0.26
11.5
N/A
24.9
27.6
N/A
N/A
22.2
N/A
5.2
7.5
0.4
1.2
2015
63
89
0.35
0.29
12.2
N/A
25.4
27.9
N/A
N/A
33.6
N/A
4.9
9.3
0.3
3.0
2014
66
88
0.27
0.27
12.3
N/A
24.3
28.4
N/A
N/A
28.5
N/A
5.9
10.4
0.7
3.3
2013
68
83
0.18
0.42
12.5
N/A
23.0
30.1
N/A
N/A
30.8
N/A
5.3
10.5
0.7
3.8
2012
66
97
0.10
0.52
13.2
N/A
24.0
32.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.8
10.9
0.6
4.7
2011
88
97
0.28
0.45
14.0
N/A
26.6
30.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.1
11.3
0.8
4.2
2010
77
89
0.31
0.40
14.1
N/A
26.4
28.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.1
11.3
0.8
5.3
2009
72
87
0.16
0.29
13.5
N/A
25.0
27.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
9.8
0.6
5.4
2008
75
86
0.15
0.40
17.1
N/A
27.6
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
11.3
0.9
4.9
2007
92
92
0.29
0.42
15.9
N/A
28.4
27.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
13.1
1.2
4.2
2006
87
93
0.35
0.38
16.7
N/A
29.0
30.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
12.4
1.4
4.8
2005
93
105
0.42
0.54
17.9
N/A
26.5
29.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
N/A
1.8
4.4
2004
92
81
0.40
0.47
16.3
N/A
25.2
27.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
N/A
1.4
4.1
2003
55
95
0.43
0.43
16.8
N/A
21.6
28.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
4.0
2002
59
91
0.49
0.52
15.7
N/A
22.2
26.7
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
2.7
2001
74
85
0.49
0.53
16.0
N/A
24.0
26.5
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
1.4
2000
85
97
0.52
0.80
14.9
N/A
25.1
27.9
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
75.2%
201.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
18.1%
619%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
24%
10%
Transportation
Jacksonville has a public transport system, though it's less utilized due to the city's spread-out nature, many residents rely on cars. Overland Park also depends heavily on cars, and the city is known for its light traffic and ease of commuting.
Transport
Type
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
566
201
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
34
9
Means of transportation to work
Type
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Bicycle
0.2%
0.2%
Bus
1.1%
0.5%
Carpooled
9%
5.6%
Car alone
86.5%
90.5%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.2%
0%
Walked
1.2%
1.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Average
27.5 min
23.5 min
Other means
25 min
20.4 min
Public transportation
43.7 min
33.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.4%
93.1%
In 2 person carpool
8%
5.3%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Jacksonville's real estate offers a mix of historic and new homes with prices above the national average. Overland Park’s real-estate prices are pretty affordable and offer good value, especially when the quality of life and education is considered.
Neighborhoods
Jacksonville offers a variety of neighborhoods from the urban feel of Downtown to the beach communities. Overland Park is known for its family-friendly, quiet neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
Jacksonville
Overland Park
Houses
422,315
85,708
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.4
Median year apartment built
1985
1994
Median year house/condo built
1987
1986
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.5 years
11.8 years
Houses occupied
386,283 (91.5%)
82,593 (96.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
226,429 (58.6%)
50,359 (61%)
Houses occupied by renters
159,854 (41.4%)
32,234 (39%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,444
$2,193
Median monthly housing costs
$1,154
$1,378
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,045
$298,188
Estimated median house or condo value
$239,400
$352,000
Median numbers of rooms
5.6
6.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
3.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
7.9
Median house price - detached houses
$282,276
$369,400
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$177,341
$192,477
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$144,947
$187,166
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$220,508
$237,623
Median house price - mobile homes
$87,589
$162,267
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$213,709
$246,600
Median house price - All housing units
$266,926
$355,351
Median house age
36
32
Renting percentage
38.3%
34.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
557.4
1,510.3
House value disparities
33.2%
28.5%
Household income disparities
44.2%
40.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$83,160
$137,694
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,777
$88,940
Housing units without a mortgage
2,439 (1.6%)
641 (1.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,460 (5.5%)
3,500 (10.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
150,468 (98.4%)
33,381 (98.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
255 (0.2%)
134 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,378 (7.4%)
3,937 (11.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.4%
0.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Jacksonville
Overland Park
One, detached
59.4%
56.8%
One, attached
6.1%
7.6%
Two
2.1%
1.4%
3 or 4
5.3%
8.1%
5 to 9
5.0%
10.7%
10 to 19
7.9%
5.7%
20 to 49
4.9%
2.6%
50 or more
5.3%
6.5%
Mobile homes
3.8%
0.5%
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
6,111
State government workers
13,692
4,203
Unpaid family workers
1,066
0
Industries and Occupations
In Jacksonville, the healthcare and social assistance sector dominates, followed by retail trade and food servicing. For Overland Park, the largest industries are health care and social assistance, retail trade, and professional, scientific, and technical services.
Both cities have excellent healthcare systems. Jacksonville has top-rated healthcare facilities while Overland Park is often rated as one of the best places to live for healthcare access.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Jacksonville
Overland Park
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Jacksonville, as a larger city, comes with more expansive infrastructure including an international airport and several seaports. Overland Park, smaller in size, has excellent roads, public parks, and libraries but isn't as extensive as Jacksonville in terms of utility infrastructure.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Jacksonville
Overland Park
1999
5,422
257
2000
4,132
142
2001
3,038
106
2002
2,017
122
2003
3,563
292
2004
4,781
394
2005
7,134
425
2006
8,812
380
2007
5,298
265
2008
1,719
140
2009
676
78
Culture and Food
Both cities offer diverse cultural experiences. Jacksonville is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, music festivals, and a food scene that's rich with seafood. Overland Park boasts a strong community-oriented culture with farm-to-table eateries and a penchant for barbecue.
Sports Teams
Jacksonville is home to the NFL team, the Jaguars. Overland Park, while not having a major league team within city limits, is near Kansas City, home to the Chiefs (NFL) and Royals (MLB).
Jacksonville, FL
Overland Park, KS
